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Friday, March 31, 2023

This coming Sunday, Western Christendom celebrates Palm Sunday. We remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, yet humbly; he came riding on a donkey. The crowds wanted to express their joy. They went out to receive him, carrying palm branches and spreading their clothes on the road. They lifted their voices in adoration and praise. That was the way conquerors and kings were welcomed home from their victories.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Majestic and Almighty Savior, you humbled yourself to be gracious to us. You stooped down to be our Redeemer. We worship you. You alone are God. You alone are our Master. You are the visible image of the invisible God. Everything was created by you and for your glory: cities and nations, kings and kingdoms, rulers and authorities. You could have entered Jerusalem in a gold chariot studded with pearls and precious stones, but instead you rode in on a donkey. What humility!

I pray that you will enter triumphantly into cities and towns that are presently labeled as Muslim fortresses.

May you enter people’s hearts and change them. May many Muslims this week own you, Jesus Christ, as their Deliverer, Redeemer and King eternal. I pray that they will experience your love, compassion and tenderness. May they, in throngs, shout from the depths of their souls, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! … Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come…. Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Matthew 21:9; Revelation 4:8; 5:12, NIV).

Promise

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth (Psalm 67:4, NIV).

Friday, March 24, 2023

During this season, Muslims start the month-long fast called Ramadan. The Muslim calendar is based on the lunar year, which has only 354 days. So each year the month-long fast comes about 11 days earlier than in the previous year.

Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day throughout this month. They abstain from food, drink, smoking, smelling nice aromas, and marital relations. Each day after sunset, they break the fast, usually with a feast. They are allowed to eat until dawn of the following day.

According to Islam, the Ramadan fast enables people to gain a right standing with God and an entry into paradise.

Some Muslims actually believe that during this month the devil is chained and cannot cause them harm, that the doors of heaven are open and the doors of hell are closed.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus, I pray with love and compassion in my heart for Muslims during this season of fasting.

You know, Lord, that most Muslims are sincere people. They are serious about their religion and beliefs. Help them realize that to approach you they have to go through Jesus and his sacrifice at Calvary. They cannot save themselves from sin by “pulling themselves up by their bootstraps”! They cannot lift themselves up to you by performing rituals and religious duties.

O God, help them discover that we are saved, not through works of righteousness, but only by faith through your undeserved favor.

I pray that you will reveal yourself to Muslims during this month as the Savior who has already accomplished all things. May they know that on the cross “it is finished.” Amen.

Promise

It is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life” (Galatians 3:11, NLT).