WHAT DOES IRAN HAVE TO DO WITH YOU? AN URGENT CALL TO PRAYER FOR GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION

WHAT DOES IRAN HAVE TO DO WITH YOU? AN URGENT CALL TO PRAYER FOR GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION

BY JOSIMAR SALUM

   The world is shifting, and Iran—ancient Persia—is at the center of a God’s movement that will shape nations. What happens there is not isolated; it will directly impact Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and beyond.

   Throughout history, whenever God moved in Persia, the effects rippled across the world. From King Cyrus, who liberated the Jewish exiles (Isaiah 45), to the rise of the underground church in Iran today, this land has played a pivotal role in God’s plan.

   Why does this matter to you? Because we are witnessing history unfold before our eyes. The spiritual awakening in Iran and the shifting global landscape are signs of God’s orchestration—one that requires the intercession of believers worldwide.

   Will You Stand in the Gap?

   Now is the time to pray with urgency. Your prayers can shift the course of nations.

   We are living in extraordinary times, witnessing a divine move in the Middle East—particularly in Iran, the ancient kingdom of Persia. What God is doing in Iran today will have profound implications, not only for the nation itself but also for Israel, Lebanon, and the world. The spiritual and geopolitical shifts taking place are interconnected, shaping history in ways we may not yet fully grasp.

   How can you be part of this historic move of God? By understanding how He has moved throughout history and by committing to fervent prayer. Now is the time to rise, intercede, and take part in His work.

   Persia in the Book of Daniel: A Call to Prayer and Spiritual Warfare

   The book of Daniel highlights Persia’s role in biblical prophecy and spiritual warfare. Persia was central to Daniel’s experiences, demonstrating how prayer influences kingdoms and rulers.

   Key Moments in Daniel’s Encounters with Persia:

1. The Fall of Babylon to Persia (Daniel 5:28)

• The writing on the wall declared, “Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” That very night, Babylon fell to Persia.

2. Daniel’s Prayer and Deliverance (Daniel 6:8-10)

• Despite a decree banning prayer, Daniel remained faithful, leading to his miraculous rescue from the lions’ den.

3. Persia in Prophecy (Daniel 8:20)

• A vision described Persia’s rise, showing its impact on world history.

4. Daniel’s Intercession for Israel (Daniel 9:1-3, 4-19)

• His powerful prayer for Israel’s restoration led to God stirring King Cyrus to allow the Jews to return home.

5. Spiritual Warfare Over Persia (Daniel 10:12-13)

• An angel told Daniel his prayer was heard immediately, but the prince of Persia resisted the answer for 21 days until the archangel Michael intervened. This reveals the unseen battle behind prayer.

   Prayer Has the Power to Shift Nations

   Throughout Scripture, prayer has influenced leadership, brought judgment or deliverance, and changed the course of history.

1. Prayer Can Bring Judgment on Wicked Rulers

• Nebuchadnezzar’s Humbling (Daniel 4:28-37)

• Daniel warned Nebuchadnezzar to repent. When he refused, God humbled him until he acknowledged divine sovereignty.

• The Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5)

• During Belshazzar’s blasphemous feast, Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall, declaring Babylon’s downfall. That night, Persia conquered the city.

2. Prayer Can Bring Deliverance and the Rise of Righteous Leaders

• Esther’s Intercession (Esther 4:16)

• Through fasting and prayer, Esther found favor with the Persian king, saving the Jewish people and leading to the downfall of the wicked Haman.

• Hezekiah’s Prayer for Deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-37)

• When the Assyrian king threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah prayed, and God sent an angel to destroy 185,000 enemy soldiers overnight.

3. Prayer Can Change the Destiny of a Nation

• Solomon’s Dedication Prayer (2 Chronicles 7:14)

• God promised, “If My people… humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.” National restoration depends on prayer.

• Daniel’s Intercession for Israel (Daniel 9:1-19)

• Daniel’s prayer for Israel’s return was followed by King Cyrus permitting the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem.

4. Jesus’ Teachings on Prayer & Kingdoms

• Jesus taught that prayer ushers in God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10) and emphasized persistence in intercession (Luke 18:1-8), demonstrating that prayer influences leadership and brings justice.

   Prayer Has Always Shaped History

   The Bible shows how intercession leads to national transformation. Whether through judgment (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar), deliverance (Hezekiah, Esther), or restoration (Daniel, Solomon), history proves that when God’s people pray, leaders and nations are affected.

   Revival Has Always Changed Nations

   Throughout history, prayer movements have sparked spiritual and political transformation:

• The First Great Awakening (1700s, U.S. & U.K.)

• Led by Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley, this revival laid the foundation for the abolitionist movement and societal reforms.

• The Welsh Revival (1904-1905, Wales, U.K.)

• Over 100,000 people came to Christ in a single year, crime rates plummeted, and government leaders turned to God.

   Just as Nineveh repented after Jonah’s call (Jonah 3), prayer-led revivals bring moral and political change.

   History Proves That Prayer Shapes Governments

   From ancient Babylon to modern nations, intercession has brought:

• Leadership shifts, influenced by prayer (like Daniel before the Persian kings).

• Spiritual movements challenging corrupt systems (like Elijah and John the Baptist).

• National repentance leading to restoration (like Nineveh).

   We are in a critical moment. The time to pray is now.

   Will you rise and intercede? Will you stand in the gap?

   #ASONE