Today (June 22, 2017) is the 27th day of Ramadan and is known as the Night of Power or Destiny. It is one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that the Qu'ran was first revealed to Mohammad during this last week of Ramadan which established Mohammad as the Messenger of Allah. Nobody knows the exact day but the 27th day is generally accepted.
The Night of Power is found both in the Qu'ran and the Hadith. It is reported in the Hadith that Mohammad said: "Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Power, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." (from hadiths in Bukhari and Muslim)
Therefore, on this night, millions of Muslims around the world will be praying in mosques all night long for Allah's special favor. They pray extra prayers. They recite more of the Qu'ran. They make special requests. They believe that the heavens are open and Allah's blessings are abundant.
Prayer: O Lord of all power and might, on this night of power, would you reveal yourself in dreams and visions to the millions who will be praying and seeking Allah. They want to experience your power, but are looking in the wrong places. As you have for so many Muslims, give them dreams and visions of Jesus. Rend the heavens and come down with power by your Holy Spirit and your Word! And then lead them to the Bible and Christian people who can explain the gospel message. We ask for many conversions on this night! May they find true forgiveness of sins in Christ alone. May they find true peace and blessings by being born again. Show yourself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the resurrection power who raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:20). Amen.
Continuing to Pray for Qatar
The diplomatic rift between Qatar and other Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and UAE, has continued. Countries have boycotted Qatar and closed their borders. Despite continuing tensions in the region, Qatar has remained calm and is continuing with business as usual. Food supply is largely unaffected, as Qatar is now importing its products from other countries such as Turkey and Iran. Daily life appears to be unaffected for many, other than for those who had to make alternative travel plans or are unable to see extended family in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Egypt, etc over the upcoming Eid holidays.
Nonetheless, the biggest change that is apparent in Qatar since the blockade has been a deep sense of betrayal Qataris feel toward the other GCC countries whom they have considered as 'brothers' and a rise in patriotism. Many are also offended that the blockade was imposed over the month of Ramadan, a holy month where Muslims are to be drawing close to Allah and practicing kindness and generosity. It appears that for Qatar, there is no going back. The offense is too great, and they have lost trust in their brothers. The Gulf countries have presented a list of demands to Qatar, but Qatar is taking a strong stance and not backing down. Therefore, it seems that tensions will continue on.
Please continue to pray for Qatar and its neighbors--for wisdom and humility for the leaders, for the Church to rise up to intercede for these countries, and for God to reign and make Himself known over the Arabian Peninsula during this time.
