Breakthrough is a monthly call to pray for the Arab world. In each edition we focus on a different country of the region, praying for breakthrough over a particular stronghold.
Welcome to Breakthrough. We last prayed for Morocco two years ago, when we looked at the stronghold of folk Islam. We’ve chosen the same stronghold this time because it continues to hold people in its grip.
It’s good to regularly remind ourselves that because of Jesus we have authority. When Jesus commissioned the disciples, he told them that he had been given ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’ (Matthew 28:18). Since he is in us (John 14:20) we know that we have that same authority.
Here are two verses to encourage us before we set out to pray…
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV)
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 ESV)
Country focus: Morocco
Key verse
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:3)
About
The Kingdom of Morocco is a North African nation with a population of almost 34 million people. It borders Mauritania and Algeria, and lies on the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, with just 7.7 nautical miles separating it from mainland Europe.
Morocco is a Muslim nation, and the Sunni branch of Islam is followed by 99 per cent of its population. Its people are ethnically a mix of Arab and Berber. Arabic is the main language, but about 40 per cent of Moroccans speak one of several Berber languages. French is also widely spoken, particularly for business and government.
Stronghold
This month, we pray that the stronghold of folk Islam would be broken. It is widely practiced in Morocco, particularly by women, and significantly contributes to a person’s resistance to the message of the gospel. It needs our focused prayers.
What is folk Islam?
Folk Islam is a range of superstitious beliefs and practices, some of which would be considered witchcraft. These practices include seeking help from jinn (spirits or demons), praying at the tomb of a saint, making and using magic potions, cursing someone with the evil eye, and wearing or displaying the hand of Fatima for protection.
The Qur’an makes reference to jinn and addresses the subject of sorcery, but it does not encourage its use. The majority of Muslims would say it is wrong to practice such things, yet because they desire power and long for personal relationship with the supernatural, many follow folk Islam in some way. How heartbreaking that they are putting so much energy into something that will never satisfy.
Prayer points
- Boldly declare that the power of folk Islam will be broken in Morocco.
- Pray that many individuals would hear the truth and let it set them free.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would be working in people’s hearts and minds, preparing them for a journey to faith in Jesus.
- Pray for many to have dreams and visions of Christ.
- Lift up national and foreign believers in Morocco, praying for their spiritual protection. Ask that they may have more opportunities to speak truth into people’s lives and reflect the goodness of our Father God to those who do not have a personal relationship with him through Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers!
The Arab World Media Team