IPC Prayer Alert – People and Church of Iran

At this critical moment, I would invite you to stand with us in prayer for the people of Iran and for the precious Church of Jesus Christ living and worshipping there.

Today, we ask you to lift your hearts to the Lord on behalf of Iranian families, communities, and believers who find themselves in an uncertain and fragile moment, facing fear, instability, and many unanswered questions about the days ahead.

We are seeing reports of a severe escalation across the Middle East. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed, following coordinated U.S. – Israeli strikes on targets in and around Tehran. The strikes have triggered turmoil and uncertainty inside Iran as the nation faces a sudden leadership vacuum and an urgent succession process, while security forces and state institutions posture for control.

The conflict has widened beyond Iran and Israel. Reports indicate that Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks in response, with impacts felt across the region—including strikes or attempted strikes affecting U.S. forces and a number of U.S. allies in the Gulf and surrounding states, deepening fear of a broader regional war. International leaders and the United Nations have urged de-escalation. The situation remains fast-moving, with civilians across the region facing heightened risk and anxiety.

Prayers for ‘reign change’…

Let's pray for reign change—that the reign of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, would advance in hearts, homes, and nations. We believe prayer changes things because it aligns us with the purposes of God, who alone rules with perfect justice, mercy, and truth.

Let’s be praying for:

• Safety of civilians in Iran, Israel, and surrounding Middle East nations
  ““He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)
• Freedom for the Iranian people and an end to oppressive rule
  “He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)
• Open hearts for the Gospel and a great harvest of salvation among Iranians and neighboring nations
  “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)
• Wisdom and moral clarity for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, and governmental leaders across the Middle East
  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:1-4)
• Righteousness to prevail in national life
  “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
• The Church to minister with compassion, practical acts of kindness, and the love and truth of Jesus Christ amidst the casualties of war
  “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

In this context, we are deeply grateful for a timely and pastoral letter and prayer written by Anne Graham Lotz for the Iranian Church. Addressing believers “scattered throughout Iran,” she writes:

“You, the Iranian Church in 2026, are in the hearts of God’s people all over the world. We know you are suffering in all kinds of trials.”

She reminds them—and us—of Jesus’ unshakable promise:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1–3)

Her words call the Church not to fear, but to persevere; not to retreat, but to trust the Lord who is both sovereign over history and intimately present with His people. The full letter and prayer can be read on the International Prayer Connect website HERE, and I strongly encourage you to take time to read and pray through it.

Thank you for standing together with believers across the nations in this serious hour. As one united Church, we lift our eyes above the turmoil of the moment and fix them on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

May the Lord hear our prayers, strengthen His people, and advance His kingdom in Iran and throughout the Middle East.

Every blessing,

Dr Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect

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Photo of Iranian believers is machine generated and is for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to persons living or past is entirely coincidental.