Neighbor Prayer Update

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)