‘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.
Jesus, we ask for a church planting movement in Qatar today. Nothing is impossible for you. Please start small groups in homes, on university campuses, and other places that will multiply across the nation. Amen!
O Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me a right faith, a certain hope, and a perfect love, understanding and knowledge, O Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen. —Francis of Assissi Pray this for our brothers and sisters in Qatar. May the Light of Jesus be in the midst of the darkness. May they be filled with faith, hope, love, understanding, knowledge and obedience to the Word of God.
We pray today for Qataris to recognize you, Lord Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, the only shepherd who laid down his life and cares for his sheep. You strengthen the weak, bind up the injured, heal the sick, bring back the strays and search for the lost ones. (John 10:10)
CHILD REARING and the MORAL COMPASS Parents everywhere are concerned about raising their children well. Qatari parents, religious or not, are no exception. Because Islam is based on a moral code, even the irreligious often want to teach their children religious values. . Each family is different. Some parents take extreme measures to protect their children from evil, fearing their children will be exposed to too many damaging influences at too young an age. One such family only allows their children to interact with extended family or the hired nanny so their children internalize family behaviors and culture. Another parent rarely allows…
Walls are a common theme in Doha. When one missionary walks through his neighborhood, he only sees imposing 10-foot walls surrounding huge new Qatari family palaces with lush gardens and run-down homes inhabited by laborers from the east. Qatari families are very private. Each house, each family, each person, has a façade. Women are covered. Men wear robes. Houses are hidden. Everything is white, giving the appearance that everyone is clean, everyone is okay, everything is fine. Despite the image they project, many are hurting and dying in darkness. Ancient Jericho was another place with walls. Joshua 6:1 tells us…
“Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for: Prayer is for the accomplishment of a wartime mission.” —John Piper Pray with us for Qatar today! Pray that God’s mission in Qatar, that all would be able to come to salvation in Jesus Christ, would quickly become a reality in Qatar.
In Qatar, 26% of the population is 24 years old and younger; that’s just over a quarter of the population. We teach our children everything they are to know in life, from caring for themselves, to how to function in the society and culture they live in, to behaviors, to literacy and how to learn and think for themselves. Young people have the greatest capacity to absorb information and learn, and they are the most shapeable when it comes to their thinking, thoughts and opinions. It is so critical that the younger generation of Qatar comes to salvation in Jesus…
“Children are our most valuable resource.” –Herbert Hoover As you know, teaching children values, skills and ideas is how societies continue on. We pass on our knowledge to children in hopes that they will create a better world to live in. Children are the future of all societies. Pray for the children of Qatar today. Pray that they would come to salvation in Jesus Christ and that they will change the face of Qatar.
Almost overnight the cultural fabric of Qatar shifted. One hundred years ago, Qatar was obscure and life was simple. Pearl diving was the way of life. In the 1930s, Japan introduced cultured pearls. In the 1940s, Qatar discovered oil, and in the 1970s, natural gas. Life would never be the same. A Princeton study suggests a direct correlation between economic growth and individualism[1]. Qatar was once collectivistic – exhibiting camaraderie, greater religiosity, and national pride. As Qatar grows wealthier, it is losing its community orientation. A retired pearl diver in a Doha market said, “Those were better days. We knew each other…
“If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn’t it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the eternal wages of death?” Pray that Christians in Qatar would receive boldness from the Holy Spirit to share the gospel message with those around them.
“Your whole life is to be overmastered by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine.” –from Oswald Chamber’s, My Utmost for His Highest. We know that as believers in Jesus Christ our purpose in life is to serve God’s purpose–that all may hear the truth of His redemption and come salvation in Him. In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions us to go and make disciples of all peoples. Be involved in God’s mission by praying for Qatar. Ask God if He is calling to you give or to go to those who haven’t heard…