On June 22, 2025, the United States bombed Iran’s nuclear development facilities, joining Israel in a campaign to limit that nation’s capacity to produce nuclear weapons. Only time will tell whether this intervention was effective or wise, but in these perilous times all Christians should join in praying for a just and lasting peace. 

We mourn the injuries, loss of life and suffering in both Israel and Iran, as well as the continuing and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We lament the increased risk of nuclear arms proliferation, as other nations in the Middle East may be tempted to renounce their treaty obligations to not develop nuclear weapons. 

We have long warned about the inherent dangers and unintended consequences of undue reliance on military solutions to global conflicts. We commend for renewed study our 1986 “Peace, Freedom and Security Studies” document which articulates a balanced evangelical perspective on national security and international relations: “Our appeal is that all, whatever their views on the use of national military power in a particular instance, join in action to develop alternatives to reliance on war for justice or security.”

Let us turn to our Almighty and Merciful God — the one who holds all things and all people in his hands — in prayer.  

Join us in praying for: 

  • The safety of all individuals impacted by the conflict, including innocent civilians in Israel, Gaza and Iran and American troops stationed abroad; 
    • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way.” — Psalm 46:1-3
  • Wisdom and courage for leaders, that they would take bold steps towards peace; 
    • “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6
  • The protection of the persecuted church in Iran;  
    • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:9-10
  • An end to antisemitism and threats to the existence of Israel as a nation; 
    • “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” — Genesis 12:3
  • The provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza; 
    • “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” — Psalm 146:7-9
  • Revival of progress toward nuclear nonproliferation in light of the existential threat that nuclear weapons pose to human life and flourishing. As we warned in 2011, “there are worrisome regional tension in several parts of the world that could conceivably escalate into nuclear conflict, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia.”
    • “A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” — Psalm 33:17-19
  • God’s mercy to be poured out on this situation, and that a just and lasting peace, reconciliation, and healing would follow. 
    • “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” — Psalm 46:9-10

Heavenly Father, we know that you are in control of all things, and that you work all things together for our good. We know that you see those who are suffering because of this conflict; you hear their cries for mercy. We ask that you would move mightily, bringing your justice and compassion to every aspect of this situation. We turn to you, the Prince of Peace, trusting that you are in control.

Amen.