Pray for Sanaa, Yemen

The Old City area in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a is known for its rich history and magnificent buildings. Sana’a has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and some of the current buildings date back to the pre-Islamic era. Made of clay, these ancient skyscrapers reach up to 14 meters, with elaborate decorations and stained-glass windows. More than 100 mosques, among them one of the oldest in the world, are also found here.

Yet the Muslim residents who live in these beautiful houses face great suffering. The Yemeni civil war started in 2014 and has evolved into the biggest humanitarian crisis worldwide. 3 million people suffer from acute malnutrition and four-fifths of the entire population requires urgent humanitarian assistance. The Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse.

Although the people of Sana’a are used to suffering, many are now struggling to simply survive. Ramadan is celebrated in a very traditional way in the Old City of Sana’a, but it is challenging for many to find the resources to have something like a typical Eid party to celebrate as most wish they could.

Officially the religion in Yemen is 100% Muslim, but more people are turning to Christ in these times. The very few local followers of Jesus are bold in their witness when it comes to showing the love of Christ by supporting the people around them and speaking about their eternal hope.

How to Pray

• Pray for the many suffering people in this city and that the Lord will have mercy on them. Pray for political and practical solutions to the long-lasting conflict in the city and the whole country. (Isaiah 26:1-4)
• Ask God to reveal Himself through dreams and visions to the Muslim residents of Sana’a. (Job 33:14-15)
• Pray that the few believers in the city would have the boldness and resources to witness about their hope through word and deed and see many in Sana’a come to faith in Christ. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Top photo by Rod Waddington via Flickr CC