Neighbor Prayer Update

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor….”     And then He was asked, “who is my neighbor?”   In response to this question Jesus proceeded to tell the well-known Good Samaritan story in which the neighbor turns out to be the one who will even love his enemy.  And this of course echos Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount to love even those who would be our enemies.   Unfortunately, too may believers do NOT obey this command.  Instead they are paralyzed by fear, pride, or prejudice — which often is expressed in defensive, hateful behavior.    The remedy is LOVE.  God’s perfect love promises to cast out all fear.

For today’s prayer focus, on this 24th Day of Ramadan, in addition to joining the 30-Days community in praying for the Kho People,  I’d like to focus our attention on repentance and reconciliation.   I urge you first to read the following article Islamophobia in the Church? (http://warrenlarson.wordpress.com/), and then do some soul searching.

Prayer Suggestions:

1.  If you have harbored any hatred or negative feelings towards any Neighbors, confess that now and repent of that.  As God to help you truly LOVE your Neighbors.

2. If you have been afraid of Neighbors in any way, confess your fear and ask God to give you a heart of faith and love to overcome that fear.

3. If you know about any Neighbors in your immediate community that you have been afraid to talk with or get to know…..or whom you have simply not wanted to meet…..ask God to open doors of friendship with those Neighbors.

4. On behalf of The Church, repent and ask God to forgive the church for our lack of love and concern for Neighbors, and ask God to raise up many more laborers to serve amongst Neighbor people, both at home and abroad.

5.  Ask God to help you be a peacemaker, and a voice of peace, love and courage to your church, family and community.

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Psalm 29:10-11)

In a world flooded by violence, greed, brokenness, tragedy, natural disasters, and despair….it is encouraging to know that God is in control and that He is our hope (and the HOPE of the whole world) in the midst of chaos.   Lets pray for those who are experiencing chaos without Christ today, that they too may come to KNOW the King who sits enthroned above the flood.

1.  Pray for the desperate situation in Pakistan where deadly flooding continues to ravage this nation.   Some have estimated that 20% of the country is now flooded, and that 20 million Pakistanis are affected.   Pray that Christian relief organizations and workers are able to get appropriate help to those in need.  Pray that the victims of this natural disaster will turn the Pakistani people to God, to seek Him and find Him.   Pray for peace and stability in this already troubled part of the world.

2.  Pray for peace and stability in China’s far west region of Xinjang.   Just yesterday a suspected terrorist drove a bomb-laden bomb into a crowded area in Aksu City, wounding 14.   Pray for those who are serving in this area that this event will not disrupt their developing relationships.   Pray that Chinese Christians will respond with love and forgiveness.

3.  Lift up students in Indonesia who are being trained to serve in neighbor communities.  May the Lord give them courage and boldness, along with sensitivity and wisdom.   May the love of Christ compel them to serve in difficult areas.   Pray for the trainers and mentors that they will not grow weary in well doing (in well training)….but that they will soon see the fruits of their efforts.

4.  Pray for neighbor training events in a key gateway city in Asia, from September 25 – October 30.   May many people respond to the invitation to be trained and may they begin to implement the tools for outreach in their communities.

5.   Pray along with thousands of others who have joined the “30 Days of Prayer” during Ramadan.  Join the movement at http://www.30-days.net.

Praying Neighbor is partnering with 30-Days of Prayer by forwarding to our mailing list the 30-Days online content. Below is the first of many emails from 30-Days.net.

Ramadan begins tomorrow.   If you have not yet subscribed to 30-Days of Prayer, I urge you to do so today.   Love your neighbor through active, obedient prayer.

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World Ramadan 2010 / 1431:  August 11 – September 09

Dear 30-Days friends,

welcome to the 19th annual 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus.

This year we have a special focus on Christlike relationships with Muslims. Jesus calls his followers to experience and live out the love of God. This love is made accessible to all people through Christ, who came into the world “full of grace and truth.” However, because of cultural differences, threats of terrorism and negative stereotypes of Muslims, many of God’s people shrink back from fulfilling Jesus’ command to love all people. We will pray about this on days 1 and 2.

The email edition is an extract of the main booklet and a link is provided each day to the main article. The idea is to give you a gist of the prayer material so you can be praying in unity with the rest of the world. The email is sent one day early to try to include most time zones.

Please use the Bible as much as possible in prayer. We have included various Bible references you can meditate on and proclaim. Ask God to inspire your prayers. That will build your faith and God can give you new insights for prayer based on His Word.

Be encouraged, we hear from all over the Muslim world of many coming to Jesus. This is the time to pray Muslims into the Kingdom of God in faith. Perhaps you can organize some extra meetings to pray in groups. The “Night of Power” (day 27) is a good time. Day 8, as a special focus on Sudan would also be good (August 18). Praying together will help generate more faith and creative prayer.

Whatever the case, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your participation. It is a privilege to pray with you and humbling to know God is using our prayer to bring light into darkness, send workers to the Muslim world and raise funds for urgent needs of the poor.

PS: On day 08 we will pray for Sudan. The threat of a new continued conflict is very real. I will add extra links where you can read what Christians inside Sudan are saying. I ask other prayer networks to make this urgent prayer request known. Wouldn’t it be great to get to heaven and have the Lord add, “well done, you also helped stop a war in Sudan…”

“I looked for a man (or woman) among them who would…
stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land
so I would not have to destroy it,
but I found none.”

(Ezekiel 22:30)

Those last four words of this passage are some of the saddest words in scripture.    God was looking (is looking) for people who would faithfully seek Him and intercede on behalf of others….but he could find none.   As a result, a whole nation (and the nations around her) suffered the unnecessary consequences of their sinfulness, rebellion, pride and separation from God.   That is the same fate of many peoples (nations) in our world today who rely on their own efforts, abilities or religion to save them.   They too are lost.  Separated from right relationship with God, unless someONE stands in the gap on their behalf.   Today, will you become ONE of those who intercedes on behalf of the Muslim world (especially during this time of Ramadan)?   Will you change that word none to at least nONE?

Prayer Requests:

1. A good friend of mine works for an ministry organization called GAP – “Global Adopt a People”.    Their whole aim and focus is to get people praying for and adopting unreached people groups.   Please pray for their ministry today.  They are working on some adoption projects with churches for the Pashtun people.   Pray that God will raise up prayer partners for the Pashtun people.   Will you be ONE of them?  (Send us an email if you would like to know more about this ministry or this people group).
2. Pray for friends who are serving the Uyghur people in a key gateway city in China.   They have been able to develop friendships with seekers, some of which are now believers.  Pray for the growth of these groups, that these new Uyghur believes will be able to follow Christ faithfully and lead their families and friends to Christ.
3. Intercede for the Rohingya people, a refugee class of people who are without a home or country.    They are scattered amongst various countries in Southeast and South Asia, but are often rejected or exploited wherever they go.   Pray for a group of believers who are actively seeking ways to minister to this impoverished group of neighbors.   There will be a meeting of partner organizations later this year focused on strategies to serve the Rohingya.   May God raise up the right people and provide the right means and methods to introduce the Rohingya to Christ.
4. This next week begins RAMADAN (August 11 – September 09).   It’s a great time to stand in the gap and focus prayer (and fasting) on the needs of the neighbor world.   A great prayer resource (website and booklet) that I highly recommend is “30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.”   Below is pasted a letter from the author of 30-Days.   I strongly encourage you to subscribe and use this great resource to guide your prayers.

————————————————–

Dear 30-Days friends,

Just a reminder that Ramadan begins next week, 11 August through 09 September, 2010.

If your church or prayer group would like to join the email list to pray with us, please send them to the “subscribe” page: http://www.30-days.net/resources/email/.   If you subscribe, you will receive the shortened, daily prayer topics for the 30 days coinciding with Ramadan.

In addition, at the beginning of August there will be a downloadable version on the site as well (at this link: http://www.30-days.net/resources/download/).

That’s it from me for the moment. I am excited and anticipating great things again this year as we pray together for the lost in the Muslim World.

A PROMISE:    “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)
A REALTY: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)
A SOLUTION: “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38)

As we pray for the nations today, specifically our Neighbors, praise God for the workers who are answering the call and preparing for service; and ask God to open many more hearts to obey the call.

1.  Praise God: (From a worker in Indonesia) “A new person is coming to our school in August to join in our neighbor training program!”

2.  Prayer Request:   (From Indonesia)  “We are having a new round of training in August, please pray for our instructors, students and all the logistics.   May the head knowledge gained move the students’ hearts to action.”

3.  Request:    A young man in Indonesia is looking for a place to live among neighbors right now, in order that he might develop friendships in the community.    Please pray that God leads him to the right place.

4.  From a key gateway city in a creative access country:   “I meet weekly with a young neighbor who has recently put his faith in Jesus.  His spouse just gave birth to a little girl.  There have been some financial complications in the hospital.  We think the baby is fine.  We need wisdom to know how to encourage these young disciples at this time.”

5.  Another worker in a creative access city:   “My language teacher will give birth in a few weeks.  We need wisdom to know how to walk with her and her husband during this time.  We study at our home.   My teacher has talked with us from the heart more than once.  We hope to involve her husband more.”

6.   From a couple working as tentmaker teachers in another key city:  “Relationships with our work colleagues are rich.  Several, including a couple of neighbors, have spoken with us at the heart level more than once.  We need wisdom regarding when and how to be more intentional.”

7.   Pray for the Lematang people of Indonesia
The Lematang people are very hospitable and friendly when welcoming newcomers. They have a strong sense of community togetherness proven by their adherence to “gotong royong” (neighborhood mutual service and assistance), not only to the Lematang community itself, but also to outside communities. They currently embrace Islam, yet still hold to ancient beliefs concerning magic and mystical powers.

Ministry Obstacles
Scripture is not available in the language of the Lematang, requiring other means to convery Biblical truth.   Ask the Lord to raise up Bible translators and finances to complete this translation project.

Outreach Ideas
Christians may be able to minister to the Lematang through schooling for the children, and through micro-enterprise.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are only a few known believers among the Lematang. Pray the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order that they may know the hope to which they have been called, the riches of their glorious inheritance.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for improved schools for the children of the Lematang, and that parents will place priority on education for their children.

Scripture Focus
“He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy He will save.” Psalm 72:13

REMINDER: Don’t forget, Ramadan is coming up — August 11 – September 09 — ORDER your prayer booklet NOW:  http://www.30-days.net/order/ so you can pray intentionally and intelligently along with thousands of others around the world.

‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it.  And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’…. “Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD.  “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you….  Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

Imagine a city without walls — no barriers, no divisions, no mistrust….a place where love and peace and security abound.   That is God’s intention for the nations.   He has roused Himself and is actively working amongst the nations to raise up Kingdom people from every tribe and language.   As we pray for Neighbors today, lets pray with this word of hope and promise in mind….and work to tear down any walls in our own lives.

Please pray for:

1.  Praise God for a successful “neighbor immigration conference” in Europe two weeks ago.  70 leaders gathered together to develop strategies to minister to the growing number of neighbors migrating to cities all around the world.   Pray for the follow up of this event that people will actually implement the ministry plans and goals they’ve established.  Pray that many more individuals and churches will awaken to the needs of immigrants and the ministry opportunities amongst them.

2.  Jerry is serving in a creative access city.   He recently informed us that one of his neighbors received Christ this past week, and Jerry will be meeting with him weekly for discipling.   Pray that this new brother in Christ is rooted deep and early in the faith and is quick to share his faith with others.    Also pray for the following specific goals for Jerry in his own personal ministry:  *To be more intentional in his conversations and more strategic in his activities;  *to be more dedicated in praying for people;  and *to start going to the Neighbors “ghetto” in his town and establish relationships there.   Specifically for goal #3, Jerry will go to this village at least once a week, more if possible, to eat a meal and hopefully find some people of peace to befriend.

3.  KB this weekend will be attending a “Fathering” workshop with 3 of his neighbor friends.    A major evangelical / apologetics leader will be the main speaker at this event.  Pray that KB’s friends (S, J & M) will be open to the message and be drawn to the Father heart of God as they themselves seek to become better Dads.

4.  A planning committee is working to organize a major strategy conference early next year focused on reaching the 13 unreached people groups of the Southern Philippines.   Pray for the following specific items:  1 ) that all the logistics will come together;  2) that volunteers will be raised up; 3) for event speakers / schedules; 4) that the right people be invited / selected for this event; 5) that those who attend will be changed and immediately begin to implement strategies to reach these 13 neighbor UPGs.

5.  M & R have opened up to their Christian friends (D & A) about their family problems (broken relationships, conflict with in-laws, rebellious sons, etc).  M & R have confessed that they don’t know what to do.  They are seeking help and advice.    D & A have been able to clearly share with them that Christ is the only hope for their family.    Pray that M & R will really come to the end of themselves and accept Jesus as their savior and Lord  and begin to seek Him for answers.

6.  For the Mawalud people of India.   There are 208,000 Mawalud concentrated in 3 main cities of central India. 

What Are Their Needs?
Deprived of their former sources of wealth and power, many Deccani have given way to deep destitution and despair. They have struggled long and hard to maintain their culture, beliefs, and pride. They need encouragement and hope, which can only be realized through a clear understanding of the Gospel. Since Muslims revere holy scriptures, an updated translation of the entire Bible is essential. There are currently no known Christians among the Deccani.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to India and share Christ with the Deccani.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts and minds of the people to a clear understanding of the Gospel.
• Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to complete translation of the Bible into Deccan.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Deccani toward Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
• Pray that God will open the hearts of India’s governmental leaders to the Gospel.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Deccani bound.
• Pray that God will raise up teams of intercessors who will faithfully stand in the gap for the Deccani.
• Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Deccani.

“Not one of ALL God’s promises
to the house of Israel failed;
every one was fulfilled.”
(Joshua 21:45)

This passage is set in the context of Israel’s crossing into the promised land. But God’s fulfilled promises did not stop then and there. As God’s true “Israel” the followers of Jesus the Messiah (Rom. 9-11; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 2) have an even greater promised inheritance that is still being fulfilled. The promise to Abraham was that “all nations on earth would be blessed through you” (Gen. 12). We know that this ultimate blessing comes through Jesus. As disciples of Christ, our “promised land” is PEOPLE — the nations (Ps. 2). Lets continue to pray and work with expectancy that God is still at work fulfilling his promises to draw all nations to himself.

1. God is at work in a major gateway city in Asia amongst a large minority UPG. Tension remains high in this area, but tentmakers are there working and living in community with both majority and minority people. God has raised up at least four house fellowships amongst them in the past 6 months. Please pray for these tentmakers, that God will give them wisdom as they learn how to respond to the emotional responses to mutual mistrust among groups. May their respect and honor for all open hearts for the Truth.

2. Pray also that God will give them wisdom with the weekly groups with whom they meet. Some groups are made up of believers. Some are a blending of believers and pre-believers. Two of our groups have no believers…..YET.

3. A neighbor family in Jakarta (immigrants there from the M.E.) have been adjusting to life in a new city / country. They are searching for truth and open to dialogue about Scripture. This past weekend some believers were visiting them, staying in their home, and had great opportunity to share clearly about Isa al Masih. The neighbor family was receptive. Pray that God’s word and God’s truth sink in and take root, and that God’s Spirit will continue to draw this family to Himself. May they come to recognize Jesus as Messiah and Lord.

4.  We just received a great report from a Jesus Film team working in a creative location.   They are rejoicing about God’s work in two key areas:

• TEAM 1 — “Earlier this month, we showed the film in the home of the J family who had just returned  from an island  where they have lived in a transmigration camp for several years.  There are three children in the family, and one of them, named A, accepted Christ and has started attending services at our church.  PTL!
• TEAM 2 –  “In the face of much opposition, a 29-year-old woman named M has accepted Christ as her Savior after watching the JF.  At the present time we are disciplining her and she is learning to study the Bible.  Pray for her because discipleship for her means facing huge oppostion.”

5. Pray for ongoing preparations and logistics for a conference in Europe at the end of April. This event is designed to awaken and mobilize the church to respond in love to the many immigrant neighbors who are settling into cities all around the world. This is God’s plan to bring the nations to Himself, by bringing them into close proximity with His people — where the church exists. Pray that this conference and others like it will truly spark a strategic response from the church around the world. As you pray, ask yourself — “What am I doing to love neighbors in my community?” (Open your eyes for the harvest is ripe).

A bruised reed He will not break,
and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out,
till He leads justice to victory.
In His name
the nations will put their hope
(Matthew 12:20-21)

The daily news (generally covered by major media outlets) does not give much hope for peace or justice in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Mindanao, Malaysia, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, etc. Yet we put our hope in the Prince of Peace, and we see with eyes of faith all the wonderful things that God is doing to heal bruised and broken lives, and to bring justice. So today, lets pray for the neighbor world with this hope in mind.

1. At a recent pastors meeting in Indonesia, out of a group of 80 pastors, we learned that over 25 of them had once been followers of the majority religion. From their testimonies, we heard a variety of stories about how they had come to follow Jesus because of dreams, visions, and miracles. Others had simply put their faith in Christ because of the consistent love and holy lifestyle of their Christian friends. Please pray for these 25 “Neighbor Background Believers” (and the other 55) that they too will be bold to share the hope they have found in Jesus and to lead their congregations to being centers of peace, love and justice in their communities.

2. Pray for the logistics of gathering 30 Asia-Pacific leaders for a strategic neighbor conference in April. Ask God to open all the right doors for travel visas and finances. And pray that these months of pre-conference preparation will yield tremendous results, not just in April, but for years to come after the event.

3. Pray for…resolution to the ongoing conflict in Malaysia between some Neighbors and some Christians over the use of the word Allah. On December 31st, the High Court overturned a prohibition that had banned Christians from using the term Allah in their publications. Since then, several churches have been fire bombed, and now there seem to be some signs of retaliation by some “christians” against mosques. May true Believers rise up and respond with love and forgiveness, and through their Christlike response, may the majority Neighbors be drawn to Jesus. And through it all, may God’s name be glorified.

4. Ris, a university student from a neighbor family who has always seen God as a distant and detached judge. Ris is asking many questions and seeking the Truth. Pray that he will be overwhelmed by the Father’s extravagant love and grace as demonstrated in Jesus as he continues to attend a weekly Bible study.

5. Remi, a young man who has recently given his life to Christ. He regularly attends a Christian fellowship while he tries to remain a part of his Neighbor community. He lives at home with his parents and siblings. May they see the transforming power of Christ in his life and be drawn to Christ.

6. Brother D continues to read the Bible that was recently presented to him and is meeting regularly with a believer to discuss what he is reading. May God’s Word speak clearly to D and lead him to repentance and belief in Isa al Masih.

7. A new family (with five kids) is preparing to move into a creative access city to work with refugee neighbors. Pray for them as they transition to the host culture, climate and language. Pray that they find employment, work visas, and establish solid relationships with Neighbors there.

8. A possible job opportunity for an IT Specialist is open for a “tentmaker” at a school in a strategic city. Pray that the right person answers the call to fill this important position.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains
quake with their surging. Selah
(Psalm 46:1-3)

Though there are current crises in many places around the world the one crisis that takes centre stage right now is the recent earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts go out to the suffering brothers and sisters in that already-troubled nation. So our prayer focus today will be on Neighbors who find themselves in the midst of suffering. As we pray, our confidence is in GOD, our ever-present help in time of trouble. May He be the refuge and strength for hurting Neighbors everywhere. And may we respond with the love and compassion of Jesus wherever we can.

Please pray for:

1. …the Neighbor Communities in Haiti. There are an estimated 2,000 – 5,000 Neighbors in Haiti, the majority of which are now indigenous Haitians, followed by the ethnic Middle Easterners. The main mosque in Port au Prince, the Centre Spirituel Allah ou Akbar, was heavily damaged like so many other structures. During this crisis, may Neighbors cry out to God through Christ, and find assistance through the kindness of Christian relief workers.
2. …resolution to the ongoing conflict in Malaysia between some Neighbors and some Christians over the use of the word Allah. On December 31st, the High Court overturned a prohibition that had banned Christians from using the term Allah in their publications. Since then, at least three churches have been fire bombed, and Neighbors have been protesting at least 10 mosques. May Christians respond with love and forgiveness, and through their Christlike response, may the majority Neighbors be drawn to Jesus. And through it all, may God’s name be glorified.
3. …the people in Najaf, Iraq where at least 25 people were killed and 72 were wounded in a triple bombing on Thursday. Najaf is considered to be one of Iraq’s holiest cities. Officials have warned of an increase in violence ahead of elections being held on March 7. May Neighbors, both Sunni and Shiite, grow so tired of violence that they turn to the Prince of Peace.
4. ….for the people of Dihrawud in Uruzgan province of southern Afghanistan, where twenty people were killed on Wednesday in a suicide bombing in a crowded market. Thirteen more were injured in the blast. The UN reports that Civilian casualties rose by 14% in 2009. This is another place that desperately needs the peace that only Christ can bring. Pray that LOVE will win the battle for the hearts and minds of these precious people.
5. ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE, God is at work through good times and bad to draw Neighbors to Himself. Please pray for:
   • Ris, a university student from a neighbor family who has always seen God as a distant and detached judge. Ris is asking many questions and seeking the Truth. Pray that he will be overwhelmed by the Father’s extravagant love and grace as demonstrated in Jesus as he continues to attend a weekly Bible study.
   • Remi, a young man who has recently given his life to Christ. He regularly attends a Christian fellowship while he tries to remain a part of his Neighbor community. He lives at home with his parents and siblings. May they see the transforming power of Christ in his life and be drawn to Christ.
   • Brother D continues to read the Bible that was recently presented to him and is meeting regularly with a believer to discuss what he is reading. May God’s Word speak clearly to D and lead him to repentance and belief in Isa al Masih.
   • A new family (with five kids) is preparing to move into a creative access city to work with refugee neighbors. Pray for them as they transition to the host culture, climate and language. Pray that they find employment, work visas, and establish solid relationships with Neighbors there.
   • A global conference has been scheduled in April to train believers how to serve and minister to immigrant Neighbors who are migrating to cities. May God raise up and empower some workers who will return to their cities to reach to the Neighbors who are moving into their communities.

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.
He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son…(Hebrews 11:17)

Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people;
and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams….
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise. (1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17)

This is a time of celebration, remembrance and sacrifice for Neighbors all over the world. Even now, millions are making their way to Mecca for the Hajj. For many, this is a tremendous financial and physical sacrifice. At the close of the Hajj, most Neighbors around the world will celebrate Eid Ul Adha, “The Festival of Sacrifice.” These events are great opportunities for us to get to know our Neighbors, learn from them, and celebrate with them.

Last year a Neighbor friend invited me to a mosque near my home to observe Eid Ul Adha (Korban), where they sacrificed 144 sheep. (It was actually more like a butcher shop, run very orderly, humanely, and hygienically.) Afterwards, I then had the privilege of sitting with Neighbors from many countries to feast on “mutton byrani.” As we ate together from the communal dish, I was able to share about my relationship with Isa al Masih (the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world).

Pray for open doors for you and other believers to be engaged with Neighbors during these important festivals. In order to be better prepared to pray and participate, we are sharing more info today about the meaning and practice of Eid Ul Adha from our Neighbor’s perspective. There are things we can affirm, and bridges for connecting our friends to Christ. Following this information are some prayer points to focus on today.

Eid Ul Adha

The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim‘s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to

Ibrahim’s sacrifice

God appeared in a dream to Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Isma’il. Ibrahim and Isma’il set off to Mina for the sacrifice. As they went, the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Ibrahim stayed true to God, and drove the devil away. As Ibrahim prepared to kill his son God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.

Celebrations

Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of God is celebrated by Neighbors each year. Each Neighbor, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to God, and their own willingness to sacrifice anything to God’s wishes. During the festival Neighbors who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibraham’s sacrifice.

The meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share.

** It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Neighbors, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Qur’an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Neighbor, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Even though most Neighbors focus on ABRAHAM’s willingness to submit to God and give sacrificially, we can pray that their hearts be turned to the LAMB (the Korban) and it’s full meaning, as intended by God. (Genesis 22)
2. May they come to understand that it is not our sacrifice, or our works that save us, but only God’s provision and grace. (Eph. 2:8-9; Galations 3).
3. May their observance of the sacrifice, open their eyes to their own need for a korban (an atoning sacrifice).
4. Pray for those who are working and living amongst Neighbors that they will have an effective witness, especially during these special holidays and celebrations.
5. May there be special times of reconciliation during these holidays where there is conflict and fighting (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Iran, etc)