Prayer for the Muslim World

Around the world, Muslim men and women are in the midst of the annual observance of Ramadan, a month-long celebration of purification and restraint.  Observances of Ramadan include a community fast and abstinence from human pleasures such as food, drink, smoking and sex between sunrise and sunset. After sunset, the fast is broken over a meal called Iftar. Throughout the celebration of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran, to give to those in need, and to develop their relationship with God through prayer. The goals of Ramadan are to experience and incorporate into normal life such virtues as humility, patience, sacrifice, forgiveness, and self-restraint.

Interesting.  

Ignore for the moment the (highly significant) differences in Diety, and some of the more specific requirements of Ramadan, and the above might almost read like a description of Lent.  But, before we wander too far down that path, here's the point: Millions upon millions of Muslims throughout the world are simply people, just like you and I, who are doing the only things they know to do to draw nearer to God.

So, we have a choice.  We can demonize them based on the actions of some and the stereotypes of many.  Or, we can recognize them as other human beings, struggling just as we are to make sense of a sin-filled world, and pray that they might find the same eternal Source of hope we have.

As Ramadan comes to a close over the next week, I invite you to join in me praying specifically for the Muslim world.  The 30-Day Prayer Network, an annual global effort to pray for Muslims throughout the celebration of Ramadan, has published nine guidelines to use when praying for Muslims.  I will be sharing one guideline per day and encourage you to join me in prayer.  As we are reminded in James 5:16, the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

1. Be Faithful to God’s Truth – the Whole Truth

We seek to relate to Muslims on the basis of the core convictions of Christian faith, not by hiding or diminishing them. Relating to Muslims with respect, understanding and love includes bearing faithful witness to essential truths of the gospel. Jesus is Lord. Forgiveness, salvation and eternal life are free gifts of God’s grace available to any person through repentance and faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. We seek to obey the whole will of God, with its implications for every part of our lives in this world (Matt 22:37, 39; 28:20; Micah 6:8).

• Pray these things for your self, your congregation and the body of Christ concerning our relationships with Muslims.