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believers (18)
Ask that the Father would stir up repentant hearts among those in the Arabian Peninsula. Pray that He would give them eyes to see their sin, a true sorrow about it, and hearts that are humble before Him. Pray that they would turn to Him in repentance.
Pray that those in the Arabian Peninsula would know that despite their shortfalls, repentant hearts can lead to eternal security. Pray that they would come to know the Gospel and claim Jesus as their Savior, their acceptance, and their freedom.
Pray for opportunities for believers to have conversation with nationals in the Arabian Gulf about the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow. Ask for opportunities to discuss what repentance means, what it produces, why it is important, what it doesn't mean, and how Jesus plays a role in it.
Pray on behalf of the nations of the Arabian Peninsula. As a believer, stand in the gap for this nation who does not know the one true God and repent of its twisted ways. Repent for the sins of this nation and intercede on their behalf asking God to do a mighty work in this land and in this people. Pray for His Kingdom to come in the Arabian Peninsula,
September 23 is Saudi Arabia's National Day and so let's focus our prayers on Saudi Arabia today. Here are some current requests from people in the country:
Social media is growing and the potential to connect with seekers is growing. Please pray for media teams that are using social media to reach the lost and bring them into discipling relationships.
Please pray for Filipinos in country to mobilize and prepare their people in country to reach out to locals. We have seen great movement lately.
Locals are coming to faith, but very few are continuing in their journey and most will not meet with others. Pray for seekers and believers to form groups and grow together.
There are still many students in the West. Please remember to pray for them and that believers in the West would be bold to share with them. Also pray for those who do believe and return to Saudi. It can be a very difficult thing to transition back into country.
As the country is going through a lot of changes socially and economically, pray that this change would encourage people to be open to spiritual change and that they would explore new beliefs and ideas.
Social media is growing and the potential to connect with seekers is growing. Please pray for media teams that are using social media to reach the lost and bring them into discipling relationships.
Please pray for Filipinos in country to mobilize and prepare their people in country to reach out to locals. We have seen great movement lately.
Locals are coming to faith, but very few are continuing in their journey and most will not meet with others. Pray for seekers and believers to form groups and grow together.
There are still many students in the West. Please remember to pray for them and that believers in the West would be bold to share with them. Also pray for those who do believe and return to Saudi. It can be a very difficult thing to transition back into country.
As the country is going through a lot of changes socially and economically, pray that this change would encourage people to be open to spiritual change and that they would explore new beliefs and ideas.
Recently, about 120 people were physically healed at a gathering in a village because they were all hungry for an encounter and for healing. The Lord did an amazing work, but please pray that these souls would also believe in their hearts who Jesus Christ is. Please pray that miracles, signs, and wonders would continue to occur to accompany and confirm the message of truth.
Please keep praying for "Jennifer" whom we have been praying for, the local woman who has been suffering from black magic. Unfortunately, she is still being tormented by evil spirits. She looks confused and was really sick for nearly two months. She has complained of psychological problems. She went to see a psychiatrist who somehow helped her with some medicine. She is still avoiding her Christian friends. When they try to share Jesus with her, she changes the subject. Last year, she saw a vision in her bedroom of a large red cross. Just because some Muslims see dreams and visions doesn't mean they turn to Jesus automatically! This is a call to press on in our prayers for her. Let's do just that!
The friends of a believer are asking questions about what she believes, and why. They want to know and understand the whole truth, although they confess they really don't believe. Please pray that their eyes and hearts would be opened to the truth, that they would not reject Jesus Christ, and that they would experience the true love of God for themselves.
Please pray for protection and guidance in discipleship relationships and the wisdom to nurture new believers in a way that will result in indigenous and reproducible churches. Pray for local believers to have boldness and to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and fellowship with other believers.
"Amy" had hopes and dreams to study and become a nurse one day. Her father had different plans for her, to either marry young or to quickly get a job to provide money for her family. She was forced to quit her studies and is desperately searching for a job that will please her father and prevent an unwanted marriage. She seems to run into dead end after dead end, and her father's patience is running low. Please pray for Amy to find a job soon that will satisfy her father, and that she will find peace in a relationship with her true Father.
Please pray for all local believers who are alone. Pray that the Lord will bring them into contact with people who love Him, that they will know they are not alone and that they will thrive. Pray for them to have boldness and wisdom in sharing with other locals. Pray also for those who try to tell their friends and family about Jesus but are faced with confrontation. In fact, some of their friends and family try to convince them that the Bible was corrupted, and this confuses them. Pray for these local believers to continue to be bold in sharing with others. Pray for God to remove all confusion from their hearts and increase their faith in His Word.
Please pray for the Word of God to be translated into local dialects. Pray for this project's progression and for those who are doing the translating.
Answers to Prayer
Praise God for answering our prayers during our recent February prayer focus on Yemen! Here are three answers:
1. It has been reported that in February, more than 10 new Yemeni believers were acknowledged. And of course, there could be more of whom we do not know about.
2. The bombings from Saudi Arabia and its coalition have greatly decreased.
3. In the first week of March, a Yemeni university student walked into an international church in the Gulf asking many questions about the faith, even asking "What is baptism?" He then attended a student conference the next day where he received more gospel teaching. The campus workers involved have followed up on him. As of now, he is not interested in the gospel. He is a pluralist who picks and chooses what he likes in different religions. But let's pray for him. Seeds have been sown and he now has Christian friends. Pray that the Father will grow these seeds to bring new life in Christ!
1. It has been reported that in February, more than 10 new Yemeni believers were acknowledged. And of course, there could be more of whom we do not know about.
2. The bombings from Saudi Arabia and its coalition have greatly decreased.
3. In the first week of March, a Yemeni university student walked into an international church in the Gulf asking many questions about the faith, even asking "What is baptism?" He then attended a student conference the next day where he received more gospel teaching. The campus workers involved have followed up on him. As of now, he is not interested in the gospel. He is a pluralist who picks and chooses what he likes in different religions. But let's pray for him. Seeds have been sown and he now has Christian friends. Pray that the Father will grow these seeds to bring new life in Christ!
This week in a worker's class, the worker was speaking of a musical instrument that is used in a religious service. Afterwards a front row student asked about it, saying he had seen it in a church. This made the worker wonder. The worker asked the student if he is a Christian. The student replied, 'yes.' When the worker inquired further, he learned that the student and his sister are former Muslims who had recently become believers in Jesus. The student appreciated that the worker was sensitive in asking and talking with him before others, as the student's parents are not keen on this belief.
The student seems bold and eager. He wants to get together with the worker, as he has questions that he wants to ask about the Bible. The worker would like to know the student's story. Pray that the student would have grace to continue growing, become united with a worthy group of believers, and become strong in knowledge and faith.
Give praise that a new, local believer was able to share with a couple of family members in a celebration of Christ's birth, even though they are not yet aware of her decision to follow Jesus. Pray that the many who have heard the gospel story will receive and accept confirmation of its truth by revelation, signs, wonders, dreams or visions.
A young woman told her believing friend, "I need a new life." Please pray that she and many others will open their hearts to the Lord and be able to experience Him for who He truly is, and will find new life in Him.
As two men continue in study of the the Word, pray that their eyes will be open to its truth and they will desire to know more of Him. May they accept His gift of salvation and be witnesses for Him in their community.
Continue to pray for those lone believers who have no opportunity for communal worship, study, and fellowship. Pray that they will grow stronger in faith and trust in the Lord. Pray that they will find ways to safely share their faith with others and become His church where it is not yet established.
A couple of university students are on a spiritual journey together seeking to know more about Jesus. Pray that nothing will prevent them from continuing this journey and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior.
Please pray for "Jennifer" whom we have prayed for in the past. She is the local woman who is suffering from the effects of black magic. The good news is that her believing friends continue to love her and share the gospel with her. The bad news is that she has been moving away from them recently. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to work in her life, bringing her back to her friends so that the light of Christ would continue to shine in her dark life. Pray that the Father would speak to her through the Bible which she has access to and also through dreams of Christ which she has had in the past. Let's continue to pray for her salvation!
Also pray for a local man in the same country who is also hearing a lot of the gospel from a believer. Both of these locals need the Holy Spirit to break through and change their hearts and minds completely. Pray that God would do so.
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.
How often do you pray for your children or grandchildren? I once heard Dee Duke say he was committed to pray for his daughter, and each of his children, everyday of their lives. Most of us come pretty close to this without making a commitment. How do you pray for your offspring? Are you asking God for insight on what and how to pray for them?
Many years ago now, I witnessed a clandestined baptism in a bathtub in small apartment in a city in China. Several of us crowded in to see the joyful event. As the candidate stood up, water pouring from his clothes someone said, “Stop! Does anyone have a prophetic word about our new brother at his baptism?” Although no one seemed to have a word from God concerning the new convert, I thought the question was appropriate. God certainly has great plans to work in the life of every new believer. And simply asking the question ignited a spirit of expectancy in the crowded room. Who knew what God was planning to do through the life of His new child?
Hebrews 11:23 God tells us something very interesting about one of the greatest people who ever lived.
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
This always strikes me as funny. Can you imagine the parents of Moses peering at their newborn child? Suddenly his mother says, “He is red and wrinkled. Throw him in the river!”
I remember waiting through the night in the nervous father's waiting room in a hospital. It was after 3:00 A.M. when a nurse stepped into the room and told me I was a father, but I could not see my wife and daughter until they had moved them back to the hospital room.
But as a pastor I knew my way around the hospital. I made my way to a place where they would have to pass on their way to the room. When the bed came rolling round the corner I had our daughter in my arms before the nurse was able to speak. And she was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
But I don't believe the scripture refers to physical or sentimental beauty here. Stephen clarifies this in his sermon in Acts 7 where he says the child was beautiful in God's sight. It seems his parents got a glimpse of what God saw in the life of Moses.
My children are all grown now with careers and families of their own. But I still pray for them. And I ask God to show me what He is seeing in their futures so I can be part of what He plans for them in my prayers.
http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/
http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/
Prayer Requests - October 25, 2017
PTAP is joining WIN1040 (win1040.com) this month in praying for unreached countries of the world. October 25 is the day to pray for Oman. Let's continue to lift up Oman with thousands of people around the world that God would build the local church there.
Praise Report
Praise God that the government of Oman wants to see more Omanis join the work force and is trying to help educate and employ them to be successful (The Bible, Psalm 111:6). ...
Prayer Request
Pray for more Omanis to be willing to work in the low and mid-level job positions. These are not as attractive but are key to the countries growth (The Bible, Proverbs 14:23).
Transformational Prayer
Pray for the Omani people to be transformed from a proud people blessed by oil wealth to those humbly seeking to find Jesus (The Bible, Matthew 19:26).
Call to Salvation
Pray that the very few believers in the Lord Jesus will not be ashamed of the Gospel but will tell their families and friends about His saving power. (The Bible, Romans 1:16).
Source: More expats than Omanis hired last year: Central Bank of Oman
Continue to Pray for Sohar
In fact, earlier this month, you received prayer points about Sohar--a city in Oman. Please continue to pray for Sohar as you watch the following video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRZhgGVEL3E&index=14&list=PLiujm0LZ5YjY1ViRWDKB_dOv_wAuTqcFL
For Muslims in the region most of the very basics of Christianity are a struggle to accept and contrary to their view of God. To think of God as Father, or even more than that; as Daddy (Abba) is really difficult. As well,the concept of the Trinity is a big obstacle. It is believed God does not share his deity with another so it is hard then to accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Another difficulty is the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. It is believed that if Christ was God he would never have had to die on a cross set apart for criminals. As well, it is thought that no man can die for the sins of another, each must make restitution for their own wrongs. The people in this regions struggle with some of the most basic truths that come from God's Word.
Pray for the truth about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to be revealed across the region. Pray that many in this region would come to understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be released over the hearts and lives of people in this region. Pray for a revelation of God's personal touch in this area of the world.
A young man is praising God for being with him in hard circumstances. God has promised that he will "never leave or forsake" his people. Pray for Believers in the AP who are struggling with their surroundings, whether it be physical hardship or lack of freedom to live openly for Christ. Pray that God will give them joy even in their suffering.
I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1
A group of near culture believers who have moved to the Arabian Peninsula for work have a passion to share and are meeting regularly to encourage each other as they ask the Father for opportunities to share and disciple. Please pray that the Lord will move mightily in and through them.
A country with very few indigenous believers is slowly beginning to see some fruit, as those who have begun to follow Jesus are giving testimony to their friends and family. Give praise for these bold ones and pray that they will continue to share with great joy, continued boldness, and great wisdom. Pray that many will be added to the Kingdom.
R, a self-proclaimed agnostic, admitted to a follower of Jesus that he too once decided to follow the teachings of Jesus after coming to the conclusion that His message is the true one. Since then, he has fallen away and admits his feeling of emptiness. Please ask that R will once again have a hunger to walk with Jesus, that he will surrender his life to His Lordship, that his family will be restored to him, and that they also will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Even after seeing the truth in the Word and realizing that Jesus is so much more than just a prophet, it is difficult for someone from the Muslim faith to embrace the Gospel as the way to God. A young woman exclaimed, "How could I ever believe that the Quran is not from Allah?" Pray that the beloved people of the Arabian Peninsula will be freed from the chains that bind them to falsehood. Pray that they will be given faith by the Holy Spirit to repent and confess that Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life.
A woman with stage 4 cancer is reading the Word with her mother. May they receive the faith to embrace the truth of the Good News and surrender their lives to Jesus. Pray also for divine healing in accordance with His will and for His glory.
A very sweet and intelligent mother of three young children has received a copy of the Word with eagerness to explore what it says. Pray that she will read with hunger and understanding and her eyes will be opened to the truth.
Pray that the veil over the eyes of locals would be removed and that they would see the truth for what it is. There is much healing happening among the locals, but it goes nowhere because they are blinded to the truth behind the miracle! Pray these miracles will lead to salvation in Jesus!
Pray for Sammy, a woman who received prayer for her back and was healed. Pray for an open door of friendship with the one who prayed for her and that she will hear and receive the truth.
Amy heard the Good News but was rather uncomfortable with it, even after she received healing from the Lord. Ask that the barriers in her heart will come down, that she will be given great understanding and will surrender to the Lord with joy.
When Sarah shared her deep loneliness with her believing neighbors, they prayed for her. She told them she felt much lighter and peaceful, acknowledging that it was a result of their prayers. Ask for an open door to share the good news with her, that her heart will continue to soften and that she will accept it.
There are many foreign, believing workers in the AP (Pakistanis, Filipinos, Indians, etc.) Pray that their love and testimony of Jesus will impact the hearts of the locals. Many of them are servants in the homes of locals and could have a major impact on entire families. Ask that they will be strengthened to stand firm in their own commitment and be given open doors to share.
Pray that more people will have dreams and visions of Jesus. Many turn to him after experiencing such an encounter with Him, so ask for more of it! And pray that those people who have had dreams/visions will seek out people of faith in Jesus to give them more information.
The school year has begun this week in most countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Pray for the many Christian workers who serve as teachers. Pray that they may be able to teach and love the students, families, and colleagues as Jesus did. May their presence be a light.
As the school year begins, pray for the children of Yemen who have had many school interruptions due to the fighting in their country. Some of their schools have been destroyed or were used to house displaced people. Pray that the children will be able to go to school. Pray for their protection and ask that the war in their country will end.
A group of Christians gathered to eat in a food court were discussing the difference between two Arabic words for "chicken." Wanting to resolve the matter, Sister T stepped over to a nearby table where a local woman was sitting alone. "Excuse me, may I ask you a question?" "Please go ahead," the young lady replied. "Is there a difference in the meaning between dujaaj and farooj?" After answering Sister T's question, the local woman said, "May I also ask you a question?" The Christian welcomed her to do so. "How can Jesus be God?" The two had a wonderful discussion about how Jesus is God and other spiritual things as well, and the two women exchanged numbers. Sadly, the young woman's phone was taken by a male relative and is suspected that she has had some negative repercussions at home given that the contact was completely cut off. Please pray for this dear young Muslim seeker.
Ahmed invited his former professor Doug to see the new version of Ben Hur, which had come to the theaters of this country. However, all aspects of Jesus were censored out! Fortunately, Doug had a DVD copy of the 1959 version which he loaned to Ahmed. Pray that the contrast will draw attention to Christ's work and Ahmed to Christ.
A Muslim woman who has regular contact with members of the Royal family and other VIPs became a follower of Christ through watching the Jesus film. She came up with a clever way to share the Gospel with them, without incriminating herself in the process. Please pray for the seed sown to take root, grow & produce a harvest. Pray also for her to walk in sound doctrine and an impeccable testimony in public & private.
An elderly bedou woman sought medical help and spiritual deliverance for her granddaughter who was dying. Neither attempts were successful in the end, and the girl passed away. However, the bedou woman had been touched by the kindness of the only Christian family in her village during the year-long ordeal of suffering. The wife had visited often, bringing gifts to cheer the bed-ridden granddaughter--even calling to find out what she would like to have that day. The Christian husband had paid for some very costly prescription pain reliever to ease her suffering when the men of the bedou family refused to "waste money on one who was going to die anyway." She was so moved by their kindness that she asked the Christian couple for a copy of the Bible. Since she couldn't read, they gave her a dramatized Bible on tape. The bedou lady became a believer and has since discovered others in her tribe who also know the LORD! Please pray for their solid growth, protection, maturity, and the spread of the Gospel throughout their families.
A friend has observed that there is a new people group moving into her neighborhood. She has engaged several of the women in conversation as they walk with their children. The women seem open and want to learn English. Please pray that this opportunity will blossom into relationships that are deeper and ultimately relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please pray for people of the land who have accepted Christ but need to keep quiet about it. Pray that groups will form where they can gather with others who are in this same situation. Pray for believers who can mentor and disciple them. Pray for favor, protection, and bridges with their families. Pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom and counsel to fall on them that they might know how to navigate this new faith in this culture and with their families. Pray that the word of God would settle deep in their hearts so they will not fall away when things get difficult or hard. Please pray that much encouragement and fellowship will rise up around them as they learn from God's word.
Praise God for groups of prayer initiatives that are springing up all over the region. Please pray for protection and perseverance for these endeavors. Pray they will be energized and encouraged by times of prayer together. Pray that we will all know in the heavenly realms that much is taking place even if we do not see specific things in the natural.
Prayer Requests & Hajj 2016 - Sept 7, 2016
Praise God for those in the Arabian Peninsula who walked in darkness but now believe in the Savior. Pray that the witness of their changed lives will be strong as they live day to day among people who don't agree with their beliefs. Pray that others will be drawn to them, desiring change also. Pray for many to believe and grow in faith.
The leader of a local mosque made an unexpected visit to the home of a Christian worker. The Christian was surprised and a little frightened about the possible purpose of his visit, but was relieved when he partook of refreshments served to him. In Muslim culture, this is a sign indicating good will. After traditional greetings and conversation, the Muslim leader said, "Well, you know why I have come to visit you." The Christian respectfully replied, "No, sir, I actually do not know why you have come to visit." "I have come because if I were to die right now I know I would go to Hell." Amazed, the Christian shared the Gospel with him beginning with the Fall of Man and the Promise of the Seed of the Woman in the Garden of Eden-- the very first prophecy of Christ (Genesis 3). By the end of the visit, the Muslim leader left with a copy of the Jesus Film, the dramatized audio Bible, and Arabic worship music. He returned every few weeks with questions and at last put his faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. Please pray for him as he is facing enormous spiritual warfare.
Some years ago a very skinny and dirty little boy came to the home of a Christian family to beg. They gave him some money, but when he returned another day, the wife said she would not give money but would make him food to eat while he played in the yard. Soon, the boy was bringing other apparent orphans with him. The wife invited them in to have sandwiches and tea with a movie, and showed them the Jesus film. This little boy is now a teenager, and still comes to the Christian family's home seeking refuge from the cruelty of the world he lives in. Because he has no passport, he cannot legally get work, but it is also illegal to beg. The Christian family believes God brought him to them for a reason. Please pray for this young man to come to know Christ, and that God will open the doors and lead him into the plans for which the LORD created him.
Join in praise and rejoicing that "Lydia" (one for whom many petitions have been made) has surrendered her heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ! Please pray that she will let go of the former things that she has believed and walk in His Light and Truth. Pray also for her as she is the lone believer in her family, that she will stand strong and be given wisdom to know how to be a light in her community.
Give praise for a young man who, after careful consideration, has professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His commitment is firm, having expressed that he waited until he was sure he would never turn back. Rejoice that he has already begun to share his faith, and pray he will grow in wisdom and knowledge. He is the only believer in his family, for whom he carries much responsibility. Pray that the changes that are taking place within him will draw his family and friends to saving faith as well.
Hajj Prayer 2016
PTAP's Hajj Prayer 2016 is a call for Christians to pray for millions of Muslims as they go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj Pilgrimage (Sept 9-11 [14*], 2016) as they do every year. They seek forgiveness of their sins through this pilgrimage but we know that it is only through Christ that sins are forgiven. Let's pray that Muslims would come to know the Lord Jesus and true forgiveness of their sins.
* Because of the millions now going on this Hajj, some will complete the Hajj in three days, others will take longer.
All the Hajj 2016 information can be found at the PTAP website:
A video encouraging prayer for Muslims during Hajj:
US formatted Prayer guide for Hajj:
"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
Pray for the country of Y as unrest continues. Now that the port of A is open, pray that ships bringing food will come and that those who need the food will receive it. Pray for all the logistics necessary to make this happen. Pray for peace in Y. Pray for a number of believers who are in great need now - without jobs and means to provide well for their families. Pray that some of this food will go to them and that they too would provide for those in need (Luke 10:25-37).
In the same country, pray for a young man who is searching for Truth due to trauma in his childhood. Thank God that he now has access to the Scriptures. Ask that the Holy Spirit will help him understand them. Pray that he and his whole family will believe. In addition, pray for a believer who was put in prison last week for trying to help meet the material needs of other believers. Pray for his release, spiritual encouragement, peace and joy (Matthew 5:10, 11), and boldness to speak God's word (Acts 4:29).
In another country, there had been a budding church of nationals coming together. However, a jailing of one of the new believers, then a court case between two of them, etc. caused the group to crumble. Pray for the long-time tentmakers and these believers, that they will all have renewed faith, love, hope, guidance, encouragement from the word (Romans 15:4), and wisdom from the past, to see God's chosen church established together in the faith in unity (Psalm 133, Romans 15:5-7).
Pray for the young men in another country who live in a small, conservative town. Some of them are hostile to the truth but they are still willing to discuss the issues. They are hungry for spiritual substance in contrast to their peers who only care about material comfort. Pray that God would grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth that they may escape from the snare of the devil who has captured them to do his will (2 Timothy 2:25, 26).
It was such an encouraging moment when an employee, Abdullah, came to his tentmaking colleague, Doug, and said, "I'm always so pleased to see you. You give me a lot of energy!" Doug then shared a story about being willing to have our hearts dealt with, in order to find life's meaning. Pray that continuing conversations will draw Abdullah to that Giver of Life.
Pray for a local believer who is relocating to a new area for a new job. May he find favor and fellowship in his new situation, be led to people whose hearts are hungry for the truth, and be given both boldness and wisdom in how and when to share. Give praise and glory to the Lord for this believer's commitment and faithfulness.
"Ahmed", who has seemed disillusioned about any particular religion, accepted a copy of Josh MacDowell's More Than a Carpenter in Arabic. He said he would read it soon. Pray that the evidence for truth of Jesus' character and words will stick in Ahmed's heart and bring him to faith. |
| Testimony |
I met a Saudi military officer in a shopping mall. As we spoke, he talked about wanting to take a second wife. I said that I would pray that God would reveal to him whether it was right to take a second wife, as I thought that God's intention was that one man should be married to one woman.We also spoke of some of the actions that Christ had done. After giving a little context, I read him part of the story of Lazarus from John 11 (v 33 - 44), of Jesus weeping, praying, ordering the tomb opened and commanding Lazarus to come out, though four days dead, and of Lazarus coming out alive. At the conclusion of the story, the Saudi said that only God could raise a man from the dead - correct analysis! But he then concluded that this story must have been added to the gospel - incorrect analysis! Once again, the denial by Muslims of Christ's divinity, and their belief that the Bible has been altered, had prevented this man from seeing who Christ is.
So, please join us in praying that this Saudi man would think further about what he heard, and that the reality of this miracle by our Lord would re-echo in his heart and mind, leading him to see that Jesus has power over death, and is divine. And that this will lead on to repentance and reconciliation. |
