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Tradition Challenged

With sixty percent of its population under the age of thirty, tradition is being challenged more and more in the Arab world. In some countries, young people have a lot more freedom than they did twenty or so years ago. Beliefs and values face more challenge than they ever did.

Pray for young people’s hearts and minds to be open to the gospel. Pray for a new generation of strong, solid disciples to emerge.

Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life. (1 Timothy 4:12, NCV)

Materialism

The wealth of some Arab countries presents a relatively new obstacle to the gospel in the form of materialism. The pursuit and comfort of wealth can be a distraction from more eternal things, and this can make faith-sharing difficult.

Pray for those who are called to share their faith in wealthy cultures where Islam and materialism maintain strongholds. It’s much tougher than it sounds!

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil ...

Loss

The Iraq war has made a huge impact on its indigenous Christian community. Persecution has increased making it extremely dangerous for many to remain. While some believers choose to stay, many more have felt unable to. This is understandable, but the loss of so many believers is truly sad and will impact the country.

Pray for the protection of the few remaining Iraqi believers and thank God for their boldness in staying put. Pray for peace in Iraq and tolerance of all faiths. Pray that a time will come when those who have left can return to their homeland and live in safety.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11, NIV)

Refugees

In the countries of Jordan and Syria you will find large numbers of refugees, mainly from Iraq and the Palestinian territories. These people often live in poverty, with uncertain futures. Many pin their hope on a successful application for residency in a western country.

Lift up the refugee populations of Jordan and Syria in prayer. Pray for their daily physical needs to be met. Give thanks for the countries that are taking refugees in and pray that these individuals and families will be able to settle and build new lives.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10, NIV)

Born a Muslim

For many Muslims, the idea that a Muslim can become a Christian is ludicrous. You are born a Muslim - you can’t change religion. This belief is particularly prevalent in the Arabian Gulf, where few local believers exist to counter it.

Pray that more Muslims would come to the realisation that they are free to choose Christ.

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven - and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all - life healed and whole. (1 Peter 1:3-5, MSG)

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