Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 NKJV)
I was in elementary school when Islamic revolutionaries took 52 Americans hostage and held them for 444 days. As a child, I saw the nightly news reports and wondered why the government (or someone!) wasn’t getting those poor people out of there. Prior to 1979, the nation had been a constitutional monarchy, ruled by a Shah and Parliament. But then the “Imperial State of Iran” was replaced by the ‘Islamic Republic of Iran,” and these past 45+ years have been marked by strife with that government.
An internet search suggests that in 1979 there were less than 200,000 Christians – about 0.5% of the population. Today, the government places the figure at no more than 130,000 people, but outside groups put the population closer to one million – driven by disillusionment with the Islamic regime, the growth of house churches, and the spread of digital resources. God knows specifically how many believers there are, but it’s hard for me to imagine what it must be like to be a Christian in a very Muslim, very hostile environment.
Yet, they persevere.
Today, let us pray for the Christian churches in Iran.
God,
Thank you for revealing yourself to all people in all places and times, whether through dreams, signs and wonders, witnesses, or your “still small voice.” Thank you for the many ways in which you more to draw all people to yourself. Today we pray for your followers in Iran. We pray for strength and perseverance for them. Bless them with angelic protection, supernatural provision, and courage to stand firm in their faith. Establish them and guard them from the evil one. Bless and protect those who are physical prisoners, and bring comfort and help to families of those who are imprisoned or missing. Give them boldness to make known the mystery of the Gospel, so that all may come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We ask this in his name, AMEN.
…and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20 NKJV)
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. (Hebrews 13:3 NKJV)
…nd after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12 NKJV)
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. (John 12:32 NKJV)
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15 NKJV)