This week we pray for every

“CORNELIUS” IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

I believe that the Holy Spirit is preparing many Muslims to receive Christ. Even before Peter saw a vision that opened his heart to minister to Gentiles, an angel visited Cornelius and told him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-5). Even before God told Elijah to go to Zarephath, he commanded a widow in that town to receive the prophet and feed him (1 Kings 17:8-9).

Peter arrived at a Gentile home that was ready and ripe to receive Christ! Elijah arrived at a Gentile home that was ready to acknowledge that Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives!

Many Muslims are having visions and dreams of and about Jesus. They are ready to accept the Gospel. That’s what happened with my friend Tariq. It also happened with Tawfik and Omar and many others.

PRAYER

Almighty God, Maker of all people, you love us all. You planned redemption for all. You are the only true Lord and Savior. We worship and bless you. Help me to hear the cry of millions of Muslims begging us: “Come over… and help us” (Acts 16:9). Lead me to someone who is searching for the truth. Yes, send me, Lord, to a needy Muslim today. Prepare that person. May I speak to him or her words that will lead them to salvation (Acts 11:14). May I minister your Word and your grace and love to that soul. I pray that when I open my mouth, he or she will take note that “I have been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). I am asking this for your glory.

For the sake of Christ, our Redeemer, show them your favor, forgive their sins, heal their diseases, keep them from eternal death, and crown them with your mercy and love. Bring them into your Kingdom. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. May they in turn bring many souls to salvation.

In the precious name of your Son, my Lord Jesus. Amen.

PROMISE

The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him (Romans 15:12, NLT).

This week we pray for Christ-believing Muslim women like

ABIGAIL

Nabal, a rich but foolish man, had a wise and deeply spiritual wife named Abigail.  When David sent Nabal his greetings and asked for help from him, Nabal insulted David’s messengers and sent them away empty-handed.
One of Abigail’s servants told her about the unhappy encounter. He knew that David would be furious and advised Abigail to do something to prevent certain disaster. Abigail lost no time.  She took generous gifts to David and his men and pleaded that they not take vengeance on her husband Nabal and the entire household.  Her courageous efforts warded off a calamity. (Read the story in 1 Samuel 25.)

There are many women in Muslim families who have accepted Christ quietly and live courageously for him. Some of them have told their husbands and families about their faith in Christ. We need to pray for them and ask God to multiply and protect such wise women.

PRAYER

Glorious and Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we ask you to raise up thousands of Abigails in the Muslim world. By the power of your Spirit, cause many women to put their faith in Christ the Savior.

Give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. Flood their hearts with the light of Christ, so they may understand the confident hope you give your children. May they realize that they are indeed your precious daughters, your glorious inheritance, and that you take pride in them!

Teach them your precepts so they can raise families who fear God and love Christ and live for him.

Transform them into mighty intercessors who prevail in prayer on behalf of their husbands, children and families.

In the precious name of Christ, our Lord who was raised from the dead, and who is sitting on his throne far above all government and authority, all power and dominion, and any title of sovereignty that commands allegiance, not only in this age but also in the age to come (Ephesians 1:20-21). Amen.

PROMISE

Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today… Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request (1 Samuel 25: 32, 35, NIV).

This week we pray about the celebration of

BREAKING THE FAST

Muslims end the month-long Ramadan fast with a celebration known as Id al-Fitr, a national holiday in Muslim countries. There are parties and festivities. No more rigorous abstention from food and drink. The mood changes from somber to joyful. Family members get together. People give alms to the poor.

Yet, it is not uncommon at this time of jubilation and glee for people to feel empty and unfulfilled.

PRAYER

Blessed be your majesty in heaven, O God (Ezekiel 3:12). You are the True God, the only God to be worshiped and adored. You are the source of true joy and comfort, you are our hope.

I pray for these dear friends. Help them allow you to change their lives. Although they have broken the fast and are now celebrating and feasting, what they really need is Jesus, the bread of life. Open their hearts to receive the message of Christ. Give them a hunger and a thirst for the Word of God. Put in them the desire to know Jesus and follow him.

You promised to spread a banquet, a feast of rich food for all peoples (Isaiah 25:6). Lord, Muslims are very needy. They are hungry for you, even if they do not realize it. I pray that the love of Christ will touch their hearts. May they realize the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary. May many of them, even today, commit their lives to you, our Lord and Savior, and find true peace, joy and rest in you. Amen.

PROMISE

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37, 38, NIV).

This week we pray about the Islamic concept of

ETERNITY

The Quran threatens those who reject Islam with hell where they will spend eternity in chains, yokes, a blazing fire and other torments. The Islamic holy book promises Muslims an eternal paradise of gardens, flowing rivers, silk garments, thrones, no excessive heat or cold, luscious fruit, good meat, and pure wine served in crystal cups on silver trays by beautiful male youth; there men will marry beautiful virgins with big eyes (The Quran 37, 44, 52, 56, 76).

However, even the most devout Muslim is not sure if God will accept him on the Last Day, whether he will send him to paradise or hell. Islam teaches that only those killed in jihad are assured of eternal bliss.

PRAYER

Eternal God, the only true God, it seems it is hard to accept the truth and that it is much easier to believe in comfortable lies. As undeserving as I am, I pray for people who are victims of the spirit of deception. The sad thing is that they do not know that they are on a wrong path.

Merciful Savior, I intercede on their behalf today. They are sinners as we all are. They are poor and empty as we all are before we know you. Manifest your mercy and bring them to Calvary. Show your mighty power and save them from the grip of Satan. By your grace, deliver them from his lies and deception.

Lord Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life, let them experience the liberating power of your truth and the joy and peace you freely give. In your mighty name I pray.

PROMISE

Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! (Psalm 43:3-4, NLT).