Barka (Arabic: بركاء, pop. 36,427) is a coastal city and seat of Barka district (pop. 181,630) in the region of Al Batinah South. The impressive Barka Fort, dating back to the 17th century, was built to defend against Persian and Portuguese invaders. The fort was the site of the 1747 overthrow of Persian rule and establishment of the Al Bu Said dynasty (who still rule to this day). Barka is also famous for its halwa, a traditional Omani sweet, and its bullring in the center of town, making it a popular place to watch bull-butting, a non-violent sport between two large bulls bred by Brahmin. Nearby As-Suwadi beach is known for an abundance of seashells, and the nearby islands that can be reached by foot at low tide.

The name Barka is related to the Arabic word for blessing. May this area be blessed, and be a blessing to the rest of Oman!

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)

Pray for the Town and District of Barka:

• Glory of God.  That God would be glorified and exalted and worshipped in Barka. (Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 138:4-5)    
• Expansion of the Kingdom.  That many people in Barka will come to know Jesus, and that communities of believers will be planted, that movements will be ignited. (Luke 1:32-33, 2 Cor 10:15-16)
• Hearts and Minds.  That spiritual blindness and bondages will be lifted from the minds of the people in Barka, and that hearts will be stirred with hunger for Jesus and truth. (2 Cor 4:4, Luke 24:45)
• Authority.  Pray with the authority that Jesus gives you over principalities, powers and spiritual strongholds in Barka. Pray that God would release prophetic words over the land, releasing visions, dreams, signs and wonders in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 18:18, 2 Cor 10:4)
• Revival.  That any believers living in Barka would be awakened by the Holy Spirit, have love and passion stirred in them for the lost, and rise to meet the need in their neighborhood. (Luke 10:2, Ezekiel 37:10)
• Provision.  That God would bring His provision and blessing to all those in need in Barka. That He would show His eternal kindness, demonstrate the blessing of His Kingdom, and cause His people to prosper. (Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:7)

Worship with us!: Blessed by Hillsong. May the people of Oman be blessed as they turn to You!

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Al-Ghuwaysah, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 4,376

Al-Fulayj, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 3,167

Hillat al-Burj, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 2,938

Sur ash-Shiyadi, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 2,730

Hillat al-Kahahil, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 2,404