PRAISE
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.” Psalms 113:3-4 NIV
PRAY WITH CULTURAL INSIGHT
In Arabic, the word for Morocco is Maghreb meaning “sunset.” It was named this because it is where the sun sets on the Arab and Islamic world. Islam began in the East, making its way west conquering territory after territory. With that knowledge, use the above verse and map in a fresh way to pray for Morocco as she and all of these nations enter their last week of Ramadan. From the nations where the sun rises in the East, to the Maghreb where it sets in the West, may the praise, exultation and glory of the Lord be lifted high!
PRAY THE BOOK OF ACTS
“After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God.” (Acts 21:19-20)
May the retelling of the stories that come out of Morocco during this time of fasting of the amazing things You are doing Lord bring many more to belief. May Your story of grace in Moroccan lives result in great glory to You, and spur on workers of the Gospel in neighboring lands like Mauritania and Algeria!
PRAY FOR SATURATION
There’s not really anything more Moroccan than a large communal platter of artfully arranged steamed vegetables strategically placed on a tower of steaming couscous. I’m not talking about the instant pack of couscous you microwave for a minute and a half with some water. This is fresh, homemade couscous pasta. It takes hours and a special pot to prepare in the authentic Moroccan way. If you are a foreigner, you will never fully master the art, but you must try anyway. It’s eaten in almost every house, almost every Friday after the men return from Friday prayers at the mosque. This meal is nearly sacred to every self-respecting Moroccan.
It’s no wonder then that this is the picture of saturation that most deeply connects to local believers. They understand the significance of the boiling waters the pot of couscous is set over top of to be steamed, and the necessary role of persecution in the journey of the Gospel outward. They connect with the demonstration of rubbing hands that create the little pasta beads so dear to them, as the inevitable disagreements and refinement that comes from working in community and needing to release authority rather than seeking power and influence or revenge. And they really resonate with the beautiful culmination of the sauce, the marqa, being poured over the still steaming couscous, imparting flavor and moisture making the couscous the delectable bite that it is, only once the sauce has soaked throughout the whole dish. “Ah,” they say with satisfaction, as they sit back against the pillows for reclining at the table. “This is saturation.”
Ask that the Spirit of God, the Word of Truth, and Grace of the Father would saturate this land.
WORSHIP
God, we worship You because You long to bring revival! Your power knows no end…
“God of Revival” by Bethel Music