Prayer Profile:
Monaco’s current ruling Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century, and a principality was established in 1338. Monaco is a small, sovereign city-state located on the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea, having a land border on three sides with France. It has an estimated population of almost 33,000. Monaco is the world’s most densely populated sovereign country. It takes about 50 minutes to walk across the width of the country.
Monaco is often regarded as a tax haven, and many of its inhabitants are wealthy and from foreign countries. The people of Monaco have experienced great prosperity in the past several decades, and because of that, many seek to fill the void in their hearts with materialism. About 90 percent of those who live in this French-speaking country are associated with the Roman Catholic church.
Redemptive Purpose: Tradition holds that Saint Devota was a Corsican woman born around 283 AD. A young virgin, she had decided to devote herself fully to the service of God. She was imprisoned and tortured for her faith. Her mouth was crushed, and her body was dragged through rocks and brambles, and racked or stoned to death. Her body was placed on a boat, and a storm overtook the boat, taking it to present-day Monaco. In her honor, a chapel was built, which still stands in Monaco.
Key Scripture to Pray: Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” - Luke 12:15
Going Before the Father: Most of the population are expatriates, coming from France, Britain, Switzerland and practically anywhere in the world. They come here for the tax breaks and freedoms. Pray through Luke 12:15 for those of Monaco.
Pray for the three churches who serve these communities--that they would be able to impact all those living and working in Monaco.
Before Christianity became a state religion, Saint Devota stood up for her faith as others worshipped many other gods. May God raise up more people like Devota to stand strong in their faith in Monaco.
