Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:3-4 NIV)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor. (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV)
It would be easy in my comfortable, middle-class, conservative Christian world to spend little time thinking about other places. Yes, sometimes those places come to us, I believe, because God wants us to pray. I’ve seen several articles lately about the uprisings in Iran and feel drawn to pray for that nation.
I remember the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and how Iranian students kidnapped and held 52 American hostages for 444 days in 1979-1981. This was my first introduction to this nation, which I quickly labeled as “bad.” As I’ve studied world history, I’ve realized that Iran, historically known as Persia, has a long and complex history—full of remarkable achievements in art, culture, and governance, yet also marked by struggles and upheavals—that has shaped and influenced the world in lasting ways.
Today the world is watching while the people of Iran are rising up in protest against the Islamic Republic. Will this “Arab Spring” result in the overthrow of Shia Law? Will the modernization of the nation that happened between World War 2 and 1979 be allowed again? Will the economic woes that started as protests lead to more riots and violence to be heavily squashed by security forces? Will the government allow for reforms that would improve the lives of the citizenry? I don’t know. But God does.
One article from May, 2024 suggested these points for prayer for Iran. The article may be almost two years old, but these are great places to start in prayer:
1. Pray for the growth of Christianity among disadvantaged groups
“Please pray with us that God would protect the believers who preach the gospel in such environments, especially when they gather in the house churches,” our partner adds. “Please pray that God would keep using the weakest ones to show His glory.”
2. Pray for the effect of forbidden media
“Iranian Christians report that contact with the wider world is nonetheless growing rapidly through such media as satellite TV and Internet, despite all restrictions and monitoring by the government. Please pray for the continued effectiveness of this ‘forbidden media’.”
3. Pray for more freedom for Christians
“Pray that the recent waves of protest and the increasing dissatisfaction with the regime will lead to an opening up and a change in the spiritual landscape of the country.”
4. Pray for Christians in prison
“Pray for safety, strength and justice for all Christians in Iran’s prisons, and for their families as they wait for their release.”
5. Pray for peace
“And pray for the peace of Christians in Iran, that they will cling to the promises of Jesus and the hope that they have in Him. Pray too that their peace will overflow into the lives of their families, workplaces and communities, and draw many to the love of God.”*
I would add that I believe we should pray for protection of all peoples against violence, pray for effective economic reforms, and pray that any demonic actions controlling the leaders would be cut off.
To those ends, let us pray.
God of Justice,
Your word tells us to defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed, rescue the weak and the needy, and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Today we come to you, asking that you would do what only you can do in the nation of Iran. We pray that these protests would lead to true, just, and lasting reform in the nation’s economic policies so that the currency has value and the people have the resources they need to live.
We pray against all spirits and acts of violence in these protests and in the government’s response. We pray especially for the Christians in Iran; may they be strengthened and comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even as forbidden media sources reach more people, may the people hear and respond to the loving invitation of Jesus Christ.
We pray for the protection and strengthening of the Church in Iran, particularly for those imprisoned for their faith. May your justice and peace be poured out in this nation. We pray against any and all decision-makers whose plans are evil, and we ask that you use even the schemes of these enemies for your good and kingdom purposes.
God, speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Guard the rights of all who are destitute, and defend the rights of the poor and the poor in spirit. We pray all this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.