Praying For United Arab Emirates and for the poor ~ 25 Apr 2009

Praying For United Arab Emirates and for the poor ~ 25 Apr 2009 1 Chronicles 16:10 Glory is His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

United Arab Emirates Population: 4.8m (0-14 yrs 20.4%, 14-64 yrs 78.7%, 65 and older 0.9%) Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, ther Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% Death rate: 2.13 deaths/1,000 Literacy rate: 77.9% Education expenditures: 1.3% of GDP Economic and political concerns: The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, UAE has transformed from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The UAE government has increased expenditures on job creation and infrastructure expansion. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US. The country's Free Trade Zones offer 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes. This has helped to attract foreign investors. Higher oil revenue, strong liquidity, housing shortages, and cheap credit in 2005-07 led to a surge in asset prices (shares and real estate) and consumer inflation. The global financial crisis and the resulting tight international credit market and falling oil prices have already begun to deflate asset prices and will result in slower economic growth for 2009. GDP: US$184.6b Unemployment rate: 2.4% Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: Father we pray that the UAE and its people would not grow dependent on oil alone. We pray that Your people would continue to search for You. We pray that they would find significance and meaning in life through You O Lord. Despite the nations tremendous progress, the nation still faces a long term battle. Father, we pray that the rich and wealthy would not throw their wealth away through foolish things in life. On the other hand, we pray that they would be able to use their financial blessings to bless, to provide and make change. We pray for the large expatriate workforce in the UAS. We pray for unity, peace, and we pray that these people would continue to find meaning and value working in the UAE. We pray that Your people would be able to treat expatriates with respect and dignity. We thank you for all the strategic plans You have for this nation. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Lord, we pray for the poor right now. We thank You for their lives. Thank you that You are in control and not us. We pray right now that You would shine, reign, and rule upon us all. Father, we pray that Your healing touch would set free the bondage and oppression of the poor. We thank You for the death and price that You paid on the cross. We are reminded today of the greatest sacrifice of all. Father, we pray right now that we would be able to understand the meaning of sacrifice. We pray that we would not take your death for granted. Instead, we pray that we would be living examples to people of what it means to be a son and daughter of Christ. Today, we pray that the poor will be used by You Lord to teach, to humble, and to open the eyes of those that take you for granted. In Jesus name we pray, amen.