Category: Qatar in the News - Pray For Qatar

The Women Seeking God

‘Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord! ’ And she told them that he had said these things to her. ’ —John 20:18 Lord, your ways are truly not our ways and your thoughts not ours. Thank you for breaking the cultural code of the time and appeared first to a woman who was seeking you outside the tomb. We pray for all the seeking women in Qatar to see you as the Risen Lord.

Human Rights

In recent years there has been a growing awareness of human rights abuses in Qatar. Secular or nominal Muslim rights advocates have been speaking out against these abuses. Today, we invite you to pray for these human rights advocates. Pray that they may come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray also that they will have wisdom in their work. May they know what issues to tackle and whom to work together with. Pray for their protection from people with more extreme religious views.  

Strengthen the Workers, Lord

Jesus, we ask you to strengthen the workers and believers in Qatar today. We specially ask for expat workers that are new to Qatar that you would help them in their time of transition and settling into this country. Help them with language learning. Encourage them today.

For Those in Authority

We pray for the salvation of the Emir of Qatar and his family as well as the 35 men that make up the Advisory Council. May they hear and be open to the Gospel. We pray for a holy fear of God to fall upon them.  We ask for righteousness and compassion to grow in their hearts as they lead the nation of Qatar.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Our Wide and Effectual Door

A recent article in Christianity Today reports how as cities like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi boom with business and tourism, the region’s Christian population grows. Much of this comes from medical missions and market dynamics. We thank you Father for the creative ways you are getting believers into areas such as this and for this “wide and effectual door” (1 Corinthians 16:9). We pray that you will continue to send believers in with a heart for reaching the lost. We pray that you will bless them and anoint them for your purposes Lord.

Prayers for Our Leaders

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. —1 Timothy 2:1,2 Father today we pray for Tamam bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the current and eigth Emir of Qatar. We pray for wisdom and guidance as he leads the country of Qatar.

Jesus, the Liberator

Father, we know that in Qatar human trafficking and forced labor (such as maid slaves to wealthy Gulf families) are big issues. We are horrified at this evil industry that makes money from the vulnerability of people. We ask, in Jesus’ name, that his industry be exposed and broken apart. We ask Your protection on those who are vulnerable. And we ask that you would set people free! Amen! “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)  

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD LEADERS LEAVE QATAR

Muslim Brotherhood leaders are relocating from Qatar. Some Brotherhood leaders say it is to “save Qatar from an embarrassing situation” while another Brotherhood leader said that Qatar asked them to leave. Either way, we can pray for Qatar in multiple ways in this situation: Pray that, despite all foreign politics, Qatar remains gracious to its international population, as many of them are Jesus followers. Pray that Qatar seeks peace with Israel. Pray that Qatari government officials are presented with the gospel of Jesus Christ and that become receptive to Him.

UK HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTERS RELEASED FROM QATAR

On August 31st, 2014 two UK human rights reporters went missing in Qatar while they were investigating the living and working conditions of Nepalese migrant workers. On September 7th Qatar confirmed that the reporters had been arrested for “violating the laws of Qatar”. Today the British embassy confirmed the reporters’ release and that they will soon be back in the UK. Let’s take this as an opportunity to pray: Pray that the reporters recover from their dramatic experience. Pray that the living and working conditions of the migrant workers in Qatar will drastically improve. Pray that the Qatari government will…

QATAR: A KEY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Currently most of the international news headlines are about the rumblings in the Middle East, specifically the unrest in Gaza. Qatar is playing a crucial role in the future of the region. As you go about your day, pick a common activity that you do, whether it’s opening a door, picking up a phone, etc, and each time you do this common thing, PRAY that God would use Qatar as a positive influence for His kingdom purpose in the Middle East.

DOHA DEBATES & FREEDOM

Early last year, The Doha Debates, a partnership between the Qatar Foundation and BBC World News, featured “the future of religious minorities in the Arab world.” (Click here to watch.) The Doha Debates is one of few places in the Arab world where freedom of speech is legally protected. No single government, official group, or broadcaster controls what is said or who is invited. A  controversial issue is batted around with two speakers for and against. Arguments are outlined, the chairman questions each speaker, and the audience votes electronically after discussion. The debates have garnered millions in international viewership and web hits. Sensitive topics…

SMOKING

Image: Creative Commons

Smoking is prevalent throughout the Middle East, and Qatar is no exception. Between cigarettes and shisha (also called hubbly bubbly, hookah, and nargileh), smoking is acceptable and gaining popularity. Shisha smoking is a community event; whereas westerners get together over drinks or coffee, Qataris smoke together. Smoking shisha is more dangerous than cigarettes: some studies approximate several hundred times more dangerous. While cigarettes have filters to moderate smoke, shisha smoke passes directly into the mouth, throat, and lungs. Unfortunately people believe sucking smoke through the water removes tobacco’s impurities. In truth, water adds humidity to the smoke, which is then…