How to Pray for What We Ought to Pray About in the Middle East; Update on Sam and Ala Makarios

Guidance for Faithful Prayer in an Age of Global Threat. Updates Too.

Jun 14, 2025

In this short post, I’ll write about how we can pray for the Middle East, Sam and Ala Makarios, Sundays at St. Stephen’s Hurst, a Stewardship Workshop that will help every church increase their budget.

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Christians should grieve war. Even when the Old Testament records God allowing violence, the arc of Scripture bends toward life. From Genesis to Revelation, the story moves from creation through redemption to restoration.

God made humans in His image (Genesis 1:27). Taking innocent life violates that design (Genesis 9:6). The law commands love for neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). The prophets condemn bloodshed (Isaiah 1:15-17; Amos 5:24) with no soft edges.

Jesus sharpens this ethic: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), and “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). It’s not just about avoiding sin. It’s about defending the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18; James 1:27).

War is what happens when righteousness fails in public.

Getting Real

But let’s not pretend the threat isn’t real. The Middle East is at war again. Iran’s threats to wipe out Israel aren’t just noise. They’re backed by ideology, money, and a long memory. A nuclear-armed Iran wouldn’t just shift the balance—it could shatter it. The consequences would be global and catastrophic.

And now, in a stunning feat of planning, cunning, and famed Israeli chutzpah, the nation of Israel has launched a war for its survival.

They had no choice, especially at this time.

The Death Clock

Did you know that a clock is ticking in the heart of Palestine Square in the center of Tehran? It is counting down the date and time of Israel’s expected destruction on 9 September 2040.

Imagine a scenario when a stated foe, a thousand miles away, had such a clock about the hoped-for destruction of the United States of America. Generations of young people would have been raised with this doomsday clock defining the objective and aims of the country.

Read this sobering entry in Quillette Magazine:

This countdown is a reminder of the regime’s ambitions, but a far more consequential timer is also in motion—how long will it be until Iran develops a nuclear weapon?

Decades of international sanctions and covert sabotage have slowed progress, but not stopped it. Enriched uranium stockpiles and advanced centrifuges have brought Tehran alarmingly close to nuclear breakout capability.

More on the Death Clock here.

Reports are that Iran was weeks, maybe even days, away from having the enriched material to make a bomb.

What choice did they have?

How to Pray

So, how shall we pray? Do we know enough to know?

In my view, we should pray not for vague peace but for the kind that requires truth to stand and lies to fall. We should pray for repentance. We should pray that Iran gives up its nuclear pursuit and that its regime changes course—or changes entirely.

Peace isn’t just the absence of missiles. It’s the presence of conditions that makes for peace and prosperity, for the thriving of human life. That’s what this prayer (or Collect) asks God to bring.

Use it as you like. Or not. But if not, how would you pray?

A Collect for Peace in a World on Edge

Almighty God, whose mercy covers all creation, and who made from one blood every nation under heaven, look with compassion on this wounded world:

Where hatred stirs conflict and war defiles what you have made, bring healing. We grieve the violence that harms the innocent and confess the sin that turns nations against your will.

Remember the people of the Middle East, especially Israel and Iran. Restrain those who seek destruction. Confuse the counsel of the violent, and raise up leaders who love truth, justice, and peace. Spare the world from the terror of nuclear weapons, and bring down every power that exalts itself against life.

Establish the conditions of true peace through repentance, mercy, and the end of tyranny, that your kingdom may come, and all nations may walk in the light of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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Updates for Everyone

About Sam and Ala Makarios, our Israel Guides

Many of you have traveled with me to Israel over the years. I’ve had the privilege of going more than 35 times, which makes the current situation all the more heartbreaking.

This isn’t just a distant conflict—it touches people we know and love. Our dear friends, Sam and Ala Makarios, are there now with their children and extended family. Sam, who has guided many of our pilgrimages, remains in good spirits. He tells me they are safe, though like many Israelis, they find themselves sheltering from missile attacks several times a day. Even in Jerusalem.

Please remember Sam, Ala, and their family in your prayers. Let us lift up all who are living under threat, and pray for their protection and peace.

Do you want to buy Sam and Ala a cup of coffee? Or give them a special gift. Any gift given today or through Sunday night will be transferred to Sam.

Send Sam and Ala a Gift

Father’s Day and Trinity Sunday

Tomorrow is a rich and meaningful day in the Church calendar. It’s both Father’s Day and Trinity Sunday—a day to honor our earthly fathers and to reflect on the mystery and majesty of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I’m delighted to preach at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Hurst, Texas. If you’re in the area, join us for worship and Eucharist at 7:45 or 10:00 a.m.

I look forward to seeing you there: 7452 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX 76054

To all the fathers in The Anglican community: Happy Father’s Day!

At St. Stephen’s, we have a special gift for dads this year—a definite upgrade from the Tootsie Pops I used to give out at Christ Church. I’d be honored to pray with you and for you as you continue the good work of fatherhood.

Provincial Synod and the LeaderWorks Exhibit

This week I’ll be attending the Provincial Synod meeting in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. I’ll be standing (for hours) at the LeaderWorks booth and hope to meet many of you who might be attending. Last time, I barely left my exhibit booth—folks were lined up to talk about the LeaderWorks Trust and the work we’re doing to support church leaders. This year, I’m more prepared than ever. If you’re coming, please stop by. I’d love to connect.

A Tease of Big News

I also have some extraordinary news about the LeaderWorks Trust—something that will make your ears tingle. Without overstating it, I believe we’re on the cusp of a generational plan, an opportunity to empower churches and leaders for decades to come.

I can’t share the full announcement yet, but trust me: it’s good, and I can’t wait to tell you more.

Christ Church Stories Project

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to the idea of compiling The Christ Church Stories into a book. That was all the encouragement I needed. I’ll be working on that project over the summer with the goal of publishing a hard copy volume that gathers these meaningful memories. More on that soon!

For Clergy and Ordained Leaders

I am offering an online workshop to help clergy and pastors of any denomination prepare for Stewardship and Generosity Teaching and Preaching. This Tuesday, June 17th, at 2:30 PM. The cost is $100 and about 90 minutes of your time. When we are done, you’ll have everything you need to lead an effective program for your congregation.

Go here to register for the online seminar.

Substack Growth and New Readers

Over the past six months, writing here on Substack has been a joy. And I believe we’re just getting started. As Substack continues to grow its readership, I want to welcome all of you who are new to The Anglican.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to read the About page—it will give you a sense of the heart behind this work. And if you’re ready to support this ministry and unlock full access to everything we offer, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support means so much, and it helps ensure that The Anglican can thrive and grow for years to come.

Grace and peace,