by Nancy Von Schimmelmann, Mission Advocate
From May 6 until June 4, Muslims will observe their holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. This annual holiday occurs during the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar and is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. From sunrise to sunset, adult Muslims (with a few exceptions) are expected to refrain from eating food, drinking liquids, smoking and sex. Prayer, reading the Quran and doing good works are encouraged. These activities are believed to have greater influence with Allah (the Arabic word for God) during Ramadan and help increase the participant’s devotion to their faith.
As our Muslim neighbors around the world celebrate Ramadan, would you join us in praying for them?
Revelation
Ask God to reveal Jesus as the true Word of God to Muslims so they can know Him as more than a prophet and teacher and understand what it means that He is called Isa al-Masih (Arabic for Jesus the Messiah).
Ezekiel 11:19–20; John 1:1–5, 14–17; Ephesians 1:17–23
Forgiveness
Pray that as Muslims fast and pray to receive forgiveness and favor with Allah, they will encounter Jesus as the loving Savior whose grace and mercy allow them to approach God with joyful confidence.
Acts 3:19–20; Ephesians 1:7–8; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 John 1:9, 2:1–2
Workers
Ask God to equip and send Christians to share the Good News of Jesus and to disciple Muslims who want to follow Jesus.
Matthew 9:36–38, Acts 4:29–31; Romans 10:14–15, 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Protection
Ask God to protect Muslims during this holy month, when acts of violence against them often increase.
Psalm 5:11–12; Philippians 4:6–7; 2 Thessalonians 3:2–3,16
Commitment
Ask God to open the hearts and minds of Muslims and Christians toward one another and for people of both faiths to be committed to finding common ground. Pray that Jesus would be recognized as the way to peace.
Ephesians 2:11–22
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