The Arabian Peninsula Partnership

The Gospel for every person and a church for every people in the Arabian Peninsula amongst indigenous peoples


16 December 2017

PRAY FOR BAHRAIN & QATAR

Weekly Prayer

PLEASE PRAY WITH US FOR BAHRAIN AND QATAR THIS WEEK IN REMEMBRANCE OF THEIR NATIONAL DAYS. BAHRAIN'S IS DEC 16th AND QATAR'S IS DEC 18th

BAHRAIN (December 16)

Bahrain is a small country made up of 33 islands in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. It has been a Kingdom since 2002, but was recognized as a nation in 1971. Bahrain has been, at various periods in history, known for its lush spring-fed vegetation, the civilizations of Dilmun (where the epic hero, Gilgamesh, goes to discover the key to eternal life) and Tylos, Portuguese forts and monasteries, and a vibrant pearling industry. The majority of its citizens are Shi'ia Muslims, with a Sunni ruling minority. There is often tension between the two groups.

Recently, citizenship has been granted to foreigners, some from nearby countries, including Arabic-speaking Christians (Coptic, Syrian, etc...) who are free to worship, as are expatriate Christians living in the country.

• Please pray for peaceful relations within the country between the Sunni and Shi'ia and with neighbors in the Gulf and beyond. There are often protests from the Shi'ia minority that are not reported in the media. Pray for the Prince of Peace to bring peace to the hearts of the Bahraini people, both peace from the slavery of works righteousness found in Islam, and peace for their country.

• Pray for an authentic Christian witness, continued tolerance for the church to worship freely, and for an openness to the Good News. Pray that God would use these new foreign citizens to be a bright testimony to Jesus. Pray especially for Christian-background believers from Egypt and Jordan for example who have become citizens of Bahrain. May God use them greatly as a witness for Him.

• Pray for the handful of local believers, 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.

QATAR (December 18)

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!

• As with the local believers in Bahrain, pray the same prayer 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.

PTAP on the PrayerMate App

PTAP is now on the PrayerMate app which you can download for free on iOS or Android. Check it out under the "World Mission" category. Just another way to help us pray for the AP and many other regions of the world!

See here for more info: