MY ACCOUNT
If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve likely seen the unrest unfolding in Iran. What’s happening there has real implications for the Church.
In recent days, Iran has experienced widespread instability marked by protests, deep economic strain, and a heavy security response. Last night, the government shut down internet and cell service across the country. That decision has made communication in and out of Iran extremely difficult.
Periods like this are especially dangerous for Christians. Believers, particularly secret believers who worship quietly in their homes, often come under increased scrutiny during times of unrest. Many are especially vulnerable right now.
It’s also important to remember that the Church in Iran has grown significantly over the past several decades. Much of that growth has happened quietly and out of public view, as believers gather in homes and small communities rather than public buildings. It rarely makes the news, but it is real.
That reality is one reason moments like this matter so deeply. When unrest rises, a growing and largely underground Church faces real risk and a real need for prayer.
In the short video below, Brian Orme, CEO of Global Christian Relief, reflects on what times like this mean for believers in Iran. He encourages the global Church to respond with focused, faithful prayer.
Because communication is limited, we don’t have many detailed updates from the region right now. Even so, one response remains clear.
We can pray.
Prayer is not a secondary response. It is a vital one. As members of one global Church family, this is how we stand with our brothers and sisters in Iran today.
Here are five ways you can pray for the Church in Iran right now.
1. Pray for the Protection of Citizens Across Iran
Times of unrest often place everyday people in harm’s way. As protests continue and security forces respond, ordinary citizens can find themselves caught in the middle. Fear, uncertainty, and violence become part of daily life.
Pray specifically:
- That God would protect men, women, and children throughout Iran
- That protests and crackdowns would not escalate into unnecessary violence
- That police and security forces would show restraint and act with wisdom rather than force
- That those participating in protests would be guarded from injury, arrest, or exploitation
- That communities living under fear would experience peace and calm
2. Pray for Wisdom and Protection for House Churches and Church Leaders
Most believers in Iran worship quietly in homes or informal gatherings. During periods of unrest, surveillance often increases and uncertainty grows. These pressures make already vulnerable communities even more exposed.
Pray specifically:
- That God would give wisdom to house church leaders as they make daily decisions about safety and care
- That leaders would know when to gather, when to wait, and how best to shepherd their people
- That house churches would remain out of view so believers can worship in safety
- That authorities would not increase surveillance or pressure on Christian gatherings
- That fear would not take root, and trust in God would remain strong.
3. Pray for Provision Amid Economic Hardship
The current unrest in Iran began amid deep economic instability. Rising prices, shortages, and job insecurity have placed enormous strain on families across the country. Christians and churches feel these pressures just as much as anyone else.
Pray specifically:
- That God would provide for the daily needs of Christian families and church communities
- That this season would strengthen believers’ trust in God as their provider.
- That rising prices, shortages, and job insecurity would ease
That churches would be able to care for one another with wisdom and generosity. - That fear about the future would give way to confidence and hope
Secret Believers when faith must stay hidden, hope must not
4. Pray for Christians and Other Minorities Under Heightened Scrutiny
Periods of unrest often bring increased pressure on minority communities. In recent days, there have been reports of Christians facing heightened scrutiny during the current instability. While details are limited and difficult to verify, this reflects a familiar pattern. When fear rises, minorities often become easy targets.
Pray specifically:
- That God would protect Christians and other minorities facing increased scrutiny or pressure
- That believers would be shielded from false accusations, intimidation, or unjust treatment
- That authorities would act with fairness and restraint toward all citizens
- That Christians would know they are not forgotten or unseen
That God would surround His people with peace, even in uncertain and hidden circumstances
5. Pray for the Gospel to Advance
Times of unrest often raise deep spiritual questions. As people wrestle with fear, loss, and uncertainty, many begin asking where hope can be found.
Pray that Christians would be prepared to share the good news of Jesus with wisdom and courage, even when doing so carries real risk. Pray that hearts would be open, that truth would be received, and that the Church would remain faithful.
Pray specifically:
- That spiritual questions arising during this unrest would lead people to seek truth and hope
- That Christians would be bold, discerning, and guided by the Spirit
- That hearts would be opened to understand who Jesus is
- That the Church would see this as a time to remain strong and courageous
- That the Gospel would continue to advance, even in difficult conditions
Let’s take this time to stand with the Church in Iran.
We are one family. And right now, your prayers matter deeply. They remind the people of Iran, and our brothers and sisters in the Church, that they are not alone. They remind them that they are loved, seen, and cared for as valued members of God’s family.
Prayer is how we draw near when distance and circumstances limit everything else. It is how we stand together as one Body.
Return to these prayer requests regularly in the days and weeks ahead. And together, let’s keep bringing the people of Iran before the Father, trusting Him to protect, sustain, and strengthen His Church.
Secret Believers When Faith Must Stay Hidden, Hope Must Not
Across the Muslim world, men and women are encountering Jesus in hidden places – through a dream, a late-night search, or a quiet conversation with a local believer. But when someone chooses to follow Christ in secret, the cost of their decision can be immediate: family rejection, social isolation, and real danger.
Learn more about how you can support secret believers and help ensure no follower of Jesus ever stands alone.
