Rev. Franklin Graham Calls for Prayer Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Rev. Franklin Graham has encouraged individuals to pray for those affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. In a social media post early Thursday, he expressed concern for innocent people impacted by bombings and missile strikes.
He stated, “May God’s protection be upon the churches and Christians in Iran, and we should also look out for the Jewish community in Israel, God’s chosen people.” Additionally, he hopes that the people in both nations will have their eyes opened to the truth of God’s message.
The situation escalated on June 13 when the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) conducted an attack on key Iranian leaders, military sites, and nuclear facilities. The IDF justified its actions by stating that Iran’s nuclear advancements had reached a dangerous level, leaving them no choice but to respond amid unsuccessful negotiations with the U.S.
In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Following this, Israel issued warnings to Iranian civilians living near military targets, urging them to evacuate due to concerns about Israeli air attacks. Reports suggest that Iran is intentionally directing missiles towards Israeli civilians.
The messaging from Iran included emergency warnings for citizens near military production sites, instructing them to remain indoors until further notice. Notably, the Iranian government previously did not build bomb shelters for its citizens and advised them to seek refuge in schools, mosques, and subways instead, a decision reflecting a troubling focus on aggression rather than civilian safety.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently referred to this period as a “time of liberation” for the Iranian people and emphasized that Israel’s military actions would aim to dismantle the Iranian regime. He portrayed these operations as a defense not only for Israel but also as a stance against tyranny in the Middle East.
Many individuals engaged with Graham’s post, indicating their willingness to join in prayer. Some expressed strong support for the idea of divine protection over those in turmoil and prayed for wisdom and guidance in leadership, echoing sentiments of hope and faith amid the conflict.
