Standing in the gap: daily prayer for Iran
As conditions in Iran remain deeply unstable and people across the country are grieving and traumatised, SAT-7 PARS has launched a new daily initiative to support viewers with much-needed presence, prayer and solidarity.
From this week, Iranian viewers are invited to join Standing in the Gap, a daily, participatory prayer and intercession gathering held online via Zoom. The one-hour sessions run Monday to Friday, 2.30–3.30pm Iran time, offering a shared space for prayer, worship, Bible readings, and mutual support during an exceptionally painful season.
The initiative comes as internet access is partially restored in Iran. The Iranian authorities shut down the internet on 8 January and since then, communication from inside the country has been very limited. But during brief windows when Iranians have been able to get online, their messages to SAT-7 PARS have highlighted the need for connection and support.
“In these days, as Iran is facing painful, unstable and highly distressing conditions, the level of grief, fear, emotional exhaustion and loneliness among people has significantly increased,” said Ashraf Khalilpour, SAT-7 PARS Viewer Support Manager. “Many of our viewers are not only in need of content, but also of presence, companionship, and a tangible sense of standing with them during this critical time.”
“WEEPING OPENLY”
Messages received by SAT-7 PARS in recent weeks underline why such a space matters.
“Thank you for your kindness and for praying for us, as well as the kindness of our Father in heaven, by whose grace I am alive and able to speak with you,” said one viewer. “So many people have been killed. In our street one young girl was killed from a bullet to the head – a poor young teenager full of dreams for the future. So many people gathered afterwards weeping openly for this innocent girl.”
Another viewer shared heartfelt questions that many believers are carrying: “I was sitting next to a mother who had lost her young son and I could see her pain and sorrow. I asked myself, ‘What is my duty as an Iranian Christian?… What can we do for them? How can we comfort them?’”
“WE ARE NOT ALONE”
Others have expressed how SAT-7 PARS’ broadcasts have been a source of strength during the turmoil over the last few weeks. One long-time viewer described turning on the channel during a particularly distressing night. “I was in a very bad mood and feeling low,” she wrote, “but when I watched your programme from beginning to end, I felt renewed. Your efforts are not in vain and have a very positive impact on the viewers. Thank you for understanding us and for helping us to know that if we fall, we are not alone.”
It is this sense of shared faith and endurance that the Zoom prayer sessions seek to nurture. Inspired by Ezekiel 22:30a,the SAT-7 PARS team is standing in the gap for grieving families, the injured and prisoners, and praying for peace, protection and God’s guidance for Iran.
Members of SAT-7’s Viewer Support and Care Team will be present throughout each session to accompany and support participants. The Zoom link is shared daily via WhatsApp and social media for viewers inside and outside of Iran to join as often as they are able.
At a time when so many feel isolated and powerless, this is about standing together: reminding one another that no one is forgotten, and that God is present even in the darkest moments.
