Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Praying for Iraq: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 17

Today and tomorrow we pray for a country that many of us know best from two wars over the past two decades. Today's Iraq, though, is far from a war-torn country struggling to survive. While it still has a long way to go, Iraq has a burgeoning democracy and people who are proud, hard-working, and eager to move their country forward. There are many prayers needed, though, for long-term change to be a reality in Iraq. Please learn about this country on pages 469-474.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You so much for the work that You have accomplished in Iraq over the past two decades. We are excited to see the substantial growth among Iraqi Arab evangelicals and the people movement to Christ among the Kurds. We know that they remain a tiny minority and face real persecution, but Lord these believers reflect Your heart for Iraq, Your desire to bring people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to You for Your glory. The successful elections and emergence of self-government is encouraging, and Lord we pray that You will repeatedly raise up men and women who will serve their country with integrity and righteousness. We pray for wisdom in balancing the needs of the different religious and ethnic communities. We ask You to bring the healing balm of Gilead to those hurt from the decades of suffering, two wars, and the aftermath. Lord we pray for the power of the Gospel to tear down the walls between people. We pray for true freedom to emerge as more and more Iraqi people come to know Jesus as their Messiah. In His name we pray for them, Amen.

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