Headlines from the Middle East, and specifically the Israel-Iran conflict, have dominated the news lately. Here are some insights about believers in Israel and Iran that can help you know how to pray.

Our ministry received an update from Kehilat Ha Maayan, a Messianic congregation comprised of mostly Jewish and also Gentile born-again believers in Yeshua (the Hebrew name of Jesus). Thirty years ago, I was in Israel to speak at prolife events, and Nanci and I visited that church in Kfar Saba, Israel, pastored by Tony Sperandao, back in October 1995.

I remember the date because we were at a Feast of Tabernacles celebration put on by the Christian Embassy. There Prime minister Yitzhak Rabin spoke to us, and we were sitting maybe sixty feet from him. A few weeks after we returned, the prime minister was assassinated, the first and only murdered head of state in modern Israel.

It was surreal to have been so close to Rabin, then to be home with our daughters and hear of the assassination just a few weeks later. We watched the news and recognized various bodyguards, including one who stood very near us. A sobering memory.  

Here’s part of an update from the church:

For all of us, this war is unlike any war we have had since 1948, the War of Independence. Many of our members do not have a bomb shelter they can readily access in 90 seconds. They must stand outside their homes in the stairways, or run to a common neighborhood shelter, which is difficult at nighttime especially with small children and elderly people.

…By God’s miracles, most of the ballistic missiles have been intercepted before they entered Israeli airspace, but the few that do, cause horrific damage in various cities like Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Haifa, Be’er Sheva and others. And yet, many lives were spared by God’s supernatural intervention. As of this writing, over 25,000 homes have been destroyed. We have, via our distribution center, donated clothes and toys to the families who are left with nothing. Later this week, we will visit and hand out food coupons.

…Now more than ever, our people are staring at eternity. Many are interested in knowing more about God, and those who we have shared with about Yeshua, our Savior, are asking relevant questions.

The church asks for prayer for strength and wisdom to reach out to those they meet through divine appointments, as they care for people’s emotional wounds from the last two years.

Read the full update, and see more prayer requests, here.

On the subject of Iran, Naghmeh Panahi, a former Iranian house-church leader, shared these news headlines:

The Times of Israel: Iran says 700 arrested for wartime ties with Israel; 3 alleged Mossad agents hanged

NBC News: Execution of 3 accused of spying and mass detentions fuel crackdown fears in Iran

She wrote in response on Facebook:

Dear friends,

[These] last few weeks have been so hard and such an emotional roller coaster.

I would like to ask you to continue to pray for the Iranian people and specially for the underground house churches.

The Iranian regime is on a rampage of arresting and executing anyone they suspect as working with Israel. They are randomly checking phones and if there are any likes of posts that the Iranian government perceives as anti regime, they are arresting.

The underground house churches in Iran are in great danger. Not only have they been heavily persecuted because of following Jesus, but they have been accused of working with Israel and America and are often given political charges and heavy prison sentences.

There [are] also concerns that Iran will shut down all forms of communication with the outside world (much like North Korea) to be able to better control the Iranian people.

The situation for the Iranian people has gotten worse specially for the underground house churches.

Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to share the Gospel to people around them who are struggling with fear and hopelessness.

Elam Ministries, an organization EPM recommends, shared this remarkable story:

Last week Hanieh*, a believer inside Iran, was walking the streets of her city praying for protection and peace. As she listened to worship music, she prayed that God would continue to show the Iranian church how to be salt and light amid the chaos and fear. Then she saw a family ahead of her on the street, clearly dismayed and distressed. She went over to them, and began to talk and pray with them. They, like many others at this time, were hungry for hope and their hearts warmed as she shared the Gospel with them.

There on the street in a war-torn city, Hanieh had the privilege of leading the whole family in prayer as they put their trust in Christ.

Hanieh is one of many Christians in Iran who are committed to continuing to serve Christ in these dark days.

*Name changed for security.

See their website for more ways to pray for Iran.

My friend Greg Laurie writes, “Let’s pray for a powerful spiritual awakening in the hearts of the Iranian people. I’ve heard remarkable stories of millions coming to Christ, despite their government’s attempts to suppress the gospel. You can’t stop the Word of God! Let’s also pray that many Israelis come to see Jesus as their Messiah during this time of crisis.”

Our brothers and sisters in Syria also need prayer; last Sunday there were violent attacks on churches. Ananias House, a ministry serving those in the Middle East, reports that at least 25 people are dead, with the count continuing to rise as the more than 60 wounded are treated.

“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3).