Neighbor Prayer Update

Muslims are my / your / our Neighbors!
(Matthew 22:39)

Look around you. You don’t have to search very far. We have precious people all around us, in our communities, cities, schools, universities, work places, supermarkets…who follow the Islamic faith. And their numbers are growing. This fact should not concern us. No, in fact God is orchestrating something in our day to draw the nations to Himself. He is bringing our Muslim “cousins” to us. We no longer have to necessarily go abroad to them. They are right next door. They are our neighbors. God is doing this for a purpose — so that through His people, the nations will see His glory, goodness, grace, and love. He has always desired for His people to be “a light to the nations.”

Yet, sadly, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 Muslims do not know a single follower of Jesus.

How can they come to know Jesus (Isa al Masih) if the followers of Jesus refuse to befriend them? The call of Christ still goes out to all of us to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:39).” And that is exactly why we at PrayingNeighbor generally substitute the world “Muslim” with “Neighbor,” — to change our attitudes and perspectives, to break down stereotypes that cause fear, mistrust, even hatred. When you think of someone as a neighbor, you begin to see them and treat them differently. So during this upcoming season of Ramadan (August 22-September 20), we at PrayingNeighbor urge you to PRAY and OBEY in the following ways:

1. Log on and register at http://www.30-days.net to receive daily prayer updates for the Muslim world. If possible, find a local distributor of the 30 Days Prayer Booklet.

2. Pray Daily, using the 30-Days Prayer guide (either online or with the booklet).

3. Ask God to open your eyes to the Neighbors in your area, to sensitize you to their likes, interests, foods, culture, needs, and issues. Begin to read and learn about Islam from reputable, Christ-centered sources.

4. Ask God to give you a divine appointment with a man or woman (neighbor) of peace whom you can befriend, talk to, learn from, and share the love of Christ with. (Luke 10)

5. Ask God to show you ways that you can serve your neighbors with hospitality.

6. Consider FASTING yourself during Ramadan, even if just one meal a day. Take this time to identify with and pray for your Neighbors. And by all means, respect their desire to keep the fast. Encourage them. Ask them how you can pray for them during their fast. Ask them what they themselves are praying about and seeking from God during the fast.

Come!… join the millions of Christians around the world who have participated in this largest ongoing international prayer focus on the Muslim world.

August 22 to September 20, 2009, 18th Anniversary. Grab a booklet today