The Urgent Call to Prayer Amidst Global Turmoil
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
A Time for Reflection and Action
Two things have weighed heavily on me this week. First, our nation—and much of the Middle East—is at war. Second, while I praise God for the churches that prayed over this crisis last Sunday, many others seemed unaware or unwilling to lift even a single prayer. How can we meet on Sundays, with the world shaking around us, and not intercede even briefly? What are we here for if not for moments like these? I pray this coming Sunday will be different.
In case you aren’t aware, the U.S. and Israel have launched major military operations against Iran and its extremist regime, long bent on wiping Israel off the map. The U.S. engagement, Operation Epic Fury, and Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion began after Iran refused to halt its nuclear weapons program—a threat to Israel and the world—and after peace talks collapsed. Iran has also been a persistent menace to the U.S. for decades. In response, the allies struck Iranian targets, killing the Ayatollah and high-level officials. Iran retaliated with heavy strikes against Israel, and the conflict quickly spread across the Middle East.
Understanding the Current Crisis
Listen, church. This is no distant skirmish—it is a war with immense global and even biblical implications. Its repercussions are already being felt worldwide, including here at home. So I ask: Are we and our churches blind to the times—or simply too timid, perhaps fearing political cost—to pray into the world’s crises? More bluntly: What would possess us not to pray?
Fellow believers, consider this spiritually. When we gather on Sunday—often hundreds strong, the atmosphere charged with spiritual activity—yet remain silent while the world convulses into chaos, what are we doing with the corporate power and authority God has entrusted to us?
If we hoard our dunamis, sitting on it like sealed powder kegs—unused and untapped—we may feel safe and relevant inside our walls, but are we relevant where the battle truly rages? Shouldn’t we rise, cry out, and release God’s power?
The Consequences of Silence
If we ignore a world at war, we risk becoming irrelevant on every front—barely useful for God’s purposes, disregarded by the forces of darkness, and detached and irrelevant to a world in anguish. A church that will not engage in warfare prayer during a moment like this may be present, but it is not participating.
A few days ago, my husband Clay and I read Day 61 in my book The Pilgrim’s Progress Devotional. In this portion, Christian meets three men in shackles—Simple, Sloth, and Presumption—fast asleep: one lacking spiritual depth, one clinging to comfort, and one assuming he can do as he pleases. Though in grave danger, they refuse to heed Christian’s warning. The devotion urges us, unlike them, to remain awake, alert, and prayerful. A timely word for this moment.
Mobilizing for Prayer
I hope this article has stirred your heart. If your church hasn’t yet prayed corporately for this crisis, please share this with your leaders. Even if earlier moments were missed, it is not too late. They—and you—can begin now: calling special prayer gatherings in person, on Zoom, by conference call, through group texts, or on social media. Small prayer circles, neighborhood prayer walks, and home gatherings can quickly unite us in urgent intercession. The key is simple: start now and mobilize where you are.
What is the goal of our prayers? That God would write a new story for Iran—one marked by freedom for the Gospel, freedom for its people, and a nation truly set free. Such freedom will require far more than silenced weapons. It will mean stopping the rise of yet another radical cleric bent on Israel’s destruction, breaking the grip of the brutal IRGC that has taken tens of thousands of Iranian lives, and restoring to the people the right to choose righteous leadership.
Praying for Protection
We must also pray for our service members in harm’s way, and for our own homeland. Recent reports and public concerns—including claims of memorials for Iran’s Supreme Leader in some U.S. mosques and renewed fears of sleeper cells—remind us of the moment we are in. Here in San Diego, home to major Navy and Marine installations, and across the country, bases have been urged to remain alert for potential threats. I just read this news headline: “Trump says ‘I guess’ Americans should worry about retaliatory attacks on US soil: ‘People will die.’” And as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, it becomes all the more imperative that we stand watch in prayer.
The outcome of Operation Epic Fury cannot yet be measured. Some developments offer hope, yet events continue to unfold, and the days ahead hold uncertainties we cannot foresee. History’s verdict will not be written overnight. Could this present conflict become the great End Time battle? Only God knows.
Our Calling in Times of Crisis
In moments like these, our calling is not to predict the end but to humble ourselves before God—alongside our spiritual and national leaders—asking Him to restrain evil, overrule human ambition, thwart wickedness, protect the innocent, and grant wisdom and courage to those who lead.
If we seek Him and stand united in prayer, I believe He will provide protection and even miraculous success, bringing this conflict to its most righteous conclusion. And would it not be a wonder if, through it all, the glorious Gospel of the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ—were unleashed? Let us pray. With Him, all things are possible. Amen.
A
In Short
The Middle East is entering a period of deep geopolitical uncertainty. Energy supplies, regional alliances, and military escalation could all shift quickly in the days ahead. Much remains unclear. Our President and leaders must not get ahead of themselves. Great wisdom is needed as things are changing quickly. Pray!
If you enjoy meaningful reading that draws you closer to God, take a look at The Pilgrim’s Progress Devotional. It weaves the timeless story with devotional insights designed to hold your attention and encourage your heart. You can begin this “pilgrimage” of truth at any time of the year—so why not start today? The book is thoughtfully priced with readers in mind, and the newly released e-book is temporarily available at a special discounted price.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6Q3J1JD?ref=sp_email
Hi Cheryl, outstanding job capturing the mission and call to prayer in these critical times. I stand with you! I had a prompting this past week to pray against sleeper cells and to come against them in the Name of Jesus - that God would frustrate the plans of the enemy within. We have seen how the recent attempted attack in NYC this past week is an example of what lies within and God frustrating the plans of Satan. I am forever reminded that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and spiritual wickedness “in the high places” , be it government, ruling authorities or otherwise - and that isn’t exclusive to secular governments, but…
Outstanding call of mission for the church. Thank you Cheryl for your insight and conviction of the heart.
Thank you! There is a great call to prayer here, and I will heed it again now. Thank you for compiling the facts as well. Much appreciated and timely. Good word on the Pilgrim's Progress devotional, too. That book, and your devotions regarding its purposes are epic throughout the ages.
Thank you! This is a great post and compilation of the past week, as far as I've been able to track. As I was researching the word "righteousness" this morning I flipped to several passages and one got me to Daniel 12 to the end where the angel Gabriel is saying that only angel Michael is standing with him against the Prince of Persia. I prayed with tears that many more angels have taken up the cause in these days. We often forget that what is happening on earth is only a small fraction of the battles going on in heaven. May God have mercy and may His righteousness prevail, and His glory revealed to all.