Should We Pray for Our Nation’s Victory in War?

Should we pray for our nation’s victory in war?

On Feb. 28, the United States began a massive air offensive against Iran. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he supported the U.S. strikes, albeit “with regret.” The war placed many of our Christian brothers and sisters in harm’s way, including those serving in or supporting the U.S. military as well as those living in Iran and neighboring Gulf states.

Pastors and worship leaders face difficult questions. How should we pray about the war? Should we pray for an American victory, or simply for peace? Should we ask God to protect Christians from harm, or all people, even Iran’s leaders? Should we ask God to overthrow the Iranian government since it is oppressive and has killed many of its own people?

The best guide for our prayers is 1 Timothy 2:1-4, where the Apostle Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Note several things about Paul’s teaching. First, we are to pray not only for our own leaders or nation, but for all people. Second, we are to pray for them, not against them. Third, one goal of our prayers should be that we may live peaceful and godly lives. As Jesus teaches in Luke 18:1-8, such prayers should include urgent cries for justice. Fourth, the ultimate goal is that all people will be saved. Thus, we should pray for both the U.S. and the Iranian governments, as well as the people who live under them; we should pray that they might have peace and justice; and we should pray for their salvation.

But what about the many places in the Old Testament where Israelites prayed for the defeat of their enemies? This was a very different situation. God made a unique covenant with Israel in which he commanded them to fight and destroy pagan nations. He has made no such covenant with any other nation.

In Ephesians 2:14-17, Paul writes that Jesus “has made the two groups (Jews and Gentiles) one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace. … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” This is our mission as churches, and this should guide our prayers.