How to pray for Iran

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) 

These are the words of the Lord speaking to His people concerning the day of His righteous judgement through the prophet Amos. As Amos yearned for the Lord’s perfect justice to ‘roll on like a river’, as does the church in Iran during this time of upheaval and suffering.  

Iran is currently number ten on the World Watch List and, in recent months, political unrest and a mounting cost of living has brought about protests – an outcry which runs deeper than economic concerns. The backlash by the government has caused the deaths of at least 7,000 people according to the HRANA, whilst other sources state that the final count will likely be much higher. 

Let us stand with our Iranian brothers and sisters in prayer, trusting in Jesus’ promise that, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) 
 

Ways to pray for Iran 

Local believers ask that you join in praying:  

• For peace, protection and wisdom for the people of Iran amid violence and uncertainty  
• For comfort for families who have lost loved ones, like Mohsen Rashidi’s family, and divine healing for those injured and traumatised  (Mohsen Rashidi, was a Christian convert, a husband and father of three girls. When trying to recover the body of a friend killed during a demonstration, Mohsen was shot from behind. The authorities have forbidden his family from holding a funeral for him. He was numbered among the ten Christians who have been confirmed dead because of their participation in protests.)
• That Iranian Christians will have courage, protection and perseverance in this season of unrest  
• For unfair arrests to cease, and that innocent prisoners – both those recently arrested and those serving existing sentences – would find grace in the eyes of the prison guards  
• For leaders and decision-makers worldwide to act justly and speak boldly for freedom of religion and belief  
• For the leaders of churches and small groups, that, as Pastor Peyman* requests, they would have ‘God’s wisdom, timing and protection’ 
• Pastor Peyman also asks for prayer ‘for those who are grieving, for those who are traumatised, for safe ways to help and especially for pastors and leaders’ 
• For continual restoration of internet and communication with people inside the country  
• For the Lord’s provision of necessities as prices sharply rise, shelves empty and some businesses are burnt down 
• For parents and their children as some schools are being turned into military bases – Sogol*, a Christian mother, asks, “Please pray for our next generation, that God will protect them, grant them peace, provide safe access to education, strengthen parents, and secure a hopeful and stable future for them” 
• That feelings of bitterness and hopelessness would turn the eyes of many towards Jesus 
• For all Iranians outside the country who are worried about relatives and friends, especially when contact is so difficult 
• For God’s light to shine through the church in Iran, bringing true freedom, dignity and hope. 

*Names changed for security reasons