Brothers and Sisters, - Missions Resource Network Days of Prayer for the...Brothers and Sisters, ... We believe God is doing something in the Muslim ... Our prayers and cries echo

Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for joining us in a powerful season of prayer for the Muslim world. We are excited to be a part of a great number of intercessors who have offered themselves during the next 30 days to pray for God’s good Kingdom to come among our Muslim neighbors, both near and far.

We believe God is doing something in the Muslim world. In the last 15 years alone, there have been 69 movements of Muslim peoples to Jesus all around the world. This represents thousands and thousands of Muslim men and women, boys and girls, grandfathers and grandmothers coming to know the Jesus who loves them. We praise God for this movement!

This prayer guide is designed to assist you in your prayers during the next 30 days. Our prayer effort coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslim peoples all over the world will pray and fast as they seek the will and favor of Allah. Our prayers and cries echo their desire: that God will hear from heaven and act on their behalf. We pray that our Father will draw them into the powerful and generous Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

On the last day of our prayer effort, July 5th, it is our hope that 100,000 people will cry out to God on behalf of our Muslim neighbors. We hope that you will gather others together in your homes or churches or places of business to pray. (Be sure to check in at our Facebook page on July 5th to let us know who you are and where you are praying.)

This matters, brothers and sisters, because prayer changes things. May we pray fervently, powerfully, meekly, kindly, and faithfully, believing the words that are born in our hearts through faith can bring about the redemption our world is desperate for. Good Father, may it be so!

Praying,

The MRN Team

Special Thanks A very special thank you goes out to the team at Good News for the Crescent World who compiled much of the content in this prayer guide and who have graciously allowed us to use it here. The majority of it was written by a Muslim background believer, Ruqaya Naser. This provides a special insight into the Muslim world and allows us a greater clarity with which to pray. To learn more about Good News for the Crescent World, you can find them on the web at www.gnfcw.com.

Preparing for Ramadan If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (Ps. 66:18)

As you may already know, the month of Ramadan will begin very soon. Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset in a time of heightened spirituality. I believe that they are earnestly seeking God, but are not worshipping the true God. I also believe that this is the season for God to move in the hearts of Muslims; therefore, this prayer guide has been prepared to assist you as you pray for Muslims during the next 30 days. As the Lord leads us all in a time of prayer, let us ask Him to encourage us to consecrate ourselves for this month.

To prepare yourself for these 30 Days of Prayer:

1. Please ask the Lord to cleanse your heart and give you diligence and focus to pray for Muslims.

Day 1

Righteous Acts

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. (Is. 64:6a)

Ramadan (the month of fasting) is one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims are obligated to fulfill these acts:

• Confession (shahada): The Muslim creed, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” This creed marks one’s conversion to Islam. ��

• Prayer (salat): Formal, ritualistic prayers offered five times each day in addition to the congregational prayer offered every Friday. ��

• Almsgiving (zakat): Mandatory donation to charity; approx. 2.5% annually. ��

• Fasting (sawm): Fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; one must abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. ��

• Pilgrimage (hajj): Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must complete a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during his/her lifetime. Muslims depend on these “righteous acts” to negate their bad deeds in the hope that God may allow them to enter His Paradise. ��

As Muslims fast, please pray...

��1. That they will discover the emptiness and meaninglessness in their “righteous acts”

2. That as they fast, God will give them a hunger for something more spiritually ��

Sharing Your Faith: When reaching out to Muslims, it is a great idea to take them to passages like Rom. 3:23 & Is 64:6 that deal with Man’s lack of righteousness. ��

Country to pray for: Morocco

Prayer Video for Morocco: http://www.prayercast.com/morocco

Day 2

Why do Muslims Fast?

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? (Is. 58:5a)

Qur’an 2.185: The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall ��fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.

Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel came down and revealed to Mohammed the first verses of the Qur’an during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. (Note: Since the Muslim calendar is a lunar calendar, Ramadan starts approximately 11 days earlier each year according to the solar calendar.) The month in which the Qur’an was first revealed therefore was set apart for Muslims to fast as a way to teach Muslims self-restraint and to identify themselves with the poor. During the month, they are not to partake of food or drink nor to engage in sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. After sunset and before sunrise, they are free to feast and often break their fast with family and friends gathered together.


1. That God will reveal to them the fast He desires (according to Is. 58) ��

2. That God will open their hearts and minds to the truth of His revelation in the Bible

Sharing Your Faith: As you interact with Muslims, it is always important to start and end by praying for them.

Country to pray for: Indonesia (Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country)

Prayer Video for Indonesia: http://www.prayercast.com/indonesia

Day 3

The Movement of the Holy Spirit

When He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)

If the Holy Spirit does not move in the hearts of Muslims, the hearts of Muslims will not be moved at all!!


1. That the Holy Spirit will move in the heart of every Muslim to be receptive to the Truth of God’s Word and His great news for them

2. That as the Holy Spirit moves, Muslim hearts will be convicted of their sin and need for a Savior

3. That they will be convicted of God’s righteousness and holiness and His coming judgment

Sharing Your Faith: When my grandfather wanted to plant things in his backyard in Jordan, he would loosen the soil before he scattered the seed. As you pray, please ask God to loosen the hearts of Muslims before the seed of God’s Word is scattered.

Country to pray for: Algeria

Prayer Video for Algeria: http://www.prayercast.com/algeria

Day 4

Has the Bible Been Changed?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (Matt. 24:35)

Muslims believe that the scriptures given to prophets before Mohammed (i.e. Jesus, Moses, Abraham) have been changed or altered by the people to whom it was given. Therefore, God sent Mohammed as His final prophet with His final word (the Qur’an) and God protected His Qur’an throughout all generations. The above Bible passage, however, tells us that God’s Word will not pass away or be altered.


1. That God will reveal His Truth about His Word (the Bible) to ALL Muslims

2. That God will convince and convict the hearts of ALL Muslims to believe that His Word does NOT change

Sharing Your Faith: If a Muslim tells you that the Bible has been changed, a good question to ask is: When was the Bible changed and which parts of the Bible were changed? Be sure when you ask such questions you do so in a loving and caring manner, not a defensive, argumentative or judgmental manner. The idea is to challenge him/her to think, not to make him/her defensive.

Country to pray for: Malaysia

Prayer Video for Malaysia: http://www.prayercast.com/malaysia

Day 5

Was Jesus Crucified?

They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the Place of the Skull). Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. And they crucified Him. (Mark 15:22-24a)

Qur’an 4.157: “And because of their saying (in boast), ‘We killed Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah’ - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it so appeared to them, those who differ therein are in doubt about it. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely, they killed him not.”

Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. God placed Christ’s resemblance on another man and that man was crucified instead. Muslims believe that God did that to protect His precious Prophet from a horrific death. Therefore, Jesus never died, but was raised into heaven before His death. They believe He will come back once again, to live on earth for 40 years, die, and then be raised on Judgment Day to stand before Allah just like the rest of God’s creation.


1. That God will open the eyes of Muslims so that they may know, beyond any doubt, that Jesus WAS in fact crucified

2. That God will give Muslims discernment in knowing the Truth about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection

Sharing Your Faith: When Muslims tell you that Jesus was never crucified, but that God sent someone else who looked like Jesus to be crucified, a good question to ask is: Since God is All-Powerful, why did not He raise Jesus into heaven in front of all His enemies, rather than deceiving Christians for more than 600 years before the Qur’an came down with the “truth”? Why would He deceive people like that?

Country to pray for: Tunisia

Prayer video for Tunisia: http://www.prayercast.com/tunisia

Day 6

The Deity of Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1- 2)

Qur’an 3.59: Surely the likeness of Isa [Jesus] is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, Be, and he is.

Muslims believe that Jesus was created just like Adam was. He was a Prophet, but not the Son of God. It seems almost absurd to a Muslim that God would come to earth, be born, get tired, hungry, and even die. This is another stumbling block for Muslims to come to Christ.


1. That God will open the eyes of ALL Muslims and show them the truth about the Personhood of Jesus

2. That God will remove this stumbling block from the paths of Muslims to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior

Sharing Your Faith: In 1 Corinthians God tells us that without the Spirit of God, it is impossible to know God. Unless the Holy Spirit comes upon Muslims to reveal the Truth about Christ, they will not be able to understand this concept. You can respond by taking them to the Bible and showing them all the areas in which Jesus claimed His Deity. Even if they do not believe in the Bible, they can read it and what it says about this subject. And we all know that God’s Word is ALIVE and will penetrate their souls. Please do not underestimate the power of the Word of God!! Satan would love nothing more than to neutralize you by having you think it would be a waste of time to use the Bible since Muslims do not believe in it! You are ARMED with HIS Word, and ARMED with HIS Truth!!

Country to pray for: India (India is the world’s second largest Muslim country)

Prayer video for India: http://www.prayercast.com/india

Day 7

Allah & YHWH

There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Sam 2:2)

Qur’an 42.29: And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and what He has spread forth in both of them of living beings; and when He is competent to gather them if He wills.

The term “Allah” is the generic term for God in Arabic. The Arabic Bible translates YHWH as “Allah.” Muslims believe their God and ours are the same. Allah in the Qur’an has mostly the same characteristics as Allah in the Bible (i.e. All-Powerful, Omniscient, Creator, Sovereign, etc.).

There are some attributes of God in the Bible that are different in the Qur’an (i.e. God is Father and Love in the Bible, but He is not in the Qur’an). The Personhood ��of God is different in Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Christians believe in a Triune God, while our Jewish and Muslim neighbors do not believe in the Trinity. So, we can split hairs and say we do not worship the same God, or we can build bridges and use the term “Allah” to talk about God. I would recommend that it is very okay to use the term “Allah” to talk about Him because that IS the term used in the Arabic Bible.


1. That Christians will look for ways to build bridges between Muslims rather than build walls

2. That Muslims will see God for His true character (Loving Father) and know His Personhood (A Triune God)

Country to pray for: Libya

Prayer video for Libya: http://www.prayercast.com/libya

Day 8

Who is the Holy Spirit?

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

Some Muslim scholars argue that the word “Counselor” which is the Greek ��word “Parakletos” is not the Holy Spirit because it is referring to Mohammed’s coming. They vehemently argue that the reason why the “Parakletos” is referring to Mohammed and not the Holy Spirit is because the Greek word for Spirit is “Pneuma” and that word is not used. They also argue that Mohammed said that Jesus foretold Mohammed’s coming so it must be somewhere in the Bible, but it was distorted. Thus, the best plausible answer is that Jesus foretold about Mohammed, but Christians later distorted it.

It is clear that Muslim scholars have distorted and tried to manipulate God’s truth to suit their own agenda; therefore, it is important for us as Christians to be aware of the distortions and know how to respond to them.


1. That God will silence the scholars from feeding Muslims lies ��

2. That God will open the hearts and minds of Muslims to discern truth from lies

Sharing Your Faith: When Christians are faced with these distortions, we can respond with anger, bitterness and defensiveness or we can respond in love and pray for them and point them to the Truth. Peter reminds us that we are to have an answer for the hope we have and to give it with humility and love (1 Pet. 3:15).

Country to pray for: Pakistan

Prayer video for Pakistan: http://www.prayercast.com/pakistan

Day 9

Fear & Deception

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Prov. 1:7)

Qur’an 9.63: Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Apostle, he shall surely have the fire of hell to abide eternally in it? That is the grievous abasement.

Satan works on the basis of fear and deception. We have addressed issues of deception that Muslims face in their belief system, now we will deal with fear that is not of the Lord. The fear that God wants us to have leads to reverence of Him and knowledge and wisdom in living. The fear that Satan wants us to have, however, is fear that will hinder us from being all that God wants us to be and do. Muslims struggle with accepting Christ as their Savior because they are afraid of going against Allah and being punished in hell for their decision.


1. That God will remove ALL fear from the hearts of Muslims and replace it with peace in the knowledge that they are not making a mistake by accepting Christ as their Savior ��

2. That God will open the hearts of ALL Muslims to recognize good fear from bad fear (that requires a miracle!!) ��

Sharing Your Faith: When I was a Muslim, one of the fears I had was when I thought, “What if these things about Christ aren’t true? If I accept Christ and they really aren’t true, I’ll go straight to hell.” As you witness to Muslims, know that this is a real fear they all face and we need to pray for them and continue to show them the Truth.

Country to pray for: Egypt

Prayer video for Egypt: http://www.prayercast.com/egypt

Day 10

Honor & Shame

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matt. 19:29)

Qur’an11.92: He said: O my people! is my family more esteemed by you than Allah? And you neglect Him as a thing cast behind your back; surely my Lord encompasses what you do.

Muslims struggle with trusting Christ because they are afraid of dishonoring, disgracing, or shaming their family (whether it is a spouse, parents, or the family name) or community in which they live.


1. That God will dispel this fear from ALL Muslim minds no matter where they live ��

2. That when God gives them seeking souls this issue will not be a stumbling block at all! ��

3. That we as Christians will be sensitive to the Muslims that come to Christ and we will truly treat them as family — not just distant relatives, but as close family and loved ones. ��

Sharing Your Faith: People always want to belong! We are created to be in relationships and to feel loved, valued and cherished. The Family of God (that is us Christians) need to play a vital role in the lives of Muslims when they come to Christ. Also, when they are in the midst of their search they need to know that the Family of God is a place they can turn to for family. This is when God’s love needs to pour out of us!

Country to pray for: Bangladesh

Prayer video for Bangladesh: http://www.prayercast.com/bangladesh

Day 11

Culture & Muslims

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. (3 John 1:11)

Qur’an 9.30: And the Jews say: Uzair is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!

Culture plays a huge role in the lives of Jews, Christians and Muslims. We, as Christians, are charged with imitating Christ and our spiritual forefathers, such as Paul (Eph. 5:1; I Cor. 11:1). We are also warned from imitating false worship and immoral behaviors within society. Muslims struggle with living in the West because they fear their children will grow up imitating “Christians” like Britney Spears and the like. Muslims have a misconception that everyone who lives in the West must be a Christian and thus Christianity allows men and women to drink freely and practice sexual immorality.


1. That all Muslims will be able to understand the difference between Christian values and the secular values of western societies and media

2. That ALL Muslims will understand the high calling of following Christ means dying to self rather than indulging self

Sharing Your Faith: When interacting with Muslims, a very important question to ask yourself is, “Could what I’m doing be a stumbling block to Muslims?” An example would be how you dress, esp. women: Would a short skirt, shorts, or tank top really be the best thing to wear when speaking to a Muslim woman (or man)? As you interact with them, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of wisdom in those areas.

Country to pray for: Jordan

Prayer video for Jordan: http://www.prayercast.com/jordan

Day 12

Fear of God

In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:17–18)

Qur’an 2.112: Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.

As noted previously, there is a difference between the concept of fearing God in the Bible and the Qur’an. Muslims are afraid of Allah’s wrath and his punishment which is why it is very difficult for them to know Christ.


1. Please pray that God will remove ALL fear that sets itself up against Him or His Gospel in the hearts of Muslims

2. Please pray that God will reveal His truth to ALL Muslims about Himself and His Son

Sharing Your Faith: In Arab cultures, when a member of a family violates the rights of another, the guilty person and his family would visit the offended family to reconcile and make restitution. Show them verses that point to the fact that we are the guilty party and yet God came and made restitution with us (i.e. Rom. 5:8, etc.).

Country to pray for: Afghanistan

Prayer video for Afghanistan: http://www.prayercast.com/afghanistan

Day 13

Christians Afraid to Offend Muslims

But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:14-16)

In speaking at different churches and helping Christians share their faith, the Lord has opened my eyes to several obstacles within the Body of Christ. The first obstacle is the fact that Christians are reluctant to share their faith because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. They are also afraid of offending Muslims and therefore, they do not share their faith.


1. That God will open the eyes and minds of ALL Christians to realize that the fear to offend or to say the wrong thing is not from the Lord, but from Satan

2. That God will remove ALL fear from the hearts of Christians that hinders them from sharing their faith

Country to pray for: Israel

Prayer video for Israel: http://www.prayercast.com/israel

Day 14

Christians Cannot Know Everything

On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matt. 10:18-20)

There is a thought process among Christians that we all must know how to respond to every question and every objection that a Muslim has. The other thought process among Christians is that we must know Islam really well before we can truly know how to share the Gospel with Muslims. Obviously, that is not true at all. It is a lie that Satan has fed us throughout the years.


1. That God will remove the thought process from ALL Christian minds that we must know all the answers before we can share the Gospel

2. That God will remove the thought process from ALL Christian minds that we must know Islam really well before we can witness to Muslims

Sharing Your Faith: When I moved to Dallas nine years ago, I met a woman in my apartment complex. She invited me to church and walked with me through the process of coming to know the Lord. She was not trained in a seminary nor did she know much about Islam, but she was available to the Holy Spirit to use her in my life and HE DID! As I recall the journey with my sweet friend, I do not remember all the questions that I asked her, but I do remember her loving me and praying for me through the entire process. She is a great example of a Christian who loved the Lord, loved me, and was available to the Holy Spirit to use her in my life. Today, I want to charge you to not be afraid of reaching out to people from other backgrounds. Simply love them, and make yourself available however the Spirit may use you in their lives.

Country to pray for: Iran

Prayer video for Iran: http://www.prayercast.com/iran

Day 15

The Right Background

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. (Acts 17:16-17)

There is a belief system among Christians that former Muslims ought to evangelize Muslims because of their background. These people feel that since we have been in the shoes of Muslims, we can better understand them and minister to them. That belief system, however, “pigeon holes” some Christians while it gives others an excuse not to evangelize people of different backgrounds. This belief system is also not Biblical. God sent Philip to an Ethiopian Eunuch (two completely different backgrounds), Paul to the Gentiles (also different backgrounds), and Jonah to Nineveh (very different backgrounds).


1. That ALL Christians will reach out to Muslims within their sphere of influence regardless of differing backgrounds

2. That Christians will not shrink back from Muslims for fear of different cultures or backgrounds, but will be willing to learn from and share with Muslims

Country to pray for: Lebanon

Prayer video for Lebanon: http://www.prayercast.com/lebanon

Day 16

Bitterness & Anger of Christians

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:43-45)

There is a sentiment of anger and bitterness among some Christians towards Muslims since 9-11. The mentality that I have discerned is an “us against them” attitude and that is certainly not from the Lord. It is a result of the war with Iraq and the insurgencies and persecution of Christians. Our job, however, is to love and pray for our enemy. Jesus requires nothing less from us than to love and pray for Muslims.


1. That God will remove ALL hatred, and ALL bitterness from the hearts of Christians and replace it with love and compassion towards Muslims ��

2. That God will remove the “us against them” mentality from the hearts of all Christians and replace it with an attitude of “Jesus loves Muslims and died for them, thus I need to love them and reach out to them.” ��

Sharing Your Faith: I once attended a retreat where I was teaching on how ��to share your faith with Muslims. After I was done with my session and opened the floor for questions, an older woman looked at me, stiffened her shoulders and said with an angry voice, “Well, doesn’t it say in the Qur’an that Muslims should kill Christians?” I think her question really was, “Why are you telling me to reach out to these people if they want to kill us? How dare you?” So I said, “Well, let’s assume the Qur’an DOES say that, what is our responsibility as Christians?” Her shoulders dropped and I saw a light flashing in her face as she said, “Our responsibility is to love them......... (long pause)....and pray for them.” I said, “Exactly!” My charge for you today is: Do not focus on what the Qur’an says, but what the Bible says we are supposed to do. THAT is our responsibility and opportunity!

Country to pray for: Iraq

Prayer video for Iraq: http://www.prayercast.com/iraq

Day 17

It is Hard for Muslims to Become Christian

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:26-27)

Many Christians believe that is almost impossible for Muslims to come to Christ. Those that convert from Islam are few and far between. Therefore, why bother with doing it if the results are not fruitful? Obviously these thoughts and sentiments do not align with God’s perspective. He requires us to be faithful to sharing what His Son did on the cross for us and we need to leave the results to Him.


1. That ALL Christians will have God’s perspective on sharing the Gospel ��

2. That God will remove from ALL Christian minds the belief that “we must have instant results” when we share the Gospel

��3. That we will be faithful when God opens doors for us to share with Muslims

Sharing Your Faith: I remember when I was in Uganda and speaking to women about sharing Christ with Muslims, my interpreter looked at me and said, “HMMM, I have Muslim neighbors and it’s hard sharing with them about Christ.” I looked at her and said, “But we still NEED to do it.” She nodded in agreement. It is NOT our job to convert people, that is the Holy Spirit’s job. If we are doing the converting, then YES, it is impossible for Muslims to come to know Christ. But if it is the job of the Holy Spirit, then we need to leave the results up to Him.

Country to pray for: Syria

Prayer video for Syria: http://www.prayercast.com/syria

Day 18

God Loves Muslims

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:17)

Qur’an 2.20: The lightning almost snatches their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all things.

Muslims believe that God is “near” but His “nearness” refers to His “All- Knowingness.” In other words, God is aware of all things, but He does not incline Himself to have a relationship with us. The Bible reminds us that God is near to us because He desires an intimate relationship with us.


1. That ALL Muslims will grasp how high and deep God’s love is for them

2. That ALL Muslims will grasp the Truth that God longs for a personal relationship with them

Sharing Your Faith: There are three ways we can show Muslims that God is a God of relationships: First, show them Bible passages expressing God’s loves for us and His longing to have a relationship with us. Second, reach out to them and build a relationship with them. It is not hard to build a relationship with Muslims. You can do it by opening a door and asking them about their faith (show genuine interest in learning about Islam), by inviting them to dinner or lunch (no pork or alcohol when you do that!), by being available to help in times of need, etc. Write a list of all the things you can do to build a relationship with Muslims and apply it in your life. Third, show them that God is a relational God by the way we love one another as Christians — that speaks VOLUMES to Muslims and to the world and that is why Christ commanded us to do it!

Country to pray for: Saudi Arabia

Prayer video for Saudi Arabia: http://www.prayercast.com/saudi-arabia

Day 19

The Trinity

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:18-19)

Qur’an 5.116: And when Allah will say: O Isa son of Mariam! did you say to people, Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah he will say: Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to (say); if I had said it, Thou wouldst indeed have known it; Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I do not know what is in Thy mind, surely Thou art the great Knower of the unknown.

Muslims have a wrong concept of the Trinity. According to the above Qur’anic verse, the Trinity consists of God the Father, Mary the Mother, and Jesus the Son. This is due to a false cult that existed in the Middle East during the time of Mohammed that proposed that Mary was part Deity and thus part of the Trinity.


1. That Muslims will truly understand the Truth about the Trinity

2. That God will enable their finite minds to grasp the Infinite God

Sharing Your Faith: When asked about the Trinity, a Christian can discuss the complexity of the human (created with a body, a soul and a will). If humans are complex, is not God much more complex?

Country to pray for: Turkey

Prayer video for Turkey: http://www.prayercast.com/turkey

Day 20

The Nature of Mankind

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (Ps. 51:5)

Qur’an 95.4-8: Certainly We created man in the best make. Then We render him the lowest of the low. Except those who believe and do good, so they shall have a reward never to be cut off. Then why make a lie concerning the judgment compensation? Is not Allah the best of the Judges?

According to the Qur’an, Man is created as a good and pure person. Once a person gets older, he or she has the power to choose what is right and what is wrong. When they commit a sin, they will be punished for it, but if they do good, they will be rewarded for it. The Bible, on the other hand, is clear that mankind is in desperate need for a savior because of our sins. We can’t be good enough to earn our place in heaven or the salvation we desire.


1. That Muslims will see that no matter how hard they try, they can never measure up to God’s glory because of their sin (Rom. 3:23)

2. That Muslims will come to grips with the fact that no matter how hard they try, they need someone outside of themselves to save them from themselves

Sharing Your Faith: All Muslims believe that when Adam and Eve lied to God they were cast from Paradise for their one sin. You can lovingly ask them that if one sin was enough for God to cast Adam and Eve from heaven, why would He allow us in heaven with the many sins we have committed?

Country to pray for: Oman

Prayer video for Oman: http://www.prayercast.com/oman

Day 21

The Art of Story Telling

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; He did not say anything to them without using a parable. (Matt. 13:34)

The definition of a parable is “an illustration that teaches in a story or extended figure of speech” (Zondervan NIV Concordance). People love to hear stories! I believe that the very thing that differentiates between a good preacher and an excellent preacher is how well they can tell a story! There are many times when I will not remember a point that my preacher would give us, but I will almost always remember the stories he shares. This is because our minds are wired to remember stories better than bullet points. Telling a story well is not a gift, but a skill and an art that we are ALL capable of learning and doing.

I am sharing this with you because Muslims have never really known the full story ��of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The Qur’an has bits and pieces about Christ, but does not give the full story (it does not even give an accurate story). This is where we come in: To tell His story to them.


1. That ALL Christians will learn and be able to tell the story of Christ well

2. That ALL Muslims will be able to hear it from us, grasp it, and receive it

Sharing Your Faith: A year ago, I had the privilege to sit with an Iraqi Muslim refugee family and we began to talk about Christ. The Lord impressed on my heart to simply tell the story of Jesus and give specific details about His crucifixion. When I looked in their eyes, they seemed to be in deep contemplation as the father said, “We never heard the story of Christ told this way before.” As you share Christ, do not forget to tell them the story of His life, death and resurrection!

Country to pray for: Greece (There are large populations of Muslim North African and Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees pouring into Greece today)

Prayer video for Greece: http://www.prayercast.com/greece

Day 22

Revelation Supersedes History

In the time of Herod king of Judea...(Luke 1:5a)

Qur’an 20.71: (Pharaoh) said: You believe in him before I give you leave; most surely he is your leader who taught you enchantment, therefore I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will certainly crucify you on the trunks of the palm trees, and certainly you will come to know which of us is the more relentless in punishing and the more enduring.

The Qur’an was supposedly sent down as a revelation from Allah over a period of 23 years. Mohammed did not have the full Qur’an because when he received the “revelations from Gabriel,” they came down a few verses at a time. The Qur’an contains stories about many prophets in the Bible, but their stories are not in chronological order, they are not written in one chapter (or what we call a book), nor is the whole story told. For that reason, in the Qur’an, revelation always supersedes historical truth. In other words, Muslims are more concerned with the fact that the Qur’an was sent from heaven than when Jesus was born, where He lived, etc. The Bible, on the other hand, gives historical markers as to when Jesus was born (i.e. during the time of Tiberius, while Herod was governor, etc.). The historical markers, along with the scientific accuracy and prophetic truths affirm that the unified story of redemption in the Bible comes from God.


1. That Muslims will question the historical accuracy of the Qur’an

2. That Muslims will see the historical significance in the Bible

Sharing Your Faith: A good, practical way to share the Gospel with Muslims is to give them glimpses of when things occurred in the Bible. Most of them do not know that David lived after Moses and Lot lived during the time of Abraham. They will be amazed to know these things!

Country to pray for: Yemen

Prayer video for Yemen: http://www.prayercast.com/yemen

Day 23

Eternal Security

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18)

Qur’an 7.8-9: And the weighing of that day will be the truth; so those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, those are they who shall be successful; And as for him whose scales (of good deeds) are light they are those who will lose themselves for the injustice they were doing to our verses.

Muslims believe that people will be judged according to their deeds on the day of judgment. If someone does more good than bad, then they have a better chance of entering heaven. No matter how many good deeds they do, however, they are still not promised heaven because it is all dependent on God’s mercy in the end and, therefore, they never know how many “good deeds” are going to be good enough.


1. That Muslims will see the hopelessness in trusting in their own good deeds

2. That Muslims will find hope in Christ’s victory on the Cross

Sharing Your Faith: Oftentimes, Muslims will tell Christians that it is arrogant to believe people can know for sure they will go to heaven because of what Christ did on the cross. They argue that it is not okay to go out and sin and just rely on the work of Christ. This is a great opportunity to share the story that an imprisoned man on death row who is freed does not go out and commit murder, but is grateful to walk in holiness. Christians are people who have been freed from death row, too!

Country to pray for: Italy (Italy is also home to many large populations of Muslim North African and Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees)

Prayer video for Italy: http://www.prayercast.com/italy

Day 24

Sons or Slaves

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Gal. 4:7)

Qur’an 2.186: And when My servants (or slaves) ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls on Me, thus, let them heed My call and believe in Me that they may be rightly guided.

Since Allah does not have any children, Muslims have a hard time grasping the concept that we are God’s children. For this reason, they are adamant to argue that God has no children, and thus we are His slaves (or servants). In Islam the relationship between God and Man is Creator to slaves, not sons.


1. That God will open the hearts of Muslims that they may see that God wants to adopt them into His family

2. That God will help them to see their relationship with Him as He sees it, not as they see it

Sharing Your Faith: When speaking to Muslims about us being sons versus slaves, it is a great opportunity to paint a picture in their minds how a slave is treated versus how a son is treated. When they see the whole picture, you can emphasize how God wants us to be children, not slaves.

Country to pray for: United Arab Emirates

Prayer video for United Arab Emirates: http://www.prayercast.com/united-arab-emirates

Day 25

Religion or Relationship

Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. (Rom. 10:4)

Qur’an 3.19: Surely the religion with Allah is Islam, and those to whom the Book had been given did not differ but after knowledge had come to them, out of envy among themselves; and whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah then surely Allah is quick in reckoning.

Muslims believe that if you follow the rules, rituals and regulations of Islam, this pleases God. Paul, however, lived centuries before Mohammed and proclaimed that the Law (following rules, rituals and regulations) does not save, nor does it produce a relationship with God. This can only be accomplished through faith in Jesus who paid the price for our salvation through His death on the cross.


1. That God will open the minds of Muslims to see that following any law is inadequate and does not please God

2. That God will help Muslims see that it is faith, not works that interests God and that it is a relationship, not religion that God wants

Sharing Your Faith: Once again, this concept is hard for Muslims to grasp because they see God as the Creator and people as His slaves. Pointing them to passages that show God calling Himself Father and His relational attributes would help Muslims have a better understanding of why Christians focus on their relationship with God rather than religion.

Country to pray for: France (France is home to many Muslim North African immigrants)

Prayer video for France: http://www.prayercast.com/france

Day 26

The Concept of Abrogation

It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. (Luke 16:17)

Qur’an 2.106: Whatever verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?

Muslims believe that when God sent down the Law of Islam to Mohammed, He did so in stages. For example, God didn’t forbid drinking alcohol right away. Instead, He first commanded them to pray when they are sober and then He later sent down a command to forbid them from drinking completely. The latter verse that forbade Muslims to drink abrogated (or nullified) the command to pray when they are sober. This is a hard concept for Christians to understand, but it is clear that this concept is nowhere mentioned in the Old or New Testaments.


1. That God will open the eyes of Muslims to see the futility of the concept of abrogation

2. That God would help Muslims see that God’s Law and standards are everlasting, and so is His grace

Sharing Your Faith: As mentioned earlier in this guide, Muslims believe that the Bible has been changed. This concept, however, implies that the Qur’an also might be changed. You can point them to verses that deal with God’s Word lasting forever and that God is God enough to protect His Word!

Country to pray for: Qatar

Prayer video for Qatar: http://www.prayercast.com/qatar

Day 27

The Night of Power

Qur’an 97.1-5: “We have indeed sent it down (message) in the Night of Power. And what do you know what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the spirit by God’s permission, on every errand: Peace! Peace it is until the rise of Morn.”

Qur’an 44.1-6: By the lucid book. We sent it down during a blessed night. For We indeed were the warner (against evil). In that (night) every wise matter becomes distinct, by command, from Our Presence. For We indeed are sending it, as a mercy from Thy �� Lord: for He is the hearing and the knowing.

Mohammed said, “Anyone who stays awake for the Night Of Power with belief �� and for the pleasure of Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (This is called a Hadith or tradition). The primary scripture for Muslims is the Qur’an; however, this is supplemented by the Hadith or sayings of Mohammed.

The Night of Power (Laylatu - Al- Kadir) is the night in which Muslims believe ��that Allah sent down the Qur’an from heaven. It falls in the month of Ramadan, approximately the 27th day. Muslims believe if they spend the night reading the Qur’an and praying, God will forgive them of all their past sins and bless them. Some Muslims also believe this is the night in which Allah extends extra blessings and is more inclined to answer prayers than any other time.


1. That tonight will be the night in which Christ is manifested to them in visions and dreams

2. That this will be the night in which God will reveal His Truth about Himself, the Bible and Christ, and that He will reveal the truth about the Qur’an and Mohammed to ALL Muslims

Country to pray for: Spain (Spain is also home to many Muslim immigrants)

Prayer video for Spain: http://www.prayercast.com/spain

Day 28

A Call to Pray for Muslims Around the Mediterranean Rim

And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ. (Eph. 1:9)

The countries around the Mediterranean rim touch three different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Millions of Muslims live in this region of the world. It is a region that gave birth to Christianity. The story of Jesus captured the imaginations and the hopes and dreams of the peoples in these lands. They were our first missionaries, apostles and teachers.

But the lands that gave rise to our faith are now places where Islam is flourishing. Islam took hold and began to spread in the 7th century. The lands of the Mediterranean rim are a place from where the gospel was once launched. And now, it must return.

God is doing something among the peoples and places of the Mediterranean rim. ISIS and radicalism are driving people away from the faith they profess. War and violence have uprooted millions of people who are now searching for new homes, relationships and community. People are hungry for belonging and for a faith that advances peace and not terror. We stand at a unique moment in our history and it is time for us to engage the opportunities that are before us. Today, we ask God to show us how to engage and to bring hope to a people who are longing for it.


1. That God will redeem the peoples who live around the Mediterranean rim

2. That God will show us how to engage the Kingdom opportunities that are before us

3. That God will raise up missionaries, partner churches and organizations, and prayer warriors for the Mediterranean rim

Sharing Your Faith: Is there a role that God wants you or your church or your organization to play in sharing the good news in the Mediterranean rim?

Country to pray for: Kuwait

Prayer video for Kuwait: http://www.prayercast.com/kuwait

Day 29

For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. (Rom. 10:2-3)

As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, it is important to emphasize the importance of prayer. There is no doubt that Muslims are sincere in their faith, but they are sincerely wrong in the way they are seeking God. There is much bondage in their understanding and only God can break through all of that. This will happen when we pray (Mark 9:29).


1. That God will clear the dark fog from ALL Muslims’ understanding and open their eyes and minds to His Truth ��

2. That God will give us spiritual sensitivity and a passion to reach out to our Muslim neighbors and friends ��

3. That God will give each of us and ALL His people opportunities to reach out to Muslims ��

Sharing Your Faith: PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

Country to pray for: Germany (Germany is home to thousands of Middle Eastern refugees who are fleeing war and violence)

Prayer video for Germany: http://www.prayercast.com/germany

Day 30 O God, Give us 100,000 Prayer Warriors!

How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom. 10:14-15)

On this last day of Ramadan and the last day of our 30 day prayer effort, take a moment to reflect on what you have heard, seen, and prayed about. What has God impressed on you during this past month of prayer? Are there actions you need to take? Are there prayers you still need to pray? How has God called you to engage the opportunities in the Muslim world? Write your reflections below.

Today, it is our deep desire that God will call 100,000 people to pray on behalf of the Muslim world. Who can you call to join you in prayer today? Please make plans to gather a group in your home or in your church or in your workplace to intercede. Below, write down the names of people you want to call to join you in prayer. (Make sure you check in n Facebook to let us know who is praying and where you’re praying from.)


1. That ALL Christians will take seriously their responsibility to GO ��

2. For boldness for ALL Christians to share (even if it’s across the street, or across the ��cubicle, or across the other desk at school) ��

3. That ALL Muslims will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and BELIEVE!

Sharing Your Faith: Call people to prayer today! And find ways to engage the Muslim world whether it is across the world or right next door.

Countries to pray for: The central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan

Prayer video for one of these countries: http://www.prayercast.com/kazakhstan

Thank you for praying with us! May the Lord bless you richly and may every prayer that you have offered these past 30 days come to pass. May

God do more than we can ask or imagine among the peoples of the Muslim world!

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