Christian leaders within the American evangelical community on Friday urged believers to pray not only for Israel but also for peace in the region after that nation’s military conducted a long-anticipated strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel on Friday launched a multi-pronged air operation -- dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” -- striking about 100 targets, including nuclear and military sites, reportedly killing senior officials and scientists.

Here are what five Christian leaders said.

Joel C. Rosenberg, Author and Editor of All Israel News and All Arab News
“Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for taking such a courageous stand against the wicked, genocidal regime in Iran,” Rosenberg wrote after Trump issued a statement siding with Israel. Rosenberg is an American who lives in Israel. “You gave them every chance to make a deal. They refused. Now they’re dead. Thank you for standing with Israel as we save the world from a nuclear-armed Iran.”

Greg Laurie, pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship, California
“This is a very serious matter, and Bible students should be paying close attention,” Laurie said. “The regime in Iran has long supported terrorism around the world—especially against Israel. They have been developing nuclear weapons for some time now, and their leaders have repeatedly threatened to use it to ‘wipe Israel off the face of the Earth.’ We must be in prayer, and we must walk closely with the Lord. These are perilous times, and we need spiritual discernment, courage, and faith more than ever.”

Albert Mohler, president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky
“When you consider the fact that Iran has officially adopted as one of its national aims, the elimination of Israel as a state, well, you can understand why Israel would take this kind of action,” Mohler said on his podcast, The Briefing. “... But as Christians, let’s understand there is a lot more at stake than just military armament or even the size of the military itself. We are looking at the fact that there are opposing worldviews here, and theology still matters. The Islamic Revolution was not a secular revolution and Israel, well, Israel is considered to be the avowed enemy of Iran [and] Iran has declared itself the avowed enemy of Israel because it is absolutely opposed to a Jewish state.”

Samuel Rodriguez, president, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
“Pray for Israel. Pray for peace in the Middle East,” he said. “Pray for an end to terrorism, totalitarianism, and every ideology that exalts hatred over humanity. We stand for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives.”

Jack Graham, president, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Texas
“Today is a day to pray for Israel as attacks on Iran’s terrorist regime will likely result in counter-attacks,” Graham said. “For the sake of global peace, the protection of Israel, and the national interest of America, Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. These are very dangerous days for the world. Sobering. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we stand with Israel.”

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