Large protests broke out—here’s how you can pray
The nationwide protests in Iran that began on in late December have been filled with familiar yet heartbreaking scenes.
The scenes of thousands of people marching all over the country echo some of the most powerful demonstrations in recent Iranian history—like the 2019-2020 protests that started because of a spike in fuel prices, or the 2022 protests over the death of
Mahsa Amini.
But the most recent violent reprisals are just as familiar. The regime’s response has been swift and brutal. Reuters reports
that more than 2,500 people have been killed so far. Other
sources place the death toll at over 12,000. News has also slowed from inside the country as Iran has shut down the internet. Iranian forces are even confiscating
Starlink. Some international phone services seem to be working sporadically, and it’s currently the only way Iranians can communicate with the outside world.
Most of the reporting has pointed out that the protest began as a result of financial pressures and livelihood challenges; however, the protests are a reflection of a far deeper crisis. What began as a reaction to inflation and economic devastation grew into a nationwide protest against corruption, with open calls against Iran’s Supreme Ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khameni.
The situation is fluid. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action in response to the killings of protestors; the
New York Times reports that
Iran has retreated from plans to execute arrested protestors. However, some observers still warn that a military action could happen.
This is the largest death toll in contemporary Iranian history; but some observers also say this is the most hopeful protest in years, with a concerted effort to bring about some level of change.
Although this is not a direct attack on Christians inside the country, Iranian Christians are part of this ongoing chaos. Iran has previously used instability to accuse Christians of being agents or spies of the West or Israel, cracking down on believers even more than usual, and that has happened again. Converts and house church leaders have been accused of being foreign agents and face heavy prison sentences if discovered.
An Iranian Christian shares: “Our beloved Iran cries out for justice, dignity, and a future where every citizen, including Christians, can live in peace and opportunity, free from fear and poverty. May the bravery of our people be the seed of a renewed and united homeland.”
We ask you to continue praying for Iranians in these times of turmoil, interceding for a better future … a future filled with dignity, peace, and religious freedom.
