8 Urgent Prayers for Christians in Iran Amid Conflict and Persecution
The conflict between Iran and Israel continues to change moment by moment. Although the headlines may be changing at dizzying speed, what is not changing is that we need to be lifting up our Christian brothers and sisters in prayer. This is true for believers in both Israel and Iran. While it’s usually easier for us to get information about our brothers and sisters in Israel, that’s not the case for Iran, so it's vital we remember the specific prayer requests they share with us when we are able to hear from them.
Currently, Iranian Christians are suffering deeply — families grieving bombed-out neighborhoods, believers hunted for their faith, and communities fractured by unrest. In these dark days, the global Church must be a voice for these believers.
Here are eight essential prayers to guide our intercession on their behalf.
1. Pray for deep comfort and healing after bombing losses.
Christians in cities across Iran have experienced unimaginable grief: homes bombed, loved ones killed, and futures altered forever. Among the many distressing stories, one Christian family in a major Iranian city is grieving the tragic loss of their father. He had made the difficult decision to send his wife and two young children to safety. Just as he was preparing to follow, a nearby explosion ended his life. Now, his family is overwhelmed by sorrow.
What to pray:
“Loving Father, we lift up every wounded heart in Iran today. You understand the depth of their loss. May they encounter your presence as the only true comforter — cover them with your healing, protection, and hope.”
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2. Pray for underground gatherings and secret house churches.
2. Pray for underground gatherings and secret house churches.
Christianity in Iran relies heavily on covert gatherings. Converts from Islam, lacking legal protection, worship in homes or private spaces, under constant threat from the regime. With curfews, surveillance, and internet shutdowns, they're branded as spies, arrested for sharing images or media, and hunted by a government that equates faith with treason. These believers are living in fear and isolation.
What to pray:
“Heavenly Father, shield these hidden churches. Provide invisibility from detection, courage to cling together, and deep awareness of Your presence every time they worship — even behind closed doors.”
3. Pray for connectivity amid communications cut-offs.
Internet blackouts and disrupted airspace have left many Iranian believers unable to communicate, pray together, or receive spiritual encouragement. Outside Iran, Christians who long ago fled the country due to persecution may be far from the physical danger, but their hearts remain deeply connected to those still inside the country. With government restrictions limiting internet access, many are left in agonizing silence, unable to reach loved ones or receive news.
What to pray:
“Lord, your Spirit of peace and hope flows without technology or wires. Please comfort and sustain isolated believers, reminding them that no barrier can separate them from your perfect care.”
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4. Pray for continued courage and non-violent change.
4. Pray for continued courage and non-violent change.
Iranian Christians want peace, not war. They pray for meaningful change and fairness, yearning for reforms that come without further civilian casualties. But when a government refuses to relinquish power and peaceful efforts are met with violence, what options remain? For nearly five decades, and especially in recent years, Iranians have filled the streets in protest. Thousands of young lives have been lost at the hands of this regime. Iranians hope their sacrifice will finally lead to lasting change and true freedom.
What to pray:
“Lord, please open a path to freedom in Iran — one that does not demand more innocent lives. May hope arise where despair has taken root. Bring resolution and transformation not through bombs, but through paths of reconciliation, mercy, and national healing.
5. Pray for the safety of fleeing refugees and displaced families.
With roads blocked, fuel scarce, and hotels overflowing, many Iranian Christians are fleeing major cities for safety or crossing borders on foot, by bus, or in overcrowded vehicles. People are abandoning their homes and belongings, fleeing big cities without knowing if or when they'll return.
What to pray:
“Heavenly Father, watch over every journey — across crowded highways and dangerous borders. Make every crossing safe, every transport secure, and every refugee firmly rooted in the knowledge that You are with them. Provide rest for the weary and a secure refuge.”
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6. Pray for wisdom and provision in emergency follow‑up plans.
6. Pray for wisdom and provision in emergency follow‑up plans.
Iranian Christian networks, including ministries and humanitarian organizations outside of the country, are now preparing relief responses — planning food, medicine and shelter for those stranded by conflict. Yet these efforts are hindered by financial constraints, permit issues and approaching violence.
What to pray:
“God of all provision, please inspire wisdom and generosity. Open pathways for funds, legal clearance, and on-ground logistics. Give boldness to those organizing aid and grant compassion to governments and agencies who control access.”
7. Pray for peace, infrastructure rebuilding, and long‑term stability.
Once conflicts subside, Iranian cities will face immense efforts to rebuild — not only physical structures but trust, community, and dignity. Believers express deep sorrow over what might be lost forever.
What to pray:
“Lord, breathe renewal across towns and neighborhoods. Help believers emerge as a light of hope — working in homes, schools and local government to stitch together a future filled with trust and well-being.”
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8. Pray for Christians imprisoned in Evin Prison.
8. Pray for Christians imprisoned in Evin Prison.
Amid the conflict this week, an airstrike hit the gates of Iran’s notorious Evin Prison in the capital of Tehran – a place where at least 11 Christians are believed to be detained for their faith. Long known as a place of overcrowding and poor conditions, Christians face great spiritual isolation there.
What to pray:
“Heavenly Father, strengthen imprisoned believers. Be their advocate before unjust courts. Bring them hopeful visions of justice, comfort families left behind and let every cell echo with Your peace.”
Why Our Prayers Are Powerful — and Critical
Iran is ranked #9 globally on the Open Doors World Watch List, reflecting intense persecution, especially for converts from Islam. The current war magnifies all threats — bombings, repression, forced displacement, and increased scrutiny — making prayer more urgent than ever.
Despite challenges, the underground church continues to grow, sustained by satellite media and deeply personal faith journeys — a sign of God’s unstoppable work even in dark times.
Let us pray with purpose, forging spiritual solidarity and practical impact, lifting up those who cannot be seen, heard, or helped in any other way. Through prayer, we lend our voices, our hearts, and our hope.
As the global Church, we are called to stand in solidarity through prayer — to comfort grieving families, protect underground communities, support aid efforts, and intercede for peace and rebuilding. May our focused prayer be a lifeline across the miles, as we offer not just empathy, but unwavering belief in God's divine power.
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Originally published June 26, 2025.
