Neighbor Prayer Update

Blessed are those whose strength is in YOU,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
(Psalm 84:5)

Millions of neighbors worldwide are preparing even now to make their most important of pilgrimages, the Hajj* (November 25-30, 2009) — around the same time this year when many believers in the Western world celebrate Thanksgiving.

In addition, nearly all Neighbors are making arrangements to celebrate the “Festival of Sacrifice” Eid Ul Adha* (Eid Korban) (November 28, 2009). These are great opportunities for us to develop relationships with Neighbors, ask them questions, learn from them, participate in family holidays with them and pray for them. For more understanding of these important events, please read below and/or follow the hyperlinks. This week we’ll focus on the Hajj. Next week we’ll consider some prayer points regarding Eid Ul Adha.

The Hajj:

One fifth of humankind shares a single aspiration to complete, at least once, the spiritual journey called the Hajj. In Arabic, Hajj literally means “resolve” ie; to resolve to some magnificent duty.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia — Countless millions of Neighbors, men and women from the four corners of the earth, have made the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of their Religion. In carrying out this journey they fulfill one of the five “pillars” of their Faith (or central religious duties of a believer).

Their Prophet said, “He who performs the Hajj with no obscenity or evil practices will come out as a newly born baby free from all sins”. For the Neighbors, the pilgrimage is therefore much more than something to be done. It is a sacred and revered journey. Yet without it they have less chance of getting into paradise.

Prayer Points:

• This is often a dangerous journey for many, as every year dozens are killed in stampedes. Pray for the safety of Neighbors who are traveling on the Hajj.
• While performing the Hajj a Neighbor really seeks God. Many are known to have had visions of Jesus. Pray that they may also have visions of Jesus and understand who He really is and “resolve” to follow Him (Joel 2:28).
• Pray for divine appointments, that on their journey to Mecca Neighbors would meet true followers of Jesus who would witness to them.
• That God would put a desire in their hearts to look past their traditions and to look towards Jesus and what He has completed at the cross (John 4:23).
• That they would go away feeling empty, realizing that no amount of sacrifice or good deeds or rituals will bring them into right relationship with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

OTHER Prayer Requests:

• This week there is a conference “Ibrahim Meetings” taking place in a strategic location, focused on empowering and equipping leadership amongst Neighbors. God is doing incredible things amongst Neighbors, raising up “organic” house churches and fellowships in Neighbor communities. Pray for the leaders of these movements for courage, strength, and boldness. May they be rooted and established in the Faith, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to live Christlike lives and give Godly leadership to these movements.
• Continue to lift up our training workshops to raise up more workers to love and serve neighbors. (See prayer point #4 on August 28th entry)
• Pray for Neighbor communities in Padang, who were affected by the recent earthquake (October). Some Christian NGOs have been actively working there to provide relief, in the form of food , water, clothing and shelter. May these acts of love and compassion draw many Neighbors to Jesus.