IRAN: praying light into darkness
We start the journey of prayer today by calling light into darkness as we focus on the epicenter of the current conflict: IRAN
Print out the information below, and at any time of day, place the map of Iran before you, light a candle, and hold Iran before God. Let the flame remind you that Christ’s light still shines in the midst of fear and fire.
INFORMATION
Iran today is a nation of more than 92 million people, with a remarkably young population—its median age is just 33, and two‑thirds of its citizens are under 40. It is one of the most religiously uniform countries in the world: around 99% of Iranians identify as Muslim, with the vast majority belonging to the Shia tradition. A small Sunni minority remains, and an even smaller Christian community persists quietly under pressure. Official statistics place Christians at less than 1% of the population, though the true number is difficult to verify due to ongoing persecution. Iran consistently ranks among the most challenging places on earth for followers of Jesus.
The nation is home to 91 distinct people groups, and an overwhelming 99.5% of them remain unreached with the gospel. Yet, paradoxically, Iran has become the heart of one of the most significant movements of faith in the Muslim world. As the demographic center of global Shia Islam—home to roughly 40% of all Shia Muslims worldwide—Iran holds immense spiritual influence across the Middle East. At the same time, it is witnessing an unprecedented turning toward Christ. With between one and two million Muslim‑background believers, Iran is now home to the largest MBB community in the region. Some researchers, like Mark Bradley, suggest that more Iranians have come to faith in the past 25 years than in the previous 13 centuries combined.
Many believe this moment could represent a tipping point for the spiritual landscape of the Middle East.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a devastating war. Since February 28, 2026, more than 7,600 Israeli strikes have hit Iranian territory. Nearly 2,000 people have been killed, including hundreds of women and children, with victims ranging from infants to the elderly. Over 24,800 people have been injured and more than 180,000 families displaced. The human cost is staggering, and the wounds—physical, emotional, and societal—run deep.
This is the Iran we hold before God: young, wounded, spiritually restless, strategically placed, and profoundly loved by God.
INSPIRATION
TAKOOSH HOVSEPIAN, was born in 1950 in Iran. As a child, she desired to spend her life in the service of God. In order to fulfill this hope she prayed that one day she would marry a pastor and her prayer was answered when she married Rev. Haik Hovsepian. However, Takoosh never expected the intensity of her life journey and the trials and struggles that arose from her marriage to Haik. He was 49 years old when he left the house one morning never to return again. After twelve days it became apparent that he had been killed at the order of the Iranian government.
We met Takoosh twice. The first time was days after her husband was brutally killed in Iran for refusing to stop sharing the Gospel of Christ. “He was stabbed with a knife so many times that we could not recognise the body,” Takoosh wept as she shared her broken heart. Forgiveness was not on her immediate agenda as she struggled to deal with her grief.
The second time we met Takoosh was three years later, and there was victory in her voice. “I have been through the University of Forgiveness!” she proclaimed. “In the first year, the Lord told me to forgive those who killed my husband. I simply could not do it but day by day I asked the Lord to help. A year later, I graduated as I spoke the words of forgiveness. ‘Now love them’, the Lord told me. ‘Lord, I can forgive them, but loving them is impossible,’ I pleaded with the Lord. For another twelve months I battled but after another year, I graduated as the Lord really gave me love for those who killed my husband. ‘Now bless them,’ came the final instruction. It is now three years and I can say in all honesty that I have forgiven, that I have learnt to love and that I have blessed those that killed my husband. The process was not easy but it was worth it.”
Takoosh has spent her years thereafter encouraging persecuted families and widows, as well as sharing her testimony in Western churches to shed light on the persecuted church and encourage prayer support.
These are the people we pray for: courageous, bold and with hearts focused on God
INTERPRETATION
We pray to the Lord of light and mercy, as we light our candles, We hold Iran before Him now.
The Indigenous Church
Lord, strengthen Your people in Iran. Root them in courage, surround them with Your presence, and let their quiet witness shine like a hidden flame. Give them courage, unity, and endurance. Let their love outshine fear and their hope outlast darkness.
Peace
Let Your peace rest on Iran, calming fear, silencing violence, and opening a path toward healing.
Reconciliation
Heal the divides between communities, generations, and leaders. Where bitterness has grown, plant mercy.
Protection of civilians
Guard the innocent, shield the vulnerable, and let no life be lost to the cruelty of conflict.
Wisdom for leaders
Pray for the Supreme spiritual leader of Shia Islam, 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, the President of Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pray that the Lord will turn their hearts – like he turned the heart of a violent Saul into a gentle Paul – toward justice, humility, and restraint. Give them wisdom that protects life and dignity.
Comfort for the grieving
Hold every grieving family close. Let Your comfort be deeper than their sorrow and Your nearness stronger than their pain.
Hope for the future
Plant hope in the soil of suffering. Let new possibilities rise, and let Iran’s future be shaped by peace, dignity, and renewal.
Lord, let Your light shine over Iran, and let the darkness not overcome it. Amen.
Next week we will continue our journey as we pray for ISRAEL