Last week was National Army Day in Tehran. Thousands of soldiers marched past senior dignitaries and foreign observers from at least seven countries, including China, India, and Turkey. From the speeches it was made clear that while Iran has no aggressive foreign policy aims, still the country’s nearly half a million active soldiers were going to be kept busy, for Iran is a regional power. They would be kept on high alert to deal with any attack on the motherland; some would be trained to become regional peacemakers; and there is going to be a large-scale military drill where neighbours will be invited. It is important for Christians to remember that they are all ordinary young men, deeply loved by God. Many of these soldiers are conscripts, doing two years of military service, and away from home for the first time. They are at a crucial time of their lives, and while their seniors observe them while they drill, God observes their hearts, and longs to enter into fellowship with them. Pray for •Salvation of many soldiers in the army •Wisdom for Iran’s military leaders •Peace in the Middle East.