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In the traditional Arab house, the rooms form a square and
open into a center courtyard. The house has a wide gate made up of two doors
that open in the middle. In one of those doors, there is a narrow door, or
gate. Each of these gates and doors is called a “bab”. To enter by the
narrow gate one must step up over the threshold and bend down to avoid the
doorframe at the same time. It is a humbling position to say the least. It
is easy for children to enter through this door. However, it can be a real
challenge for an adult, especially a prideful, self-righteous one, to make
it through the narrow gate. Sometimes, these narrow gates are virtually
hidden because of the architecture, paint or decorations that are so
distracting on the wide gate. One must seek to find the narrow gate and
knock to be let in. Once inside, the house is a haven of safety with
celebrations and intimate family times.
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God, the Head of our household, direct the Algerian Arabs to
Your narrow door. Help them seek diligently for that small door, Jesus, and
not be distracted by the legalism of Islam. We praise You for those who are
searching right now. May Your Spirit guide them.
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It has been in the news that Islam is a peaceful religion. This
is in fact not true. The Qu’ran teaches that Muslims who turn from Islam
should be killed. The Qu’ran permits that in Islamic states taxes are to be
put on non-Muslims and that non-Muslims do not have the same rights as
Muslims in the court of law. The concepts of the Qu’ran do not promote peace
towards non-Muslims. We as Christians are called to love the Muslim people
and embrace them but not to embrace their religion.
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Lord, in the current times, help me to have compassion and not
hatred towards those who have committed wrong actions. When I am tempted to
criticize and despise, may I pray for my enemies. Help me to see Muslims
with your eyes and to desire for them a life of peace and joy as you have
given me in Christ.
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God’s Word tells us that the “the god of this age has blinded
the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of
the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
2 Cor. 4:4). There are many people blinded by the veil of Islam. They have
been brought up all their lives in the traditions and rituals of their
religion so that their eyes have never been opened to the glory of God. The
enemy is fighting to keep in place the veil of Islam in order to keep them
from really knowing and seeing God. Pray that God would remove this veil.
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Lord, I pray that Algerian Arabs will with unveiled faces
reflect the Lord’s glory and be transformed into his likeness with
everlasting glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(2 Cor. 3:18)
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In most Islamic countries, Christianity is equated with
immorality and impurity. All movies, music, and television programs from the
West are considered Christian and all Western visitors to Islamic states are
automatically tagged as Christians, whether they are or not. Christians in
this part of the world are careful to show a true representation of Christ.
In the midst of the current world situation, pray that Christian workers
ministering among Algerian Arabs would show the true love of God and not
just the “western” face of Christianity.
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Father, thank you for calling out Christian workers to work with
Algerian Arabs. Please guide them to lead righteous, Christ-honoring lives
before Muslims in their path. Give them opportunities to tell Algerian Arabs
for whom they really live and may their lives always be an example of
integrity.
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The meaning of the word, “Muslim” is “one who submits to the
will of God”. Arabs use “my brother” and “my sister” to refer to just about
anybody. These words can be used to get a stranger’s attention or they can
be packed with intense meaning in blood relationships within their extended
families or even with other Arabs at large. Jesus redefined family for us
when he said “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and
sister…” (Matthew 12:50)
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Lord, we want to see Your family growing in Algeria. Let
Algerian Arabs realize that they have a place in the Body of believers. I
pray that Christians in Algeria will embrace non-believers, demonstrating
the true brotherly love that comes from being bound in Christ.
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Foreigners are not allowed to freely enter Algeria to
spread the gospel. The government is very opposed to a Christian witnessthere. Therefore, Christians must use creative ways to access the people of
Algeria through before-mentioned means such as media distribution in Europe
and television and radio programs. Christians in country are few. They need
your prayer support to accomplish this tremendous task of evangelism, as
they are the only ones that can personally access their own people of
Algeria.
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Father, give the Christians in Algeria the boldness that they
need to share with their own people. Help them to be strong and persevere
in persecution. May they courageously share Your Word with those around
them. Let them rejoice with You as You move people to choose to follow
Christ.
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There is no better way to access and release the power of the
Holy Spirit, both in our lives and in the lives of the people of Algeria
than to spend time in dedicated prayer. An active spiritual life and a close
relationship to the Father is the foundation for any work that will be done
among Algerian Arabs, as well as all other aspects of our personal lives. We
depend on your continual prayers for God’s hand to move among this people
group.
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Lord, I acknowledge that nothing can be done without You. Hear
my prayers for the Arabs of Algeria. I am confident that You have a plan of
salvation for them and desire for them to join Your family. Strengthen all
Christians in direct contact with the Algerian Arabs, so that they be a more
powerful witness and ready the hearts of those yet to know You by the moving
of Your Spirit in their lives. Thank you, Father, for listening to me and
acting on my requests.
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