Pray for MENACA: An Intercession Guide for Unreached NationsSample

Saudi Arabia (Middle East)

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and it is the home of its sacred cities: Mecca and Medina. Governed by the laws of the Quran rather than a constitution, the nation is economically dependent on oil, which drives wealth inequality among its population of 35,300,000 people.

Despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths—more than 30% of the population—non-Muslims are prohibited from openly practicing their faith and are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship. The majority of Christians in the country are migrants, and the strict religious laws present significant challenges for believers, with Christian expatriates facing surveillance and discrimination. Saudi converts to Christianity encounter severe consequences, including imprisonment and violence. Nevertheless, a growing underground Church exists nationwide, with believers in every city, even Mecca.

Prayer Points to Consider:

• Pray that the descendants of Ishmael would receive their promise in Jesus the Messiah (Isa al-Masih).
• Pray that in every sector of the nation, people would receive dreams, visions, and encounters with the Lord and that Jesus would be understood as the Son of God and Emmanuel—God with us.
• Saudi Arabia is the home to the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Pray that those following the footsteps of Mohammad during their pilgrimage would become disillusioned with their religion and be drawn to Jesus, who is the only true hope.
• Pray for the underground Church in the region to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach and disciple non-believers without fear of retaliation and persecution. Asking for a fresh move of Pentecost among all facets of Christianity represented in the nation in the Holy Spirit's miraculous touch. And a quickening of God's Word to recognize who they are in Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus...Knowing that Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, the devil’s strongholds keep its population largely in deception. Yet, there is no match for Your Name in the region and the light of Your truth that shines even brighter in the darkness. In Your All-Power Name, Lord Jesus, I declare the removal of the veils of falsehood that keep many from knowing You Ezekiel 13:21-23. At the same time, I ask for the Holy Spirit’s strength, courage, comfort, and wisdom for Your people even as they face persecution, imprisonment, and death. And I ask for a fresh breath of revival throughout Your people in Saudi Arabia that can’t even be imagined. Amen!