England will come against Iran at the World Cup this winter. But we stand alongside our friends who carry the hurt of unrest in their nation today.

Our friends have this to say ahead of England vs Iran:

“As Iranian people We don't look at republic Islamic football today”

“This time im not cheering for iran in this situation”

"This team that is playing against England today is not the Iranian people's team, it is not our team, it is the Islamic Republic's team. My wish today is that the English team wins."

Anti-government protests and violence continue following the death of Zhina Mahsa Amini.

Use this moment to remember our friends, their families and country.

Asrin’s Prayer for Iran

Led by Elam Ministries and 24-7 Prayer, we pray for comfort, hope, courage and light in Iran.

This prayer was was written by Asrin, an Iranian Christian leader who, like Zhina Mahsa Amini, is Kurdish and so understands the repression that both Kurds and women have faced in Iran over many decades. You can read the original prayer and learn more about Elam’s work here.

Heavenly Father,

With a breaking heart, I lift up my country to you.

Comfort

As we watch the pain, sorrow and violence spreading across Iran right now, we thank you that you are the God of all comfort.

We grieve for those hurting. We lift up especially the family of Zhina Mahsa Amini, and the loved ones of those who have died or been injured in the protests. Please, show them your comfort. You alone can ease this pain.

Many protestors have been arrested and their families do not know where they are. Many people are afraid to leave their homes amid the unrest. Many people are so hurt and angry they are consumed by it. Please, reveal your comfort to them. Comfort my country, Lord.

Hope

Now more than ever, Iran needs your hope.

So many of our people don’t know you. They are hurt, they are angry and despairing. They desperately need hope. They feel unseen and unheard. But Father, you see all. You hear the cry of every heart.

Now is the most important time for our people to hear and receive your Good News. Lord, open their hearts. Bring them near to you. Let them enter into your living hope.

Courage

Lord, you have many faithful people in Iran. Strengthen your church to be courageous as they go out to share your love with the hurting. Be with them by your Spirit and protect them as they go on prayer walks, as they hold out your words of hope, as they minister to people practically.

Awaken your church in Iran to be fully present with those who are buried deep in pain and anger. And awaken your global Church to know how to pray and act at this time.

Light

Father, we ask that no more of Iran’s daughters or sons would be killed. Restrain the violence, we pray. May many lay down their weapons and refuse to use violence.

We pray the fear of God would enter the hearts of Iran’s leaders: that they would repent and turn to you. Lord, free our beautiful nation from oppression.

Lord, dispel the darkness, the anguish and the suffering from our land. Let your light break through!

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.