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Iran

Prayer Diary: Holy Week

23 Mar 2024

As Christians, we reflect on the meaning of the cross throughout the year, but Holy Week is a special opportunity to meditate on the unfathomable love of Christ. He freely handed over his life, that he might bring freedom to the entire world; there is no greater love.

This week, let us remember those around the world who are unable to mark Holy Week freely and safely. Iran is one country where Christians are at risk of intimidation, violence or imprisonment all year round – and even more so at Easter. 

Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Here are three verses to guide your prayers:

‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ (Matthew 26:36-38)

Jesus knew the pain he would endure before the victory of Easter morning. In Gethsemane, he asked his close disciples to be near him in this moment of deep sorrow.

Stand in prayer with those in overwhelming situations of injustice and sorrow. Pray for the release of Iran’s prisoners of conscience, and for an end to the harassment, threats and violence against religious and ethnic minorities.

Ask God to provide for those who have been forced to flee Iran.

‘Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.’ (Hebrews 2:18 NLT)

It is comforting to remember that Jesus is familiar with our human nature and is able to help in times of trouble. Pray that the Lord would comfort and help vulnerable religious communities in Iran. Pray especially for financial provision for the families of imprisoned church leaders.

‘Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.’ (John 13:1)

Pray that people will be refreshed in the knowledge of Christ’s immeasurable love for them. We think especially of Pastor Matthias Haghnejad (at time of writing, imprisoned on charges of which he was acquitted in 2014), Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, and other church leaders who have been targeted by the Iranian authorities for so many years.

Download a printable copy of this week's Prayer Diary.

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We believe no one should suffer discrimination, harassment or persecution because of their beliefs