Arabian Viewpoint

10/27/2026

Halloween

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians‬
‬
Viewpoint: Halloween is not widely celebrated on the Arabian Peninsula. Most people there view the holiday as contrary to their beliefs and oppose its observance. In recent years a few Gulf states have begun to allow Halloweenstyle decorations and costumes, and one nation even hosted a festival resembling Halloween—though it was not called Halloween and did not occur on October 31. This is intended to project an image of openness and attract tourists.
Although these countries allow limited participation in such events, they still restrict nonIslamic activities and have intensified crackdowns on Christianity, seeking to erase it from public life. Many citizens yearn for the freedom to choose what to celebrate and what to believe. True freedom, however, comes only through Jesus Christ—something they cannot experience because they do not yet know Him.

Prayer Posts: Pray that God opens the eyes and hearts of both citizens and rulers throughout the Arabian Peninsula to the truth of Jesus. Ask that they recognize that true freedom is found in Him, that they willingly receive Him, and that Jesus reigns in the hearts of all people there.

10/20/2026

Dysfunctional Society

The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Psalm 11:5 ESV

Viewpoint: As new believers emerge in a dysfunctional society, they often face persecution and struggle to trust others beyond their family. Having suffered mental, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, they must navigate their newfound faith and learn to trust the Body of Christ. With families falling apart and social issues like sexual harassment on the rise, it's challenging for them to form healthy relationships. How can they find wholeness in Christ and learn to trust others, including a potential spouse and fellow believers?

Prayer Points: Pray for the God of redemption to bring love, trust, knowledge, and understanding to His Body. Ask for mature believers to have wisdom in supporting these individuals through their trauma and for the establishment of a healthy, thriving church.

10/12/2026

Henna

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

Viewpoint: Henna—a natural dye that creates temporary tattoos—has long been a decorative staple for women across the Arab world, South Asia, and Africa. From elaborate floral and vine patterns on hands and feet at weddings to ancient Egyptian customs of staining the dead before mummification, the art of henna marks celebrations, rites of passage, and everyday beauty rituals (even hairdyeing). In many Gulf nations the practice has waned among younger generations, who view it as outdated, while older women still cherish it and often earn a living drawing intricate designs in public parks.

In recent decades believers have repurposed this cultural canvas for evangelism. Followers of Jesus commission henna designs that depict Bible verses, gospel narratives, or symbols of Jesus, turning each handpainting into a conversation starter. The wearer can share the story behind the motif, and even the artist can learn the scripture being highlighted, turning a traditional art form into a portable testimony.

Prayer Points: Heavenly Father,�
We come before You with grateful hearts for the beauty of Your creation and the diverse cultures You have woven together.
We lift believers who minister in the Arabian Peninsula, asking that You give them wisdom and boldness to use the art of henna as a gentle, loving medium for sharing the story of Jesus. May each line, swirl, and shade become a spoken testimony, a living illustration of Your grace that touches the hearts of the women they serve.
Grant curiosity and openness to the older generation of Arab women. May they be drawn to the intricate designs, eager to learn the meanings hidden within them, and receptive to the Gospel truths that accompany each pattern.
Soften the hearts of the younger generation. Remove the notion that henna is merely an antiquated custom, and replace it with a fresh appreciation for this cultural treasure as a bridge for fellowship, creativity, and Christian witness.
Lord, we pray that many Arabian women—through conversation, connection, and the shared stories behind each henna design—will encounter the love of Christ, experience His transforming power, and come to saving faith.
May every brushstroke become a conversation, every motif a doorway, and every encounter a step toward the Kingdom.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

10/01/2026

Women’s Day
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much w**e. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:3-5 ESV

Viewpoint: In the United Arab Emirates, Aug 28th is National Emirati Women’s Day, but this year they changed it and extended the celebration to September 28th. This is so they can focus on shaping the countries future and reenforcing national identity. According to https://nationaltoday.com/emirati-womens-day/ “Emirati Women’s Day is commemorated every August 28 to recognize the profound efforts and accomplishments of women in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, this day honors their dedication and vision.”
The UAE uses this day and the month of September to honor Emirati women and reminds all of the UAE of the history of the Emirati women. People are encouraged to remember women that have inspired them throughout their lives. It also looks to the future of women in the UAE. For more information you can search National Emirati Women’s day on the internet and come up with a lot of information about it.

While it is great that the UAE is honoring their women and remembering the great things they have accomplished, one thing they still lack is honoring Jesus and the greatest accomplishment that he made for all of us. As well as finding their identity in Him alone.

Prayer points: As the UAE honors their women pray that God will open their eyes to see that they need to honor Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As the Emirati women try and reenforce national identity ask God to open their hearts to finding their identity in Christ alone.

09/22/2026

Weekly emails: https://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001vP4uirOIyh3wj8u34J6tzhHTXDfWvXKa_SAzfTtOvFQRT6zQ3AiiPcZ_WZh3fnv5U8i8fLKnajs%3D&id=preview

PTAP website: https://prayforap.com/

One-day prayer guide: https://files.constantcontact.com/198b864e001/4d587e13-68e2-4a9b-b600-85ce8252bd54.pdf?rdr=true

09/22/2026

National Day
Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:10 ESV

Viewpoint: Most if not all Gulf countries on the Arabian Peninsula have a National day. This week on September 23, Saudi Arabia will be celebrating their National Day. Please join with us and with PTAP (Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula) as we pray for Saudia Arabia this week. There is also a one-day prayer Guide that PTAP has shared so feel free to download that as well. If you can’t find it let us know and we will pass that a long to you. Feel free to check out PTAP’s website (we are on there as well). You may pass this email and any of ours or PTAP’s emails on to others that you think would be interested in praying for Saudi Arabia or other Gulf Countries.

Weekly emails: https://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001vP4uirOIyh3wj8u34J6tzhHTXDfWvXKa_SAzfTtOvFQRT6zQ3AiiPcZ_WZh3fnv5U8i8fLKnajs%3D&id=preview

PTAP website: https://prayforap.com/

One-day prayer guide: https://files.constantcontact.com/198b864e001/4d587e13-68e2-4a9b-b600-85ce8252bd54.pdf?rdr=true

09/14/2026

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.” Leviticus 19:33 ESV

Viewpoint: Abdulrahman came to the United States as a student and was invited to a Bible study. As he studied the Bible, he started to understand God’s plan of redemption. He was so amazed that he began inviting his friends to join him. His friends questioned him and began to berate him for being "tricked". Abdulrahman became an outcast in the Arabian community at his university. He wanted to know more about the Bible, but he knew that if anyone saw him with the Christians, he could lose his scholarship and be sent home. He was interested in Jesus; however, he did not know any believers in his country. If he believed, he might have to give up everything.�

Prayer Point: Please pray that God will reveal more Arabian students who are interested in the Truth and will raise up more believers to share the gospel with them. Ask God to help westerners learn how to walk alongside persecuted Arabian seekers who are studying in their countries.

09/07/2026

Who are they really?
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. - Proverbs 31:30 ESV

Viewpoint: She was initially apprehensive about the new neighbors—a stern‑looking man and a woman in black. Although she’s comfortable with many cultures, she wondered if she could relate to them. When she passed by, she said hello; the couple stopped to chat. The man mentioned his wife wanted to practice English, and though the woman said little, her eyes hinted at a smile beneath the veil. She offered to help and was invited over. Sitting down with Aisha, she discovered they shared far more in common than she expected. Now Fran and Aisha meet weekly, giving her many chances to share how her faith in Christ has shaped her life.

Prayer Point: All but two countries in the Arabian Peninsula have at least half of their populations comprised of Arab women. To Westerners, these women in black robes may seem distant and unknowable. Yet they share the same hopes, dreams, loves, and fears as women everywhere. Pray that God enables believers to share Christ’s love and truth with Arabian women wherever they are.

09/05/2026

Back To School

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs‬ 22:6

Viewpoint: Schools across the Arabian Peninsula have reopened, and most public institutions now emphasize Islamic studies. Some nations also require international schools to teach Islam to nonMuslim students. Yet many Arab families are sending their children to international schools to improve chances of overseas university admission. This trend increases contact between Arabian students and expatriate families, creating more opportunities for the Gospel to be shared.
Several countries in the Arabian Peninsula now require that at least 90 % of elementaryschoolteachers be locally hired rather than foreign. Surveys indicate that a notable share of these local teachers regret entering the profession, citing insufficient opportunities for professional development.

Prayer Points:
Pray that believing students and parents connect with Arab families who are genuinely interested in learning about God, and that God empowers these believers with boldness to share the Gospel and demonstrate His love in tangible ways.
Ask that Arabian students develop openminded thinking, becoming receptive to the message of Christ, and that entire Arabian families come to know Jesus, forming supportive communities that nurture continual spiritual growth.
Pray that Christian students and teachers in national schools discover safe, creative avenues to proclaim the Truth and reach Arabian students with the Gospel, even amid any restrictions.
Pray for these local teachers to embrace the influence that they have on their students.
Pray that they will meet Christ who will give them purpose in their career.
Pray for believing teachers and professors to be bold, yet wise in the sharing of their faith with their colleagues. “’Lord, …grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus’. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts‬ 4:29-31

08/24/2026