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 another edition of Breakthrough, in which we pray for the people of Libya.
It seems that Libya has become a forgotten nation in the past few years. When civil war broke out back in 2011, the world held its breath as it watched the Libyan people struggle and strain to bring down their powerful leader, Muammar Gaddafi. When this happened and a new government was formed, life moved on and other stories drew our attention. We could be forgiven for making the assumption that things got better in Libya, but sadly, in many ways, things got much worse.
The people of Libya need and deserve our intercession. Read on to find out some of the ways you can make a difference through prayer. Take heart in knowing that nothing is beyond our Lord. Here’s a beautiful verse to meditate on as you come to him in prayer…
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV)
Country focus: Libya
Key verse
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.(Psalm 34:14 ESV)
About
The State of Libya is a large nation with a small population. It sits on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and borders the countries of Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Egypt. Its population, estimated to be 6.5 million, is 97 percent Muslim. The remaining three percent includes Christians, but these are predominantly foreign workers.
Libya has a long and rich history, and was at one time home to a significant population of early church believers. For many centuries it was part of the Ottoman Empire, but it was also occupied by Italy for thirty years (1911-1943) and administered by the UK and France for a short time (1943-1951).
Libya gained full independence on 24 December 1951 under King Idris I, Libya’s one and only king, who was exiled after the 1969 military coup that marked the beginning of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule.
Aerial view from Tripoli, Libya.
In 2011, a violent civil war broke out between Gadaffi’s supporters and various militia groups that opposed him. Gaddafi was eventually captured and killed, marking a new beginning for Libya. Elections followed shortly afterwards and a new constitution was approved. However, the government never fully regained control of the country and in many places it is ruled by militia and terrorist groups, including Daesh. Over the years, talks and negotiations have taken place in an effort to end the violence. In May, an agreement was reached between four representatives of rival groups to hold elections in December.
Stronghold
A major stronghold in Libya is, without question, instability. A strong government needs to be formed to bring an end to the fighting and rule of terror that grips many parts of the country. Let’s get on our knees and ask our Lord to bring peace and stability to this nation.
Prayer points
- In Jesus’ name, declare that the stronghold of instability would be broken in Libya.
- Lift up the different tribal groups that are vying for power. (Go here for a list of their names.) Pray for a radical change in the hearts of their leaders and members. Pray that each one would thirst for peace in Libya.
- Pray that terrorist groups would be defeated and driven out of this land.
- Pray that good, honest, selfless leaders would emerge to stand in the upcoming elections.
- Pray that the people of Libya would be able to live in peace and harmony, no longer uncertain of their future.
- Finally, pray that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of the people of Libya, convicting more people of the truth that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world.
For more prayer inspiration, watch this video, courtesy of Prayercast…
Thank you for your prayers!
The Arab World Media Team
*Name has been changed.