Brothers and Sisters,
On February 28, 2026, the United States of America joined with Israel to attack the nation of Iran, and especially the Islamic republic which has governed Iran since 1979.
The war raises many questions and has far-reaching implications for the Saints around the world, but especially to those who are living in the United States. How shall we pray about this war? Is it a just (in the eyes of God) war or an unjust one? In either case, what ought our response be? For American citizens, how shall the church react?
At this moment, we call upon the Saints of God to unite in an appeal to heaven on behalf of the people involved in this war.
- Pray for the men and women in uniform for the United States of America for wisdom, safety and faith in God.
- Pray for those who are the enemies of the United States of America for softened hearts, to lose the desire for war and destruction. Pray that their hearts will be open to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the civilians in the areas under attack in the Middle East for safety. May God grant them the chance to hear the Truth and be set free from political and spiritual bondage.
- Pray for the leadership of the countries involved. Let them know the influence of true wisdom in their choices.
- Ask the Lord to take away any rejoicing in the death of another, especially those who are unprepared to meet God.
- Pray for the church of Jesus Christ that its members will be granted the power of the Holy Ghost and be armed with righteousness and lift up Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. May the Saints be granted courage and resolve to seek to bring forth and establish the Zion of God and his Son, Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the safety of the citizens of the country in which you live. Although not actively in the hot zone of active battle, there is a real threat of harm from pro-Iran and radical elements who will hear and obey calls to kill Americans and citizens of other countries in retaliation for the military actions of the United States. Pray for wisdom, the safety of your family and yourself. Pray for the safety of churches and schools across the land. Ask that law enforcement will be diligent and courageous in their duties.
- Pray for a revival of faith in the church and in this country. Only the Prince of Peace can bring true and lasting peace on earth. May the will of our Heavenly Father be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- Repent of personal sin and unbelief. Labor to repair damaged relationships. Act with charity towards all. Charity loves mercy, does justly and walks humbly before the God of heaven and earth.
We ask the Saints of God to be as the leaven of righteousness in this world of war, darkness, lies and hatred. Jesus said,
15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor, wherewith shall the earth be salted? the salt shall thenceforth be good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 17 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. 18 Therefore, let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:15-18).
To the local ministry in branches:
- Exercise the prayer of faith and lift the Saints up to the Lord for his protection and welfare.
- Seek the Lord by study and by faith for words to strengthen the Saints for difficult times by relying on the merits of Jesus Christ (D&C 85:36a; 2 Nephi 13:28-32).
- Minister the word of God to the people. “And now, as the preaching of the word had had a greater tendency to lead the people to do that which was just; yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them; therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God (Alma 16:82).
- Remember and teach the covenant principle: If you keep the commandments of God you will prosper in the land. “And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands” (1 Nephi 1:54).
- Pray regularly for your neighbors and friends who do not know Jesus Christ or the fullness of the gospel. “Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer, in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God” (Alma 4:6).
We are taught in scripture that when we see wars and rumors of war among the nations it is a sign of God’s wrath against the wicked and the church of the devil. It also signals God is working to bring home scattered Israel and awaken the remnant of Lehi’s seed. Therefore, be watchful for signs of God’s covenants being fulfilled and teach the people to do likewise (see 1 Nephi 3:230-237).
“Remember that Saints should be cheerful in their warfare that they may be joyous in their triumph” (D&C 119:9c).
In Gospel Bonds,
Gary R. Whiting, A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.