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Iran is a beautiful country with beautiful people who are more modern than many in the US would understand. I have linked to a 1-hour video from Radical that does an excellent job of introducing us to the country, their people, and the persecuted church therein. 

I have watched this video more than once. World events have brought me back to it. It is segmented, just in case you want to skip forward to a part that you are more interested in. Nonetheless, I urge you to watch the first 25 minutes in order to understand their history, religion, and culture. Praying for Iran is not easy - it requires understanding. Understanding takes intentional time. Please sacrifice time and understanding in order for your prayers to be directed well.

So, how should I pray? Here are some points:

(1) Pray for the safety and wisdom of our troops. They are on the cutting edge of force being used against military targets within the Islamic Republic. It is a dangerous venture, for sure! We know and long for brothers and sisters in arms that are over there right now.

(2) Pray for our contry's military forces to be guided in their application of force, and for the survival of anyone in Iran who would be "collateral damage." (people who may be effected by the forceful means that we apply against a lawful military target). 

 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  - 2 Peter 3:9

(3) Pray for the safety of the underground Church. The war may bring untold amounts of persecution by those who equate their faith with the use of military force against their government. 

(4) Pray for the long term vitality of the church in Iran. Although military strikes result in short term change (or maybe not - we don't know), long-term change is very hard to manifest. 

I have seen this change coming for decades. Iran is incredibly advanced - leading the region in such things as "nose jobs" (plastic surgery on young females to change their facial beauty), it was clear that the oppressive government and a people who will not settle for repression were on a collision course. One thing is clear, though, it takes time!

(5) Pray for a day that you and I can safely travel to Iran. What a beautiful place it would be to visit! 

At the 21 minute-mark, the narrator is asked this question by an Iranian customs agent, "Why are you here?!?"  Let that question sink in to us, where we are today. 

Why are you here?

Find your purpose in the Gospel of Christ. Live your life like you are on mission today -- like those around you are asking you that question -- why are you here?  Answer with the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus - peace with our creator and with each other. So the final prayer direction is:

 (6) Pray that God move our hearts to live on mission - to answer that quesiton faithfully. Pray that our hearts are transformed by the Word of God.