Tankers Are Burning Near the Strait of Hormuz. How Do Christians Pray in a War?
By Dr. Layne McDonald
Christians pray in a war by running to God first. He is our refuge and our strength. We pray for protection, for leaders to choose peace, and for every family caught in the middle. We stay calm, we stay kind, and we trust God to do what only He can do.
What happened
Iran's Revolutionary Guard says four oil tankers hit naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz and caught fire. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow stretch of water that many ships use to carry oil to the world.
On Monday, the US carried out limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island. President Trump told reporters the US has no immediate plans for new strikes. He also said the war's cost played a part in his party's midterm losses.
Details are still developing, and claims differ by side. That means some of what is being said today may change as facts come in. When reports conflict, wise people pray, wait, and hold their words with care.
News of war can shake the heart. Tankers burn far away, and yet the fear lands right in our homes. If you feel that fear today, you are not weak. You are human. And you are not alone.
What does the Bible say?
Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." A refuge is a safe place to run to. God does not send us away in trouble. He invites us in.
The same psalm goes on in Psalm 46:9-10. It says God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. Then He speaks to our hearts: "Be still, and know that I am God." Stillness is not doing nothing. Stillness is trusting that God is at work even while we wait.
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Christians are not called to love war. We are called to love peace and to work for it where we can.
Romans 12:18 gives the daily shape of it. It teaches us that as far as it depends on us, we should live at peace with everyone. We may not control nations. We can control our homes, our words, and our prayers.
How does a Christian go about this?
We pray with names and places in mind. We pray for sailors and crews. We pray for leaders. We pray for families on every shore. And we let prayer calm our own hearts too.
Put it into practice
Pray today for the crews of the tankers and for every sailor in those waters.
Pray for leaders in the US and in Iran to choose steps that lead to peace.
Pray for families living near the fighting, that God would protect their homes.
Read Psalm 46 out loud, slowly, and let its words settle your heart.
Limit how much war news you take in today, and spend that time in prayer instead.
Speak peace in your own home. Be gentle with the people closest to you.
Carry this with you
Friend, the sea is troubled, but God is not. He is your refuge today, right where you are. You may feel small next to such big news, but your prayers reach the throne of the King. Pray, be still, and let Him hold your heart steady. He has not let go of you.
Questions people ask
How should I pray when I do not know the full facts?
Pray for what you know for sure. People are in danger. Leaders need wisdom. Families are afraid. You can pray for protection, wisdom, and peace without waiting for every detail. God knows the full story, even when we do not.
Is it wrong to feel afraid when I read war news?
No. Fear is a human feeling, and the Bible speaks to it with love, not shame. The psalms are full of people who felt afraid and ran to God. Do the same. Tell God you are afraid, and let Him be your refuge.
Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.
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