Friday, November 6, 2020
Lilias Trotter was born in London in 1853 to a wealthy family. When she was young, God called her to go as a missionary to non-Christian lands. Because of poor health, however, she did not qualify to be a missionary with any sending agency. So, she decided to go as an independent evangelist, using her own funds. At age 34, she and two other women traveled to Algiers, the capital of Algeria. She recalls: “Three of us stood there, looking at our battlefield, none of us fit to pass a doctor [a doctor’s exam] for any [mission], not knowing a soul in the place, or a sentence of Arabic or a clue for beginning work on untouched ground; we only knew we had to come. Truly if God needed weakness, He had it!”[1]
For more than 40 years she labored, sacrificed, learned Arabic, evangelized Muslims, started churches and became the head of a mission there. She was buried in Algiers.
Prayer
Lord Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, you are mighty in power, and your love is infinite. Thank you for the legacy of Lilias Trotter and many others like her whom you have called to go to Muslims with the message of redemption, love and joy. No sacrifice we make will match your sacrifice for us on the cross.
Lord, the harvest is white in Muslim lands, the crop is plentiful, the fruit is ripe, but the workers are few. We ask you, Lord of the harvest, to send out workers to gather in the fruit (Matthew 9:37-38).
Even if some people are considered unqualified, you can empower them with your Holy Spirit as you did with Lilias. Your grace is sufficient; it is all we need. Your power works best when we are weak. We pray that you will raise up men and women who will go to untouched ground, unevangelized fields, to bring in the sheaves.
We give you thanks, and we praise your glorious name, knowing that you hear our prayer. Amen.
Promise
The name of Jacob’s God will protect you. He will send you help from his sanctuary and support from his holy mountain. He will look with favor on all your offerings and will accept all your sacrifices (Psalm 20:1-3, SAB).
2023 Praying for Muslims 