Saudi Arabia: Calling Christians to pray during Hajj
Next week millions of Muslims from all over the world will be on pilgrimage to Mecca performing a sacred act called the Hajj. For many the Hajj is the pinnacle event of their lives because they are commanded to make a Hajj at least once if they are able. This year Hajj starts Oct. 24th, lasting 3-4 days. See the Hajj 2012 prayer video on the link below. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God. On the second day of Hajj pilgrims pray a prayer at noon called Muna - Arabic meaning ‘to wish or aspire’ - as they seek a closer relationship with God. We can pray that they discover and receive the free gift of communion through the Holy Spirit. On day three pilgrims stand on the ‘mountain of mercy’ and cry from noon to sunset, ’Allah I am here.’ Many then spend the night in prayer. Please pray for those seeking God to be found by the One who paid the price for the remission of sins.
Pray: for seekers to know God’s grace, and for Jesus to reveal himself through dreams and visions. (Eph.2:8,9)
West Africa: Food crisis
Over 19 million are hungry. The greatest needs are in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Senegal. Several seasons of crops have failed leaving nothing to harvest. In many instances this has been followedy by floods which wiped out crops and food stores. Families across West Africa have faced successive emergencies, have nothing stored to see them through another poor harvest and food prices have risen by 40%. Christian Aid has released the following prayer, ‘We pray for our sisters and brothers caught up in a cycle of drought and hunger, for parents struggling to find food and seeing their children go hungry, for farmers seeing their crops fail and livestock die. May the leaders of the nations act with insight and urgency, bringing relief to those who suffer now. We join our voices with those who call for an end to poverty. Amen.’
Pray: for God in His mercy to release the provisions needed for those caught in the poverty/hunger trap. (Ps.57:1)
More: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/west-africa-food-crisis/index.aspx
Pakistan: Prayer walks and persecution
Occasionally a team of intercessors travels to Pakistan. They spend time worshipping God and praying earnestly for His will to be done in various places. Later this month a team will once again prayer walk Pakistan and we have been asked to pray for their safety. Pray that their times of worship will be sweet music to God, and that they will hear God’s heart for the people and the Land. Pray that God will move in the hearts of the local people. Also we are reminded that the ongoing violence continues to take a toll of innocent civilians, including women and children. Pray for the many families who have lost loved ones to the violence, for widows and orphans with no source of income and for those who have been severely injured or crippled. Please also please pray for 16-year-old Christian Ryan Stanten accused of sending a blasphemous text message; he has been charged with ‘blasphemy’ which carries the death penalty.’
Pray: that the Prince of Peace will bring peace to Pakistan. (Ps.147:1-6)
Pakistan: Peace march and soul searching
Recent days demonstrate a battle for Pakistan’s soul. On Sunday there was a Peace March organised by Imran Khan heading for the home of Qari Hussain (main trainer of suicide bombers) and Baitullah Mehsud (former TTP leader - Pakistan Taliban). The demonstration was in opposition to US drone strikes against Islamic militants in Pakistan's tribal regions. Many see the choice of location communicating another message. Was there support for terrorists being expressed? Or a suggestion that Imran Khan would make peace with militants showing contempt for a 'secular leader'? On October 10th a 14- year-old girl campaigning for the rights of girls to be educated was shot by a militant group. Many are asking what has led to so many being enslaved by such regressive thinking. Many in Pakistan are shocked and doing some soul searching.
Pray: that, as people across the nation pause to look deeply within, many will be challenged to seek the path of true peace. (Deut.4:36a)
More: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\10\17\story_17-10-2012_pg3_4
