Yesterday's US drone attack that killed that leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard reminds me of the continuing need to pray for all involved: political leaders, the military, and people living in Iran and neighboring nations. See the notes and prayer below.
Update on September 16, 2019 (in italics)
About two months ago I shared this post with some thoughts and prayers concerning the situation in Iran. This past week Iran, or forces supported by Iran, launched a bold attack on Saudi Arabia oil refineries. Iran also recently openly announced that it is now using advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment. There is no good reason for Iran to increase the level of uranium enrichment. Higher levels are not needed for civilian nuclear plants. Higher levels are needed for nuclear weapons. At the same time, Iran continues to seize ships belonging to other nations. All of this increases the likelihood of a military response from the US and our allies. Perhaps because I served for 5 years in the US Navy, and then later I lived in a Muslim nation for 14 years where I had opportunities to share the gospel with my neighbors, I see and care about multiple dimensions of this issue. Everything I wrote below two months ago is even more relevant today. I continue to pray for our political leaders, our military, and the people of Iran. Please join me in prayer as the Lord leads you.
This afternoon I read with concern the news that Iran has
seized a British operated tanker in the Straight of Hormuz. This is the latest in
a continuing series of provocative and evil actions taken by Iran. Just in the
last couple of months they have been bombing oil tankers, capturing other
tankers, shooting down a US drone over international waters, threatening other
ships, and most ominously of all openly declaring that they are exceeding previous
limits on both the amount and level of uranium enrichment. In the meantime,
they continue to support Hezbollah, a large, radical, extremist Islamic
organization and also support the evil regime in Syria.
Will all of this lead to a military response from the US
and our allies? If so, will it be a limited military strike, or will it expand
into a war? Hezbollah is already talking about attacking Israel from Lebanon
and Syria if Iran is attacked. Of course, talking about attacking Israel and
doing it are two different things. Still, the possibility of a regional war is
a real danger.
There are risks if the US and other nations don’t take
action against Iran. There are risks if we do. There are no easy or safe
answers. I don’t know what the best course is, but I know how to pray. I also
know that in addition to all these political, military, and economic issues that
there are much deeper and more important things going on spiritually.
It has been widely reported for quite a few years now
that many Iranians have been turning to Christ (see this
article as an example of many reports on this good news). This is despite
the fact that doing so risks severe persecution. It may be that part of the
reason for the advance of the gospel is that many are repulsed by the extremist
version of Islam that dominates Iran’s government. God can bring good out of
evil.
I don’t know all the answers. I don’t even know all the
questions. But I know how to pray to the One who does know and who has power to
work for good. Here is my prayer. Please consider actually praying this prayer,
not just reading it. Modify it as you feel led.
A Prayer
Concerning Iran
Heavenly Father, You see all that is happening related
to Iran.
We ask that Your Kingdom will come and Your will be
done in that part of the earth called Iran and the surrounding waters and
nations.
Lord, we ask You to give government leaders and their
military advisors in the US, Britain, and other affected nations all the
wisdom, patience, courage, strength, and understanding they need. Help them to
make good and right decisions.
Heavenly Father, if military action is called for, we
ask that it will be successful with as few casualties as possible on all sides.
If it is right for the US and other nations to take military action, I ask that
you will give us swift victory that will result in greater peace and good in
the long term. If military action is not best, please don’t allow our leaders
to be provoked into it. You know what is best, Lord.
Lord, we know there is much more at stake than oil,
freedom of navigation, and even the threat of Iran gaining nuclear weapons.
Heavenly Father, we pray that you will use all that is happening for the
advance of Your gospel and for the good of those who love You.
We know You love the 82 million people of Iran. Please
work powerfully so that more and more of them turn to Jesus Christ. And please
especially be with those Christians there who are facing persecution or living
with the constant threat and danger of persecution. Protect them from evil.
In all that happens, we pray that ultimately You will
be glorified.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .
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