Lebanon

Friday, February 23, 2018

Lebanon is the most democratic and open-minded society in all the Arab world. It also has the largest percentage of Christians (most of whom are Catholic or Orthodox) of all the countries in the Middle East.

Although the country has faced deep sectarian divisions and cultural tensions for generations, there is still a greater level of religious freedom in Lebanon than in any other Arab country. Now, many of its citizens, wearied by religious and cultural strife, are hungry for God and open to the Spirit in new ways.

Lebanon’s freedom of religion offers the Church great opportunities to practice its faith openly and share the Gospel boldly with others. The Middle East needs Lebanon’s open-mindedness and freedom.

Prayer

Father of love and mercy, we thank you for your healing power and your tender compassion. You are able to raise the dead, heal the sick, and restore hope to despairing hearts. We pray for Lebanon today. We lift our voices to intercede for her people–Christians, Muslims, and Druze. All have suffered greatly because of religious and political divisions and need healing that only you can bring.

Inspire your Church in Lebanon to make good use of the liberty it enjoys. Raise up pastors and leaders who love you and have your heart for Muslim peoples. Grant Lebanese believers great boldness to share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ with others (Acts 4:29). Preserve, O Lord, the freedoms they have to worship as they choose and speak openly of their faith. We pray for radio and television programs that share the truth of your Word. We pray for Christian businesses and companies in Lebanon. Empower them to risk all for you as they seek to bring many of their Muslim friends and neighbors to commit their lives to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. For your glory and the Kingdom’s sake, amen.

Promise

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap (Luke 6:38, NIV).