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Middle East Call to Prayer

What is your first reaction when the Middle East is mentioned on the news or in conversation? Many of us around the world don’t know what to think of the great struggles and tragedies going on in this part of the world. Five countries in the Middle East are among the top ten countries in the world for religious persecution. In the face of persecution, violence, joblessness, inequality, and political instability, the first response of a believer should be prayer.

How did this area of the world—known as the birthplace of civilization and later Christianity— become a place so hostile to the followers of Jesus? Utilize the attached Missiographic to explore some of the history of Christianity in the Middle East, the current decline in Christian population and the glimmers of hope that are visible if you know where to look. And as you study the scenario from a spiritual perspective, talk to God about the Middle East.

Personal Reflection
Imagine being a misunderstood and mistreated minority. Imagine living every day within earshot of a mosque and the regular calls to prayer. What would it be like to be a Christ-follower in that setting? What would it take to reach out to those around you when persecution is such a common part of life? These are the realities in the Middle East. Consider what you see in the media through this lens. Then ask God to guide your prayers for the Middle East as a whole, and for the believers who live there in particular. So many times we want to “fix it,” but with challenges this big, have you considered focusing your time on prayer for the persecuted?

Prayer: Father God, help us to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us about the hope we find in Jesus. Give us humility and compassion for the lost. Holy Spirit, open their spiritual eyes that they may see and acknowledge Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and anchor of their souls. Amen.

Click here to access this free Missiographic and sign up for future free Missiographics: http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/2014/middle-east-call-prayer/