Pray for Doha, Qatar

While chatting after work one day, David invited Khalid out for coffee at the Doha business where he had recently been transferred from England. Khalid accepted enthusiastically. David was new in Doha, but very friendly, and seemed interested in getting to know the Qatari residents of the city. Most of the residents in Doha are not actually from Qatar, but are migrant workers, mostly from south or southeast Asia. Khalid was also curious about David’s faith, as he had heard David talking with another colleague about where to find a place for Christian worship in the city.

Man at Al-Corniche in Doha, Qatar | Photo by Shubert Ciencia via Flickr CC

Priya came to Doha two years ago from India, to work in a hotel so she could send money to her family. The coronavirus pandemic caused many migrant workers in low-paid jobs to go without salaries for a time. Priya relied on food donations and support from members of the expat church she attends every Friday, which is the day of worship in Muslim Qatar. Some of Priya’s fellow workers from India and Nepal saw the help she received from the Christian community and began to attend with her.

There are an estimated 150,000 Christians in Doha, most of them Catholic migrant workers. Expats like David and Priya have opportunities to discreetly share their faith with others in the city, which is the largest population center in Qatar. Christians are allowed to practice their faith, but it is illegal to proselytize so it is important to be sensitive and respectful, but it is possible.

How to Pray

Pray for the safety of migrant workers in Doha, who work long hours in uncertain conditions. (Psalm 91:1-16)
Pray for Christians in Doha to be bold but wise in their witness. (Matthew 10:16)
Pray for many residents of Doha – Qatari and expat – to come to faith in Jesus. (John 14:6)

Learn More and Pray for Qatar and other Arab nations at www.pray-ap.info