We are entering the Muslim month of Ramadan, which falls this year between April 24 and May 23. Will you join us and commit to 30 days of praying that God will reveal Himself to Muslims around the world? Following are some suggestions put together by our Missions Council for how to focus your prayers over the first week.
Fri May 15
Islam is the largest religious minority in the nation of India, with almost 175 million followers. But Muslims are often marginalized and persecuted by the Hindu majority and government. They are even being blamed and targeted in India for the spread of the Coronavirus. There are several different factions of Islam, some very violent as they struggle for economic and political power. It is a difficult place for international mission workers. Grace Community Church supports the work of Operation Agape and unfoldingWord in northern India to establish and strengthen the church by equipping leaders and providing Bible translation for the many unreached people groups in the area.
Pray for Indian Muslims to have access to the New Testament in their own language. Pray for protection and favor for those who are boldly proclaiming the gospel, that leaders, families, and communities would hear and turn to Jesus.
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sat May 16
According to the Quran, it is not possible to know Allah. To Muslims, it is blasphemous to consider any kind of personal relationship with God. Submission out of fear is taught instead. Allah only reveals his will, not himself, so Muslims pray memorized ritual prayers five times a day to appease a transcendent force with no personal interest in his creatures.
Pray that the God of the Bible would reveal Himself to Muslims as they pray during Ramadan, and that they would enter a relationship with Jesus, who calls us friend.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
Sun May 17
There are millions of Muslim refugees around the world, who are not able to return to their homes because of violent unrest. As they observe Ramadan, unable to gather for prayer with their communities or break the fast together each evening, it is yet another reminder of all they have lost. Grace Community Church partners with missionaries who serve these refugee populations in Greece and the Middle East. They have a unique opportunity to shower them with the love of Jesus in tangible ways and share the gospel to a transient population who may spread the good news wherever they land.
Pray for those suffering and afraid to find hope and healing in Jesus and a new community centered on the church. Pray also for Christian missionaries to connect refugee families with needed resources, especially during this time when normal operations are shut down because of the Coronavirus.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Mon May 18
There are many things that can destroy Muslims’ fast during Ramadan, and many rules about what is valid or not. If you choose to eat or drink during daylight hours, the fast is broken. Smoking cigarettes, chewing gum, making yourself vomit, and brushing your teeth all invalidate the fast. If that happens, they are to continue on but add another day of fasting to compensate. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may choose not to fast, but must also make it up later. In some Muslim countries, you may be fined or jailed for not adhering to the daytime fast. Because of these strict rules, there is a saying, “When Ramadan comes, they all turn into Muslims; the rest of the year, they do whatever they want to do.”
Pray that as Muslims practice self-restraint during Ramadan, they would believe the truth about Jesus, who denied Himself and died on the cross on their behalf.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope. Titus 2:11-12
Tues May 19
The 27th night of Ramadan is called Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power or Night of Destiny, when Muslims believe God first revealed the Quran to Muhammed by sending the angel Gabriel. Many believe this night has special power to open the gates of Paradise and lock the gates of Hell, so they worship intensely, some staying up all night asking to have their prayers answered for forgiveness of sin.
Pray that Muslims would have courage to seek and follow the true path to salvation and forgiveness of sins, as God reveals Himself to them, no matter the cost.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Wed May 20
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the US. Well over 2,000 mosques are in US cities, with close to 4 million followers. This year was the first time that the Muslim call to prayer is being broadcast widely, when Minneapolis granted a noise ordinance variance to allow it five times a day during Ramadan. After the 9/11 attacks and other jihadist incidents by Muslim extremist terrorists, Muslims in this country have faced increased discrimination and prejudice. This makes it difficult for Muslims to find positive experiences and form friendships with Christians.
Pray for spiritual searching during Ramadan, and hearts that are open to hearing and accepting Jesus. Pray for deep friendships between Muslims and Christians in the US, who would lovingly lead them to Christ.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
Thurs May 21
Charity is another important component of Ramadan and one of the five pillars of Islam. According to Islamic law, Muslims are required to donate a fixed portion of their income to those in need. This zakat or fitrana is paid by every Muslim by the end of Ramadan, in time for the money to reach the poor before the holy month ends.
Pray that Muslims would see charity as an outpouring of love, as demonstrated by Christ, and view Him as their treasure.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Fri May 22
The crescent moon or new moon, known as Hilal, determines the beginning and end of months in the Islamic calendar and defines the dates of Ramadan each year. Traditionally, the new moon’s first light has to be physically sighted for the first and last days to be declared official, so sometimes the holy month may be delayed if the skies are cloudy. On the 29th day of Ramadan after sunset, people go outside to look for a new crescent moon signifying the final night of Ramadan.
Pray for Muslims to recognize the handiwork of God in all creation, and be led to follow Jesus, the light of the world.
From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 66:23
Sat May 23
After a full month of fasting, prayer, and focus on God, the end of Ramadan is one of two events celebrated by Muslims of all sects and affiliations with a holiday called Eid al-Fitr and the breaking of the fast. Traditionally a three-day holiday, some extend the celebration for a week or more. The focus is on gratitude for strength to have made it through the month with a sense of accomplishment. Gifts may be exchanged and a festive atmosphere of celebration with family is capped off by a big meal with special foods. Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” which means blessed feast.
Pray that Muslims would remember how God revealed Himself to them over this month, and that they would courageously share stories of visions, dreams, and Christ’s love as they visit and celebrate with family. Pray for lasting change in the hearts of Muslim-background believers.
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food. Isaiah 25:6a
Then comes the end, when [Christ] delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:24
Fri May 15
Islam is the largest religious minority in the nation of India, with almost 175 million followers. But Muslims are often marginalized and persecuted by the Hindu majority and government. They are even being blamed and targeted in India for the spread of the Coronavirus. There are several different factions of Islam, some very violent as they struggle for economic and political power. It is a difficult place for international mission workers. Grace Community Church supports the work of Operation Agape and unfoldingWord in northern India to establish and strengthen the church by equipping leaders and providing Bible translation for the many unreached people groups in the area.
Pray for Indian Muslims to have access to the New Testament in their own language. Pray for protection and favor for those who are boldly proclaiming the gospel, that leaders, families, and communities would hear and turn to Jesus.
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sat May 16
According to the Quran, it is not possible to know Allah. To Muslims, it is blasphemous to consider any kind of personal relationship with God. Submission out of fear is taught instead. Allah only reveals his will, not himself, so Muslims pray memorized ritual prayers five times a day to appease a transcendent force with no personal interest in his creatures.
Pray that the God of the Bible would reveal Himself to Muslims as they pray during Ramadan, and that they would enter a relationship with Jesus, who calls us friend.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
Sun May 17
There are millions of Muslim refugees around the world, who are not able to return to their homes because of violent unrest. As they observe Ramadan, unable to gather for prayer with their communities or break the fast together each evening, it is yet another reminder of all they have lost. Grace Community Church partners with missionaries who serve these refugee populations in Greece and the Middle East. They have a unique opportunity to shower them with the love of Jesus in tangible ways and share the gospel to a transient population who may spread the good news wherever they land.
Pray for those suffering and afraid to find hope and healing in Jesus and a new community centered on the church. Pray also for Christian missionaries to connect refugee families with needed resources, especially during this time when normal operations are shut down because of the Coronavirus.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Mon May 18
There are many things that can destroy Muslims’ fast during Ramadan, and many rules about what is valid or not. If you choose to eat or drink during daylight hours, the fast is broken. Smoking cigarettes, chewing gum, making yourself vomit, and brushing your teeth all invalidate the fast. If that happens, they are to continue on but add another day of fasting to compensate. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may choose not to fast, but must also make it up later. In some Muslim countries, you may be fined or jailed for not adhering to the daytime fast. Because of these strict rules, there is a saying, “When Ramadan comes, they all turn into Muslims; the rest of the year, they do whatever they want to do.”
Pray that as Muslims practice self-restraint during Ramadan, they would believe the truth about Jesus, who denied Himself and died on the cross on their behalf.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope. Titus 2:11-12
Tues May 19
The 27th night of Ramadan is called Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power or Night of Destiny, when Muslims believe God first revealed the Quran to Muhammed by sending the angel Gabriel. Many believe this night has special power to open the gates of Paradise and lock the gates of Hell, so they worship intensely, some staying up all night asking to have their prayers answered for forgiveness of sin.
Pray that Muslims would have courage to seek and follow the true path to salvation and forgiveness of sins, as God reveals Himself to them, no matter the cost.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Wed May 20
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the US. Well over 2,000 mosques are in US cities, with close to 4 million followers. This year was the first time that the Muslim call to prayer is being broadcast widely, when Minneapolis granted a noise ordinance variance to allow it five times a day during Ramadan. After the 9/11 attacks and other jihadist incidents by Muslim extremist terrorists, Muslims in this country have faced increased discrimination and prejudice. This makes it difficult for Muslims to find positive experiences and form friendships with Christians.
Pray for spiritual searching during Ramadan, and hearts that are open to hearing and accepting Jesus. Pray for deep friendships between Muslims and Christians in the US, who would lovingly lead them to Christ.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
Thurs May 21
Charity is another important component of Ramadan and one of the five pillars of Islam. According to Islamic law, Muslims are required to donate a fixed portion of their income to those in need. This zakat or fitrana is paid by every Muslim by the end of Ramadan, in time for the money to reach the poor before the holy month ends.
Pray that Muslims would see charity as an outpouring of love, as demonstrated by Christ, and view Him as their treasure.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Fri May 22
The crescent moon or new moon, known as Hilal, determines the beginning and end of months in the Islamic calendar and defines the dates of Ramadan each year. Traditionally, the new moon’s first light has to be physically sighted for the first and last days to be declared official, so sometimes the holy month may be delayed if the skies are cloudy. On the 29th day of Ramadan after sunset, people go outside to look for a new crescent moon signifying the final night of Ramadan.
Pray for Muslims to recognize the handiwork of God in all creation, and be led to follow Jesus, the light of the world.
From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 66:23
Sat May 23
After a full month of fasting, prayer, and focus on God, the end of Ramadan is one of two events celebrated by Muslims of all sects and affiliations with a holiday called Eid al-Fitr and the breaking of the fast. Traditionally a three-day holiday, some extend the celebration for a week or more. The focus is on gratitude for strength to have made it through the month with a sense of accomplishment. Gifts may be exchanged and a festive atmosphere of celebration with family is capped off by a big meal with special foods. Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” which means blessed feast.
Pray that Muslims would remember how God revealed Himself to them over this month, and that they would courageously share stories of visions, dreams, and Christ’s love as they visit and celebrate with family. Pray for lasting change in the hearts of Muslim-background believers.
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food. Isaiah 25:6a
Then comes the end, when [Christ] delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:24
LOVE MUSLIMS
because 1.8 billion people need to know the love of Christ.
WHY PRAY?
God loves Muslims. He LOVES them! He loves them SO much that He came to the earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, gave His own life as the perfect sacrifice for their sins, and then raised Himself from the grave!
And He wants all Muslims “to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Praise God, that is exactly what is happening today! More Muslims have turned to follow Jesus in the past 15 years than in the previous 1400 years combined!
But our hearts are still heavy because 1.8 billion Muslims are still living without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
And so we PRAY!
God loves Muslims. He LOVES them! He loves them SO much that He came to the earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, gave His own life as the perfect sacrifice for their sins, and then raised Himself from the grave!
And He wants all Muslims “to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Praise God, that is exactly what is happening today! More Muslims have turned to follow Jesus in the past 15 years than in the previous 1400 years combined!
But our hearts are still heavy because 1.8 billion Muslims are still living without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
And so we PRAY!