Open Doors is not against any nationality, government or religion. We are pro-Jesus Christ, which means we seek to act in sacrificial humility toward the goal of reconciliation—staying true to our calling to “strengthen what remains and is about to die” (Revelation 3:2). That’s why Open Doors has worked in the Holy Land for decades, helping our partners and local churches endure pressure and persecution. Like other Christians around the world, we are shocked and horrified by the war in the Middle East. We forcefully condemn all violence.
Last week’s unprecedented pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon and in Syria were another escalation in the Middle East conflict that has been raging for nearly a year.
The violence targeted Hezbollah, an ally of Iran and Hamas—the group that control the Gaza Strip in Palestine and carried out the horrific attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.
In response to the attacks, Hezbollah has pledged to retaliate with a “severe reckoning and just retribution.”
Average Lebanese citizens—including many believers—feel caught in the middle. “If it had appeared in a movie or book, people would dismiss it as science fiction,” says an Open Doors’ local partner in Lebanon.
So far, the war in Gaza has led to innumerable deaths, ongoing bombings between Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and civilians and troops in northern Israel, massive destruction in Gaza with no end to the violence in sight, and significant fears that the conflict will expand to include Lebanon and perhaps even Hezbollah allies in Syria and Iran.
People in Lebanon, including Christians, are living in constant fear of what is to come.
Unified Against Conflict
We asked partners around the region to tell us what they are praying for so we can pray, too.
Lebanon
An Open Doors’ partner in Lebanon shares, “What is still yet to come looms most heavily—the intangible dread, uncertainty and anticipation of the next attack. We ask for your prayers and support.”
Israel
A messianic believer says that what happened in Lebanon “is something that can be turned around and used by our enemies against us [the followers of Jesus in Israel]. Life and death, war and peace, love and hate are all complex issues that only the true God and Father can resolve. And He will.”
Palestine
A Christian from Palestine asks us to join him in prayer, “Heavenly Father, Lord of Mercies, we ask You today to look down from Heaven and heal the Middle East. Many innocent people were killed, and many more are in pain. You are our only Hope, our Stronghold we can run to daily. We cry to You, Lord, to hear our prayers. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray.”
Syria
A Syrian church leader asks, “Pray for security and peace in the Middle East. Pray for protection for the innocent people who have no fault in what happens. Pray for wisdom for decision-makers to stop the terror and calm the situation.”
Pray for the Middle East
- Pray for God to strengthen believers to be salt and light.
- Pray for peace and protection as fear escalates.
- Pray for God’s wisdom to guide decision-makers.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
