In the last episode of this years focused prayer we want to say thank you and give a small encouragement of the impact of this humble podcast.
On Day 32 we pray Matthew 7:28-29 asking that Muslims would respond to the teachings of Jesus and surrender to him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Transcript:
Day 31
Today is the last day of Ramadan. Please tune in tomorrow for a concluding prayer and thank you.
Today’s verse is Matthew 7:28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”
Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, even born of the virgin Mary and performed many miracles. But his status as a prophet comes short of his divinity. Muslims also believe that Jesus was not crucified, instead he was saved by God but was raised to heaven and since he did not die then he did not make atonement for people’s sin. Let’s pray today for Muslims to encounter the true Jesus and become true disciples who love and obey Him.
Jesus, we thank you today for your life. That You:
6, being in very nature[ God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped;
7 but emptied yourself, by taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
(Philippians 2:6-7)
We ask in your name Jesus that you would reveal yourself to Muslims as more than a prophet, but as the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. Come in dreams and visions, come with miraculous healings and come with faithful teaching of Bible that the resounding witness of creation, miracles and the Word would confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no other name under heaven by which people might be saved (Acts 4:12).
Amen.
On Day 30 we pray some of the last few verses of the Sermon on the Mount - Houses built on rock or sand.
Transcript:
Today’s Verses are from Matthew 7: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
The reality is that many people, including Muslims, are building their lives on self interest and self preservation. Investing in careers, relationships, reputation, money, influence, and health. These are all things that will not be able to endure the floods and the winds of life. We need the Rock of Salvation, Jesus Christ, to change us and show us His higher ways.
Father, we pray today for Muslims, that the instability of building a life apart from Jesus would prove to be sinking sand. Work among Muslims bringing them to the end of their self-built security that they might see that it is all smoke and mirrors. We ask that you, Jesus, would make yourself known as the true and firm foundation, the Rock of Salvation and the only one worth building our lives, our hopes and futures on. Build your Church among Muslims in South Asia.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/30
On Day 29 we pray Matthew 7:21-23 for believers in Muslim Contexts.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/29
Content:
Today’s scripture is Matthew 7: 21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
In Islam, someone becomes a Muslim simply by reciting the shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) with conviction. Jesus says merely saying ‘Lord, Lord’ will not be enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. Today, as we pray for these people, ponder what it means to do the will of the Father who is in heaven.
Father, we pray for churches among these people who would trust Jesus’ teaching, be strengthened by His Spirit, and, with grace and wisdom, acknowledge Christ before others. We also pray for brothers and sisters who, in moments of persecution, have denied Christ out of fear. Restore them to yourself, just as you did Peter after he denied you three times. And for those who will stand before courts and governments to testify to Who You are. Give them the words to speak by Your Holy Spirit. And let the judges, lawyers, and officials Who are listening and hearing be drawn to You. Draw them to Yourself, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen.
On Day 28 we pray for Muslims to desire real fruit that comes from the heart and for the Church in Muslim contexts to produce fruit that draws people to Jesus.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/28
Transcript:
Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:15-20“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits… every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit… Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Like most people, Muslims care deeply about their outward appearance or reputation in the community. In contrast, Jesus cares about the person’s heart. Religion can change outward behavior but can not change inward attitudes—only the Spirit of God can do that. Pray for Muslims to be convicted about their need for a clean heart and to seek out Jesus’ teachings on the topic.
Father, we ask for an overwhelming disillusionment from the inability to produce good fruit apart from you. We pray for Muslims to hear and believe the gospel, be filled with your Spirit, and thus bear good fruit. We also pray for churches in Muslim contexts to continually grow deeper in the Word, that both what they believe and how they live will match what your Word says and that you would protect your church helping them discern between prophets and wolves.. In
Jesus name, Amen.
On Day 27 we pray Matthew 7:12-14 asking the Lord to empower followers of Jesus to live lives of humility and service.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/27
Transcript:
Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7: 12-14 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:12-14)
When followers of Jesus live loving lives of sacrifice, it adorns the gospel that they preach.
Father, we pray for the believers who live in Muslim countries today, that You would empower them to choose to honor others, to forgive, to offer hospitality, and to serve with humility, giving their lives for Jesus’ sake, calling others to the narrow way. Give them joy on the narrow way even when the road is marked with suffering. Give them the grace needed to say “yes,” even when it is hard. Give them joy in the midst of suffering so that their testimony rings loudly in the ears of a watching world. May Christians in these countries be known by their acts of service and hearts of love, even when it is costly.
In Jesus name, Amen.
On Day 26 we pray Matthew 7:9-11 asking for Muslims to experience the Goodness of God as their Father.
content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/26
Transcript:
Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:9-11 “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Muslims do not refer to God as “Father”. In their minds, this moniker is too personal. Instead, he is Allah, the Creator and Sustainer. Today let’s ask for God to burn a holy curiosity in the hearts of Muslims to want to know more about God as their Heavenly Father.
So Father, today we pray and ask that you would invade the world of Islam with the reality that you are not only omnipotent but also a “Father.”
Yes, you are Master, King, Creator, and Lord as well, but You also invite us in even closer and allow us to be your children. Lord, let those who worship a God who might seem holy but impersonal run right into Jesus, the God-Man who is holy and very personal. And then, Father, let them receive the good gifts of faith, salvation, and the peace only you can give.
In Jesus name, Amen.
On Day 25 we pray Matthew 7:3-4 asking that God would give us eyes to see our own hypocrisy.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/25
Transcript:
Today’s scripture is Matthew 7: 3-4 “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “
It is very easy for us to come into a conflict blaming the other person for causing the problem. When we do that we fail to realize that we also have a part in the conflict. Our sinful hearts betray us when we only cast blame. Let’s pray for those in Muslim countries today that their hypocrisy, like ours, would be revealed and that they would turn to Jesus as the true way to make peace.
Father, you know that it is easier to point the finger at others than it is to acknowledge our own sinfulness before You. As a people, we are deeply broken. Today, as we focus our prayers on those who follow Islam, we are asking that You would start revealing to them what is really in their hearts. Give them eyes to see their own hypocrisy. (And give us eyes to see ours as well). We are a people who need You with every fiber of our being. Help us, Father…
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On Day 24 we pray Matthew 6:31-32 asking God to make himself known as the knowable God.
content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/24
Transcript:
Today’s verses are Matthew 6:31-32
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
It is taught in Islam that, “You may not have complete transcendence and self-revelation at the same time.” Which is a lofty way of saying that in order for God to remain God, He cannot be known. As a result of this idea, many Muslims feel like God is distant. The truth is, God Almighty wants an intimate relationship with His followers because He is a good Father who knows even the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7).
Father, thank you for making yourself known to us and for choosing to know us. We ask today that you would reveal yourself to followers of Islam as the One True God whose desire is to know and be known by your people. You are unique and yet choose to draw near. You have done this by sending us your son, Jesus, who has made you known and whose life, death and resurrection has made possible the way for us to know you. Make this Truth known is the Muslim world.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
On Day 23 we pray Matthew 6:21 asking for Muslim's to learn and know the heart of God.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/23
Transcript:
Today’s verse are Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
It is a common assumption among Muslims (and many Christians) that material wealth is evidence of being favored by God. Likewise, the converse is also true: lack of material wealth is evidence of being out of God’s favor. In this passage, Jesus encourages His followers to invest their lives in laying up treasures in heaven and not material wealth. Let’s Pray today for Muslims to ponder where the true treasure of their heart is.
Father, your kingdom economy is different from ours. You value character and what is on the inside of a person, their heart - and not what’s on the outside. We pray today for Muslims to be brought along in this journey of learning and knowing the heart of God, to value the things that He values and to invest in eternity. Jesus, you are the only door by which one may enter into relationship with God and have eternal life. Show Muslims in South Asia that you are the only thing, the only one worth treasuring.
In Your Name, Amen.
On Day 22 we pray Matthew 6:16-18 asking for Muslims Hunger for relationship with the God of the Bible.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/22
Transcript:
Today’s verses are Matthew 6:16-18, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.”
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and fasting is prescribed for Muslims as an act of worship and a form of spiritual purification. It is meant to develop a person’s taqwa, which means being conscious of God, pious and self-restrained. All men and women are required to fast by abstaining from food, water, smoking, sexual relations and immoral behavior from sun up to sun down. Today, let’s pray for fasting Muslims.
Father, we ask that Muslims who are fasting to be seen by others find their fast empty. We pray for Muslims who are simply following the culture, awaken them from their slumber and open their eyes to see You Jesus. For those who deeply long to please God but do not know who He is, Oh Lord, please reveal yourself to them in dreams, bring them to a believer who will speak of you, Jesus or to the Gospel online. We pray for true fasting that hungers to know God as revealed in Jesus Christ by His Spirit.
Amen.
On Day 21 we pray the first few lines of the Lord's Prayer asking for God's will to be done in the Muslim World.
content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/21
Transcript:
Today’s verse is Matthew 6:9 The beginning of the Lord’s Prayer.
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Today we will pray this prayer with Muslims in mind:
“Father, we praise you because you are God, there is nothing and no one like you who sits enthroned in the heavens as the omnipotent creator of the universe and yet draws near to your creation as a loving papa - not just desiring relationship with us but forging the way by sending your own Son to pay the penalty for our sins, erasing our shame and adopting us as your children. Let the truth of this Good News go forth extending your Kingdom into the hearts and lives of Muslims in South Asia. Jesus we pray according to your word, that the will of God, which is that all men would be saved and come to knowledge of Him, would be done during this season of Ramadan.
Jesus, in your name we pray - Amen.
On Day 20 we pray Matthew 6:5,8 thanking God for His invitation to us to engage Him in real relationship through prayer and asking that Muslims be drawn to the same.
content uniquely adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/20
Transcript:
Today’s verses are Matthew 6:5-8, “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. ... And do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
The idea of Islamic Ṣalāh (Sa-Laah), that is ‘prayer,’ describes the memorized recitations that Muslims must speak and the prescribed motions they must go through five times a day. Yet the idea of prayer presented by the Scriptures is one of two-way conversation with God where followers of Jesus engage in relationship with their savior. Today, let’s ask for Muslims to have a divine encounter with God through prayer.
Father, thank you for engaging us in real relationship and giving us prayer as a means of conversing with you. We pray today for the Muslim world. That you would stir in them a longing for more, for a real relationship with you that breaks the box of memorized recitations and prescribed times of prayer. Pour out a spirit of prayer so that as they voice the longings of their hearts they would be met by you, the only one who can truly hear and respond to our prayers.
In Jesus Name - Amen.
On Day 19 we pray Matthew 6:3-4 into the Islamic pillar of Zakat and specifically ask for the Generosity of God, in giving his Son, to impact the Muslim world.
content uniquely adpated from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/19
Transcript:
Today’s verse is Matthew 6:3-4, “ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
The third pillar of Islam, is Zakah (Za-khaah), Which is the obligation of submitting a set percentage of one’s profitable wealth to charity and is expected of all qualifying Muslims and is not optional but compulsory. Jesus teaches a new way of giving that flows from the heart as an act of worship and is the antithesis of earning or even buying favors from God.
Let’s pray for Muslims to know the generosity of the Father through the gift of His son.
Father, we ask today that the required giving demanded by Islam would work to reveal self-righteousness and the damaging underlying belief that favor with you can be bought with money or good deeds. In place of this would You make known your generosity towards us in sending your son to die and extend to us the free gifts of forgiveness and restoration. As Muslims encounter you, a generous God, let that overflow as generosity from their lives towards those who are truly in need.
In Jesus Name, Amen
On Day 18 we pray Matthew 5:43 asking that Muslims would encounter the love of God who gave His son to make enemies into sons.
Content Uniquely adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/18
Transcript:
Today’s verses are Matthew 5:43-46 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”
The Muslim world is marked by great animosity. Tension and hatred between Muslims and Hindus; between, Muslims and Jews and even between Muslims like the Sunni and Sufi. In today’s verses we see God’s intention for relationships between people, one marked by Love.
Oh Father, you embodied this teaching by sending your son Jesus, in the greatest act of Love ever known, to die on behalf of your enemies in order that they might be reconciled to you. Lord, let your goodness shine and your love shower down on Muslims in such a way that they cannot help but see you, Jesus, the lover of their souls and turn to you to receive their love and lay down their hatred.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
On Day 17 we Prayer Matthew 5:38 asking that the counter-culture values of forgiveness and humility would have a deep impact on Muslims.
Content uniquely adapted from https://ramada.prayer.tools/fuel/17
Transcript:
Today’s scripture is Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
It is surprising how often Christians from a Muslim background refer to Matthew 5:38 when they share their testimony. Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” is astonishing to many Muslims, as it presents a perspective on forgiveness and humility that is unfamiliar in their cultural context.
Father, we pray today that the counter-cultural values of your Kingdom, specifically those of forgiveness and humility, would strike a chord in the hearts of Muslims showing them your better way. We also ask that you would raise up this kind of counter-cultural believers to work and live in Muslim contexts and their radical obedience to you, Jesus, would open their hearts and eyes to the wonder of you as Lord and King.
In Jesus Name - Amen.
On Day 16 we pray Matthew 5:33ff over the Muslim world that they would value and pursue truth which will lead them to the truth in Jesus.
content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/16
transcript:
Today’s verse is Matthew 5:33,34 & 37, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all … Simply let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no be “no.”
Islam teaches that Lying is a sin and the source of all kinds of evil. However, the Koran also states that there are some instances in which lying is permitted, specifically: if it serves a greater purpose or wards off a greater harm. It is also taught that people should “adopt a strategy by using statements that have multiple meanings and could serve the purpose of the demand.” and therefore to be deceptive without telling a lie.
This allowance has bread mistrust in Muslim communities that affect every area of life, even one’s relationship with God.
So Father, we worship you because you are the God of truth, that in you is no shadow of turning. Jesus we worship you because you are the truth and your word is truth. We pray and ask that you would bring your truth and the conviction of truth to Muslims in South Asia. Use your word, Lord Jesus, to dissipate the mistrust that keeps people from true relationship as well as the lies spread by religious leaders that keep people from you.
In Jesus name, Amen.
On Day 15 we pray Matthew 5:32 specifically for the Island nation of the Maldives that has some of the highest divorce rate in the world.
Thanks for praying with us.
Content is uniquely adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tool/fuel/15
On Day 14 we pray Matthew 5:27 continuing to ask that the discord of the heart awaken a hunger to be made completely right with God. We also pray for dignity for women.
Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/14
Today we pray Matthew 5:21 asking that the dissidence between the inner and outer person bring conviction and drive Muslims to Jesus.
Content adapted from