I looked for someone
who would stand before me
in the gap on behalf of the land ….
but I found none.
(Ezekiel 22:30)
I was reading from Ezekiel in my quiet time this morning and came across this familiar, challenging passage in Ezekiel. It reminded me of the importance of intercession on behalf of other people, and it made me grateful for all those “praying neighbors” like you who do “stand in the gap” on behalf of others. I commend you for caring enough for others to intercede for them during these 30 Days of Prayer. And I pray that you too have learned some lessons as you’ve prayed for Neighbors through this season of Ramadan.
In my interactions with Neighbors around me, I have learned to appreciate four main things about Ramadan. These can also serve as today’s prayer points.
- Spiritual disciplines (like fasting and prayer) are necessary in our pursuit of real relationship with God (read Jeremiah 29:12-13; and Acts 10). Before we find fault with the shortcomings and hypocrisies of other religions, let us first make sure we are disciplined and sincere in our own own walk with God. PRAY that those who have been genuinely seeking God during this time of Ramadan will have experienced (and will continue to experience) a breakthrough in their understanding of who God is. May they continue to seek him fervently even after the fast.
- We all seek and need blessings. Neighbors often seek special blessings (baraka) during Ramadan. PRAY that neighbors would continue to seek and find TRUE blessings, that ultimately only come through Jesus Christ. And DO something practical to bless them yourself. (read Genesis 12:1-3; 1 Chronicles 4:10; and Ephesians 1:3)
- Family is high priority. Ramadan is a great time for family gatherings, reunions, feasts, and fellowship. It’s a wonderful experience to “break the fast” with neighbor families, where you get to meet extended family. PRAY that your Neighbors and their “entire household” might come experience membership in God’s family through Jesus Christ. And INVITE them into your home to experience your family gatherings. (read 2 Samuel 6:11; Acts 10:23-48 ; 16:31-34 ; 18:8 )
- Celebration is the spice of life! Celebration is a huge part of most Neighbor families during Ramadan. At the end of the day, after fasting from food, water and other physical things, it is a wonderful celebration to “break the fast” with family and friends and enjoy a feast together. Each Neighbor community has a prescribed time of the day (after sun down) when they are allowed to eat. The break fast begins with a call to prayer, and the meal normally begins with a few dates or healthy soups or drinks. God loves celebration and He continually called / calls on His people to celebrate and commemorate His activities and events. PRAY that God’s kindness (his creation, blessing, provision) would lead our Neighbors to repentance (read Romans 2:4)….that they too will join every tribe, language and nation to celebrate at the feast of the Lamb (read Revelations 5:11-13). And INVITE a Neighbor to celebrate one of your family or spiritual holidays with you.