Prayer Fuel
Spring Cleaning
In every corner of Azerbaijan, families eagerly engage in the age-old tradition of spring cleaning, a ritual as integral to the festivities as the iconic bonfires and colorful decorations.
As the last remnants of winter fade away, preparations for Novruz are in full swing. Novruz is the Persian New Year, which is celebrated at the spring equinox. This year, it falls on Tuesday, March 19th.
In Baku, streets buzz with activity as vendors set up stalls, selling vibrant carpets, intricate crafts, and fragrant spices. But amidst the hustle and bustle, households are immersed in their own rituals of renewal.
In the ancient city of Sheki, nestled amid the Caucasus Mountains, families gather to sweep away the accumulated dust of winter. With laughter echoing through the cobblestone streets, children eagerly join their elders in tidying up their homes, symbolizing a fresh start for the coming season.
In rural villages, women adorned in traditional scarves meticulously polish their copperware, while men tend to the gardens, planting new seeds in anticipation of the bountiful harvest ahead.
Pray with us…
- Pray that this pursuit of cleansing will compel Azerbaijanis to seek peace and reconciliation with God and with others.
- Pray that believers will dedicate the season of Novruz to restoration and recommitment to Christ, repenting of unconfessed sins and reconnecting with other Christians through the life of the local church. Pray too that Azerbaijanis believers will offer forgiveness and restoration to their brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Pray that Azerbaijanis who are seeking spiritual purity in Islam will discover that God has made atonement for their sins through the blood of Jesus. Pray that they will see that there is no human effort that can bring the spiritual cleansing that they seek.
