Overwhelming response to prayer for Iran in a time of crisis
A prayer shared live by Revd Keyvan Cyrus on SAT-7 PARS’ programme Signal created a powerful dialogue between the channel and its viewers, when hundreds of messages poured in as a response.
“Let these diseases and microscopic organisms that can destroy our bodies be replaced by harmony and peace, mercy and healing in our bodies,” Cyrus prayed in response to the pandemic that has impacted Iran worse than any other country in the Middle East and North Africa.
“Holy Lord, I bring into Your presence each and every one of us,” he asked, “that Your fatherly favour may be extended, as it is to all creation, to all the people of the world in the midst of the corona pandemic.
“Let it be that the orphaned people of Iran may know you, Lord Jesus,” he continued.
The audience response to his five-minute prayer was one of overwhelming gratitude.
“We are grateful for the prayer you shared. Truly these days we need prayer so that we can be strengthened. Really, what would we do if we didn’t have Jesus Christ?” shared one viewer named Lale.
“Thank you for your beautiful prayer,” shared Ramona. “Amen, the Lord is working – how I needed to hear this prayer. I am sorry I am unable to speak clearly, after hearing this prayer my tears won’t let me speak.”
“I am so grateful to you for your hard work – how I needed that prayer which brought me so much peace and blessing,” wrote Asal, another female viewer from Iran.
Hope conquers fear
Currently, there are over 60,000 cases of the coronavirus in Iran, and many people are worried and afraid. However, despite all the difficulties, the messages sent in response to Revd Cyrus’s prayer are messages of hope.
“We are watching people who are in so much pain, anxiety and anger,” added Lale to her message of thanks. “My husband is a street vendor and currently has no work. We don’t even have any loose change. But we are living in faith and we have never been left in need, and we are praying for everyone else.”
“O Lord, there is this problematic coronavirus, but we can safely navigate it because we have You as our Lord,” prayed Shohreh, another female viewer. “Heavenly Father, open the gates of blessing for the people of the world, and especially those in Iran who need to experience kindness and compassion at this time”.
With Easter fast approaching, during his prayer Cyrus also brought viewers back to the message of the cross. “Lord help us keep Your word in our hearts. Let the cross of Christ be our example, and we pray that we would pick up our cross during this time of Lent. May we draw closer to You every day and put aside our sins and worship You more.”
Revd Keyvan Cyrus is a regular guest on Signal. Although he lives in the United Kingdom, his message to fellow Iranians was made possible through a link to SAT-7 PARS’ Cyprus studio and transmitted via its satellite broadcasts.
Knowing that there are Christians beyond Iran who remember and pray for them is a massive encouragement to Iranian Christians who have to keep their faith a secret in Iran. Programmes like Signal remind them that they are part of a much bigger Christian community and that they are not alone.
We thank you for the vital part you play by praying and supporting the work our Persian language TV team are continuing to do to bring hope to believers in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, despite the challenges they face during this pandemic.
Please pray that many more will come across the SAT-7 PARS channel and be encouraged through its programmes.
This Easter, you can help us broadcast faith-filled programmes across Iran and make God’s love visible in a dark and fearful place.
Watch now
Signal co-host Reza shares how the programme is giving hope founded on Scripture to viewers in Iran (English language video message)