Today is the first day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, determined by the sighting of the new moon. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is required of all Muslims of age during the daylight hours for 30 days. It is considered the holiest of months, a time set apart to focus on God.

For the next 30 days, we will pray through the book of Colossians, adapted from a Ramadan prayer guide by PTAP (Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula).

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. (Col 1:1-2)

The Apostle Paul wrote Colossians to the church in Colossae around 60 AD. Letters at that time usually began with a greeting from the author to the recipient. Here, Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. He does not come on his own authority but on the authority of God Himself in Christ. 

Prayer: O God our Father, we thank you that you are our Heavenly Father who gives us grace and peace through Christ Jesus your Son. Thank you that you have given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, we pray in His name on this first day of Ramadan, that the teaching of the apostles as found in Scripture would be the foundation of our prayers and also the foundation of the local church in Oman. Grant us wisdom, knowledge, and insight in order to understand Colossians and to pray it faithfully on behalf of Oman and the entire Muslim world. O Holy Spirit, would you illumine our minds and guide us into all truth (John 16:13-15). Amen.  

Worship with us!: I Believe (The Creed) by Hillsong. This Ramadan, may God open the eyes of Omanis to the truth of the Scriptures!  

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:

Abu Dhikri, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 223

Al-Aflaj, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 222

Tawi Tikhah, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 222

Al-Khutmah, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 221

Al-Fijayj, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 220