Pray Network Forum

Oil (4)

PTAP: Qatar, National Day

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on December 16, 2017 at 14:00
QATAR (National Day: December 18)
Modern Qataris:
Qatar is a young country that gained independence from the British in 1971. It was initially unified in 1878 and this is now celebrated each year on December 18th. Qatar is under stress these days from the regional blockade from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia in particular. There is belt tightening from low oil and gas prices, as well as secularization and modernisation. Qatar is youthful, both the expat men and women brought in for labour and management, and the 4+ children born to its citizens. Qatar nationals are a minority, at most 12% of the population, and supported by the wealthiest state in the world.
Psalm 67:4 - May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
Pray for the young Emir, Tamim Al Thani, and the nation's leaders as they guide policy and seek peace. Pray for the nation to rejoice in its sovereignty but to put their trust in the King of Kings. Pray Ps 67:4, that Qatar would rejoice in God and that He would guide and rule Qatar for the glory of His own name. Pray that Emir Tamim would submit to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
Pray for modern openness to extend beyond tolerating expats and building new businesses to the hearing of the Gospel. Pray that the Gospel would spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1). This nation is hungry for money, not God. Pray that God would do the impossible and save the wealthy (Mark 10:24-27). Pray that the rich, young rulers of Qatar would not walk away from Christ!
Pray for the handful of local believers in Qatar - that they would grow in maturity and faith. Pray that they would get together regularly to worship with and encourage one another in Christ. Pray against the fear of persecution. Pray for boldness in their witness and outreach.
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PTAP: Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 9, 2017 at 11:00

Sitting on the northeast coast of Saudi Arabia, Jubail is one of the largest industrial cities in the Middle East. From 1975 until current day, Jubail has seen rapid expansion and an influx of petrochemical workers. Although many internationals come to work at this city Jubail remains predominantly Saudi (73%) thus making it an effective ministry city. 

Prayer Points

  1. With the concentration of Saudi citizens in this area; pray that the Lord would send out missionaries to this city who are willing to connect with the people of Jubail on a personal level, bringing the Gospel in their conversations.
  2. Pray that the local church would not only thrive in their passion for Jesus but that it would be brought out to the marketplace and proclaimed throughout the city. 
  3. With Western influence entering this region pray that the Gospel would also enter this region through Facebook, YouTube, television and radio. Pray that follow up and deep discipleship would occur.
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PTAP: November Prayer Focus: Ibri, Oman

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on November 10, 2016 at 9:27
Ibri is the capital of Al-Dhahirah governate in Oman.  For centuries, it has been a strategic crossroad between Oman and the other Gulf States.  It is located at a nearly equal distance from Muscat, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Being midway between Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman, and the strategic Al Ain/Buraimi Oasis, Ibri has a long history of being a trade route for Bedouin caravans that would find water and shelter in its oases and numerous wadis that provide life-giving water.  In fact, the name "Ibri" means the "place of crossing".  Roads through the mountains have now made stronger connections with Sohar, a major port on Oman's Gulf coast.  Given its strategic location and continuing in the tradition of being a crossroads, the Omani government has recently built a major road from Ibri that heads off to Saudi Arabia, connecting the two countries.
 
With modern development, Ibri is growing into a major commercial center in Oman with an ever increasing population - over 100,000.  It is now the 4th or 5th largest city in Oman. There are colleges, hospitals, schools, and a tight connection with the oil industry. Fahud, where the first oil wells in Oman were drilled, lies in the wilaya (or province) of Ibri.
The Omanis of Ibri come from important Beduoin (nomadic) and Hadhar (settled) tribes known for their friendliness and hospitality.  They are strongly grounded in their traditions and yet are open to new developments as they arise.  They have a quiet pride about their city and are anticipating a bright future that showcases their traditions.
1.Jesus says: "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  (John 4:14).  Pray that Ibri would drink and find new life in Jesus.
2.There are few, if any, workers in Ibri as of today.  Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send workers to Ibri.  Also pray for the Lord to inspire Indian and Filipino expats who already live in Ibri to proclaim the gospel to their Omani neighbors.
3.Ibri is a crossroads city.  Pray that the people of Ibri would stand by the roads and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and then to walk in it and find rest for their souls (Jer 6:16).
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ola0Ta0GCVk
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PTAP: Pray for Saudi Arabia during Ramadan

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 20, 2016 at 16:22
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor..."  - Isaiah 61:1-2 (NIV)
Pray with the Christians in Saudi Arabia as they strive to be the presence of Jesus in this land. In the midst of war to the north and south of Saudi Arabia, with growing economic pressure and rumors of political instability in the royal family, the Saudi people are facing an uncertain future.   Pray God directs the royal family and governing officials to make wise decisions in line with God's will for the country. 
As the region experiences instability, may this be a time for the people of Saudi to start questioning their foundation and beliefs. Pray the Lord puts new questions into their hearts, to seek Jesus. 
Pray for emerging Saudi believers, that they may be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. Pray against the fear and distrust that keeps many of them isolated. Pray for believers to have the courage to meet together.  Pray for whole households, families and friendship groups to come to the Lord, so that local fellowships will be formed. Praise the Lord; He will build His church. 
Pray for revival amongst the many expat Christians working here, and a heart of love towards the Saudi people that moves them to pray and reach out as the Lord directs.  The severity of the economic situation resulting from low oil prices is beginning to effect companies causing them to slash budgets, reduce manpower and slow or stop new hiring. Pray for God to protect the jobs of intentional Christian workers.
Source: Christians in Saudi Arabia
Bless King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who is called the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (in Mecca and Medina), with wisdom to rule his nation and to know how to move forward in international relations. Turn the blessing of oil into a blessing to the whole world and for Your glory. 
 
Bless Saudis who connect through social media with Christian programs and websites; teach them about You.
 
Father, bless them with the ability to commit all their ways to You and establish Your plans among them. (Prayer based on Proverbs 16:3, the Holy Bible)
Source: WIN International Network
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