This week as part of our Euro Voice season we hear from Maureen Hurst who asks us to pray for a country right at the western edge of the continent.

Portugal is a land of intense beauty and extreme paradox. A global maritime power known for its conquering spirit during the 15th and 16th centuries, it has recently been described as one of Western Europe’s most introverted and unassuming countries, its struggling economy a cause for alarm throughout the western world. A stroll along its streets reveals tired shanties holding their ground beside contemporary villas; walled properties with nothing but weeds growing within, flanked by apartment buildings interspersed with the occasional cultivated field.

Following the 1974 overthrow of the dictatorship that had ruled Portugal for over four decades, the country developed rapidly in some sectors, while others still reflect vestiges of a much simpler past. And although the nation has been a democratic republic for almost 35 years, and has enjoyed religious freedom for nearly as long, there’s a persistent sense of resignation, of hopelessness in the face of life among its gentle people.

In October 2007, following 22 years of organizing concerts, tours and Christian rock festivals in Italy, my husband Denny and I moved to Portugal along with our family. Our desire has been to encourage young Portuguese bands – and young people in general – to walk in all God has called them to, to be a voice to their generation. We remain committed to seeing hope rise up in their hearts… the hope that comes from knowing the Giver of Life.

Shortly after our arrival here, I became involved with helping to set up a periodic 24-7 prayer room in our community outside of Lisbon. It’s been exciting to see hope reborn, creativity sparked in prayer and worship, walls tumbling down and dreams coming alive, as people unite their hearts in prayer. May a wave of prayer wash over the youth of this nation, that they might experience God’s transforming power and shine with His love!

Please join in praying for the people of Portugal: that the walls of depression, fear and apathy would be blown away… replaced with new life and the freedom to dream without measure, celebrate joyfully and hope expectantly!

To join with Christians all over the world in praying for the prodigal continent of Europe visit our new website 24-7prayer.eu where you can sign up to pray, for weekly newsletters and prayer resources. You might also like to read Ian Nicholson's article Restoring the Romance or watch our excellent European Prayer video.

If you've missed our earlier posts in the European Voices series you can catch up:

Euro Voices - Albania

Euro Voices - Bosnia

Euro Voices - Croatia

Euro Voices - Bulgaria

Euro Voices - Malta

Euro Voices - Hungary

Euro Voices - Czech Republic

Euro Voices - Finland

Euro Voices - Ireland

Euro Voices - Switzerland