(17 June 2025)
On 13 June 2025 Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’, with airstrikes hitting over 100 Iranian strategic sites—including nuclear, missile, military and media infrastructure—and killing top IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran immediately retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, causing several civilian casualties. Many more have since been killed and injured on both sides.
When praying about the conflict between Israel and Iran, it can help to centre your petition on peace, healing and wisdom for all involved. Here are some approaches and themes you might consider in your prayer:
Pray for peace and reconciliation:
>> Ask God to soften hardened hearts and bring about reconciliation between adversaries.
>> Request that conflict give way to dialogue and that leaders on all sides find a path toward sustainable peace.
Pray for wisdom and guidance for leaders:
>> Petition for divine wisdom for political and military leaders, that they might choose paths that avert further bloodshed.
>> Ask that they be granted clear insight and understanding that lead to decisions reflecting justice and compassion.
Pray for protection and comfort for the innocent:
>> Focus on the civilians affected by the violence. Pray for the safety, healing and resilience of those caught in the crossfire.
>> Ask for God’s mercy to extend to families, communities and individuals who are enduring the pain of conflict.
Pray for transformation of anger into hope:
>> Ask that feelings of fear, hatred, or vengeance give way to forgiveness, hope and constructive change.
>> Invite God’s transformative power to shift the narrative from one of war to one of rebuilding, healing and mutual understanding.
Pray for the end of violence:
>> Make a heartfelt plea that the instruments of war be stilled, and that violence does not continue to claim lives or destroy communities.
>> Emphasise the desire for lasting peace, where the instruments of war yield to mercy and justice.
Pray Scripture:
Pray Scriptures that focus on God’s protection, justice and mercy:
a) Psalm 91:1–2 – “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'”
Pray: Lord, hide Your people under Your shadow. Be a refuge for the innocent, a shield for the weak and a stronghold in the day of trouble.
b) Isaiah 2:4 – “He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
Pray: God of peace, bring Your righteous judgment among the nations and teach the world Your way of peace.
c) 2 Chronicles 20:12 – “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude…nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Pray: Father, in times of great uncertainty we fix our eyes on You. Lead leaders, protect civilians and stretch out Your hand in justice and mercy.
[*Above prayer guidelines were taken with permission from Dialogos Ministries, equipping the Church and mission community. For more information and prayer cover visit: https://dialogos.co.za/ ]
