NASHVILLE (BP) — Many Christians have taken a posture of prayer during recent weeks as tensions have escalated to rocket blasts by Israel, Iran and the United States.

The International Mission Board (IMB) shared a few prayer requests that have come to them from the region:

“We are sad to hear of escalating tension between Israel and Iran, leading to armed conflict, but we look with hope to God’s sovereignty over all circumstances,” one request said. “Please join us in praying for God’s protection over all those affected by this current unrest. Pray for those already dealing with the loss of loved ones, and for communities dealing with the aftermath of destruction.  

“Pray that God will give wisdom to government and military leaders. Pray they will be led to stop the conflict and pursue peace. Pray that believers in these regions will be able to speak the truth to their neighbors and friends. Pray they are a light in the darkness!  Pray that God will use the fear and uncertainty of the situation to draw many to Himself and for them to seek eternal salvation. Pray that believers around the world will befriend Persians and Israelis near them, and use the opportunity to show love to them, comfort them, pray for them and share the gospel with them. Lift up those Persians and Israelis living abroad, who still have family members back in Iran and Israel and are worried for their safety.  

“Most of all, we pray for God to accomplish His will and for His name to be glorified through such a difficult situation.”  

The IMB has created a set of slides to suggest ways for believers to pray for the tensions in the Middle East.The slides can be downloaded here. More resources from the IMB’s prayer ministry are available here.