Nizwa (نِزْوَى) is the largest city (population 64,599) in and capital of Ad-Dakhiliyah Region, and also the seat of Nizwa district (population 131,763). It was also once the capital of the Omani Imamate (religious government), before joining the rest of Sultanate of Muscat and becoming the modern Sultanate of Oman. It is one of the oldest cities in the nation and has been a center of trade, religion, education, and art for centuries. It was formerly a center for Islamic learning, and is the traditional heart of conservative Ibadhi Islam. Some historians suggest the name was derived from an Arabic verb (انزوا) which means being alone; others say that the city was named after an old water spring.

Nizwa acquired its importance because of its central location at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains. Set amid a lush oasis of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the central and southern regions. Nizwa is a center for date growing and is the central commercial hub for the area, hosting a lively marketplace on Fridays. Although isolated from outsiders for centuries, it is now one of the largest tourist attractions, with its impressive fort complex and beautiful landscapes. It also has the UNESCO world heritage site, the Daris Falaj (irrigation canal) system.

Watch this short Prayer Video on Nizwa.

We will pray for the cities and districts of Oman using the G.E.H.A.R.P. model. Let's pray that:

• Glory of God. That God would be glorified and exalted and worshipped in Nizwa. (Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 138:4-5)    
• Expansion of the Kingdom. That many people in Nizwa 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 Nizwa, 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 Nizwa. 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 Nizwa 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 Nizwa. 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!: A Mighty Fortress by Matt Boswell.  May the people of Nizwa know God as their true Fortress!

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-Huwayjir, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 120

Ruban, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 118

Adh-Dhifayri, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 116

Al-Kharr, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 114

Tawi al-Ud, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 105

Al-Bashair, Adam district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 100