Bedouins of the Levant

Pray for Bedouins of the Middle East

Several million Bedouins still live in the Levant states of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories which form the original Arabia. The name “Bedouin” is derived from the Arabic word badija, which means desert. Most Bedouin no longer live as animal breeders and nomads but have integrated themselves into the villages and cities. Their traditional hospitality, which was of the highest importance, has been preserved even until today and is still very widespread.

A guest is under the protection of the Bedouins until the moment he leaves the tribe. Guests are always taken care of in a generous way, with the best food available. Before eating, tea or coffee is served. The coffee – usually the bitter, Arabic style – is of great importance. Offering and accepting a cup of coffee marks the beginning of peace negotiations and trade. Certain movements with hand and cup indicate whether one wants more or is already satisfied.

The Bedouins are mostly Muslims who have never heard of Jesus and his love for them. As a proud and freedom-loving people, they are struggling with the gospel. Individual Bedouins may have found Jesus, but there have not yet been major movements. The Sheikh, as the tribal leader, is very influential in how his people will respond to Jesus and his followers.

Prayer Ideas:

• Pray for the countless Bedouins who are affected by the difficult conditions in the Levant, such as war and unemployment, but are often even more disadvantaged in the “modern” world because of their traditions.
• Pray for Bedouins to have many opportunities to interact with Christians who will share their faith.
• And pray for Christians who will go live among the Bedouin communities throughout the Middle East in order to share the Good News with them.
• Pray for the Bedouin to seek after God, as we read about in Revelation 3:20.