Join us in praying for peace in Iran and the Middle East

As conflict continues in Iran and the Middle East, we pray for peace in the world and in our hearts.

Explosions have continued across the Middle East in the past week, after US-Israeli strikes against Iran have prompted retaliatory strikes against its neighbours in the Gulf. It is reported that more than 1,000 Iranian civilians have died so far, as the conflict tragically claims the lives of innocent victims.

Closer to home, the possibility of rising oil, energy and petrol costs will also be a concern for many, adding to a broader fear and worry about the escalating conflict. Amid uncertainty, grief, pain and anxiety, it can be hard to know how to respond. It is a challenging time to hold on to the hope we have – a hope that is rooted in Jesus and in his enduring presence, in the truth that the overarching story of God reconciling all of creation to himself is not yet ended.

Psalm 46:1 reassures us: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ The psalm continues: ‘He makes wars cease to the ends of the Earth’ (v9).

If you or people in your community know someone impacted by the conflict, or if you are moved by the destruction and loss seen in daily headlines, you can lift up in prayer all those impacted by the war. As you pray for peace in Iran and elsewhere, we also recognise that it is not separate from our own responsibility to seek and build peace – to say sorry to God for the times when we have stood in the way of peace, and to ask God for inner transformation into peacemakers where we are. Because true peace is ultimately found not in conflict simply ceasing, but in Jesus. It is about creating space in our hearts to cry out for peace – a peace not brought about through violence or threats, but through reconciling with God and his creation in friendship, love and grace.

God of all comfort, we pray for places around the world where war is a daily reality. Draw near to all who mourn lost loved ones, and strengthen all who work for peace.

Jesus Christ, friend and companion, we pray for all who have had to flee their homes because of conflict, and who find themselves adrift in a land that isn’t home. We dream of a safer, kinder world, where every displaced person will find refuge, and where communities destroyed by war will thrive again.

Holy Spirit, breath of life, we lament the way in which war damages this beautiful Earth you have created, ravaging landscapes, destroying ecosystems and preventing crops from flourishing. Brood over the chaos again, we pray: bring order and balance, and birth new life in barren places.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we long for an end to strife. Teach us to pray for peace, to work for peace, to live in peace. We look forward to that day you have promised, when you will cause wars to cease to the ends of the Earth. Lord, in your mercy, heal and restore.

• Based on the Praying for Peace resource.

Reflect and respond

• Pray for the people of Iran and other countries impacted by the conflict.
• Pray for decision-makers in power that they might have mercy, compassion and wisdom.
• Download resources to help with praying for peace.