Praying for the Middle East

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication (Ephesians 6:18a, ESV).

With Israel, Gaza, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Biblical end-time scenarios now active, the hope of Jesus’ soon return, and the need to disciple all nations, has there ever been a more complicated moment in history?

In the midst of this chaos, there should be praying believers, but how should we be praying? Below, I give five points that help me pray about current events.

1. I believe that my prayers have a meaningful impact. Elijah was a man with a nature like mine (James 5:17), and he prayed for rain to stop for three and a half years. Why can’t I pray for the Strait of Hormuz to stay open for commerce? If we don’t believe or have faith in the impact of our praying, we won’t pray.

2. Actually pray! I’m amused by table conversations and social media complaints in which we jettison our too-often-lacking correct information opinions. I avoid this type of silly talk, realizing my words about world events and national politics accomplish little, but my prayers, aptly aimed to the God of the universe, can accomplish much.

3. Pray for President Trump. Paul writes…

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

I pray that godly wisdom and counsel will be given to our president. A modern-day president makes dozens of decisions every day, impacting our country and the world. He depends on what others tell him for these decisions, so we must pray for godly advisors to speak clearly and to influence those decisions.

4. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem/Israel. Psalm 122:6 teaches, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” I also pray that the U.S.A. will continue to support Israel because there is a “security” blessing on those who love Jerusalem. Admittedly, my eschatological viewpoint, based on the Bible, is pre-millennial, believing that end-time events will focus on Israel, and my prayer is enlivened as I see prophecy fulfilled now.

5. Pray for the nations to be discipled. Jesus connected worldwide evangelism and the end time in two passages…

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).

The ultimate purpose of history is that God desires all to be saved, and our prayers should be focused on this Kingdom purpose.

Reading about interceding saints, I’ve noticed one trend among them — as they prayed, God revealed specifics about how to pray. Let’s stand with God in our true heritage as the Book of Revelation describes you and me…

You [Jesus] have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10).

Wow! Our prayers have a promised impact by God Himself.