Fire in Central Delhi

Last night there was a big fire in a slum area in Central Delhi.  Over 1000 people are left homeless!  Over 100 cycle rickshaws were burned in the fire also, so many people have not just lost their homes, but have lost their jobs as well.  It is the cold time of year here in Delhi, and many people are left without a shelter or anything.  Please pray for these families that have lost so much!  Please pray that they can find jobs, find shelter and find food.  Please pray for that the Christians of Delhi will share the love of Jesus with those people.  Pray that they will share their food, blankets and shelter with them as well!  

Happy 100th Birthday Delhi!

Today is the 100th Anniversary of Delhi being the Capital of India.  Please pray for Delhi and the people of Delhi today!  Pray that the Christians of Delhi will share the Gospel today with those around them!!

Salt of the Earth

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16

Ashura

Today is a Muslim holiday called Ashura (sometimes called Moharram in Delhi). It is mostly celebrated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad). Sunni Muslims also remember the day saying that Moses fasted on that day to thank God for taking the Israelites from Egypt.

This day is very significant for Shia Muslims. There are more than 40-55 million Shias in India! This day is very significant to Shias. They consider Husayn (the one that was martyred) the third Imam and the rightful successor of Muhammad. On this day, to connect with Husayn's martyrdom, Shias express mourning by crying and listening to poems about it and sermons on how he and his family were martyred. There are many groups of Shias that will cut themselves and hit themselves with chains on this day so that they can relate to his pain.

Many Shia believe that taking part in Ashura is to be absolved of sin. There is a popular Shia saying says: "A single tear shed for Husayn washes away a hundred sins."

Please pray for those Shias celebrating this holiday. Pray that they learn about Jesus and how he is the only one that can absolve sin and is the only way their sins can be washed away. Pray that someone will tell them that today!

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak's birthday is November 10th (it changes based on the moon). His birthday is also celebrated the 2 days before it. This weekend the Sikhs of Delhi will be celebrating the birthday of this Guru.

Guru Nanak was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He is famous for preaching against idol worship.

Sikhism follows the teachings of these Gurus, but they consider themselves a monotheistic religion. Sikhs believe there is only one God who has infinite qualities and names.

Please pray for the Sikhs of Delhi as they are celebrating this holiday. They already state that they believe that there is only one God - please pray that they will learn to know the ONE TRUE GOD! Pray for opportunities for Christians to share with them about Him!

Northeast Delhi

Northeast Delhi is a very populated part of the city.  There are more than 29,000 people per sq kilometer!  According to an article on NPR that is only slightly more than Manhattan BUT Manhattan is a city full of high-rises where people are stacked up tens of stories high... Northeast Delhi is not...   Most buildings in Northeast Delhi have no more than 4 or 5 floors - so the people are crowded into a much smaller area - "The mosh pit of modern Indian life."   

"Most Americans know what it's like to be part of a sea of people at a rally or a rock concert.  It's exhilarating and exhausting, but sooner or later, it comes to an end.  The noise stops.  The people go home.  Now, try to imagine a place where the crush of people and the noise and motion never stop."

There are millions of people in this district of Delhi.... most of them do not have a relationship with Jesus!  Northeast Delhi is a very lost area!  Pray that house churches will spring up all over this district!!!  Pray that many people will come to a relationship with Jesus!!

Eid al-Adha

Today is Eid. Today Muslim families and friends will get together and sacrifice a goat to remember Abraham's sacrifice. In the morning, men will go to the Mosques for morning prayers. After the prayers, the men will come home and sacrifice the goats (or other animal that they may have). The sacrificed meat will be divided into three parts - one for the poor, one for their neighbors and one for themselves.

Please pray for Delhi's Muslims. Please pray that they will learn about Jesus' sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-18). Pray that Christians will share with the Muslims of Delhi about Jesus' sacrifice!


There is a broadcast going on TVs today in Delhi and all over India to share with Muslims about Jesus!  Please pray that many Muslims watch and want to know more about Jesus!


⁴ It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

 ⁵ Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

   “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
   but a body you prepared for me;
⁶ with burnt offerings and sin offerings
   you were not pleased.
⁷ Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
   I have come to do your will, my God.’”^[a]

 ⁸ First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. ⁹Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:4-10

Pre-Eid

November 6th is a Muslim holiday called Eid-Ul-Adha. In the next few days, Muslims will be purchasing the best domestic animal they can afford for this holiday. In Delhi it is usually a goat (which is why in Delhi this holiday is usually called Baqra/Baqri Eid - Goat Festival). This sacrifice is in remembrance of the story of Abraham and God's command to sacrifice his son (in which later God gave him an animal to sacrifice in his son's place).

Please pray for Christians of Delhi during this time that they will be bold in sharing with the Muslims of Delhi! Many people are afraid of Muslims and do not talk or share with them. Please pray for boldness that they will not be afraid to share with Muslims about the hope that they have inside. Pray that Muslims of Delhi (and all over the world) will be open to hearing and are able to understand the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Chhath

Today begins a Hindu holiday called Chhath (छठ - also called Dala Chhath). This is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun god - Surya. Puja (worship) is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to ask for things. The sun is worshiped during this festival to promote progress, prosperity and well-being. Sun worship is believed to help cure a many diseases like leprosy and is believed to give long lives and prosperity to family members and friends.

The rituals of this festival are observed over 4 days. Some of the rituals are holy bathing (in the holy rivers), fasting from both food and water, standing in water for long periods of time and praying and giving offerings to the rising and setting sun.

Please pray for the Hindus of Delhi during this time. Pray that they feel empty as they celebrate this holiday. Pray that they will learn of the true light of the world and begin worshiping the Son instead of the sun.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Post-Diwali

As with many holidays, Diwali has a lot of excitement and hype leading up to it. With holidays like that there can be a lot of post-holiday blues. Many people can get down and depressed after a big holiday. Please pray for Christians of Delhi this time. Pray that they can be there for their Hindu, Jain and Sikh friends after the holidays. Pray that they can show them hope and joy that comes only from Jesus! Pray that Christians are bold in sharing their faith!

Diwali - Day 5 - Bhai Duj

Today is the last day of Diwali. This day (Bhai Duj or Bhau-beej) is for celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The sisters will put a tilak (line or lines) on their brother's forehead and the brothers will pamper their sisters and pledge to stand by her side through all of the ups and downs in life.

This part of the holiday isn't as popular in Delhi as in other parts of India, but this can be an important day for people. Please pray for those Christian brothers and sisters that are a part of a Hindu, Jain or Sikh family. Pray that they can really minister to their families on this day. Pray for other Christians that they will show brotherly and sisterly love to their friends and neighbors and that they will share the love of Jesus with them!

Diwali - Day 4 - Padwa & Govardhan Puja

Today is the fourth day of Diwali called Padwa and Govardhan Puja. On this day, as a symbol of love and affection between husband and wife, the married couples exchange gifts. They will also celebrate the Govardhan Puja (worship).

Please pray for the people of Delhi at this time. Pray that Christians will share the love of Jesus with their neighbors. Pray that they will show them how to have a relationship with Jesus! Pray for Christian couples during this day also, that their relationships will be strengthened.

Diwali - Day 3 - Festival of Lights!

Today is the day many people refer to as Diwali. This is the third day of Diwali and it is usually called Diwali, Festival of Lights or Lakshmi Puja (Lakshmi Worship). Many families begin this day by making rangolis (one is seen in the picture above). Diwali is the Festival of Lights! Light is the theme of this day of the holiday! Houses and businesses are all decorated with lights. On this night, people will light diyas (lamps) and light firecrackers most of the night! Light is an important part of this holiday! It is the conquering of light over darkness!

"You O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

Psalm 18:28

Please pray for the people of Delhi during this holiday. Pray that they will learn about the true light of the world! Pray that followers of Jesus will shine their light and share with others about the light of the world! Pray that Christians are bold in sharing their light! Pray for lives to be changed!!

Diwali - Day 2 - Choti Diwali (Little Diwali)

Today is the 2nd day of Diwali called "Choti Diwali" (also known as Little Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi). A popular legend about this day is that the god Krishna freed the earth from fear and the tyranny of the demon King Naraksur. Most people buy sweets on this day to give to their friends and family. This part of the festival is said to mark the end of evil and the beginning of joy and laughter.

The TRUE God is the only one who can give true joy and laughter.

"You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."

Psalm 30:11-12

- Pray for the Hindus, Jains and Sikhs of Delhi, that they will come to know TRUE joy and laughter that can only come from Jesus Christ!

- Please pray for the new believers of Delhi and this time. The holidays are a big struggle for new believers as they are trying to decide how to celebrate these holidays with their family an stay in their community while also standing strong for Jesus and showing the difference he has made in their life!

- Pray for the followers of Jesus that they will not only share sweets with their neighbors and friends, but also boldly share the sweet love of Jesus!!

Diwali - Day 1 - Dhanteras

Today is the first day of Diwali. Diwali (also called the Festival of Lights) is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras and it is the biggest shopping day of the year. During this holiday, people will honor and worship Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth. The purchase of new things - especially in the form of a precious metal - is said to bring luck and wealth to the home for the next year. The more precious metal and more money you spend, the more luck and wealth you will have.

Please pray for the Hindus, Jains and Sikhs of Delhi during this time of Dhanteras. Pray that they will come to understand what true wealth is! Pray that the Christians of Delhi will share with their unbelieving friends about true wealth in Jesus Christ!

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Though him you believe in God, who raised him form the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

1 Peter 1:18-21

Pray for Boldness!

^"7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

2 Timothy 1:7-10

Please pray for the Christians of Delhi - pray for boldness!

GB Road Workers

There are 37,900 registered sex workers in Delhi. Most of them live and work on GB Road. It is not mandatory in India for sex workers to have a health certificate on STDs, so many of these workers are passing on many STDs to their customers. In 2004, 8% of workers in brothels tested positive for HIV. Right now in 2011 those numbers are likely to be drastically higher. Please pray for these women. Most of these women cannot afford to go to the doctor and also cannot afford medicine. Pray for Christian women in Delhi. Pray that they share with these women. Pray that they learn about Jesus! Pray for them as they are hurting, that their hearts are healed through a relationship with Jesus!

"O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me."

Psalm 30:2

Karva Chauth

Today is Karva Chauth. It is a big holiday in Delhi and the rest of North India. In this holiday women show their extreme love and devotion to their husbands by fasting for them. They will fast beginning around 4:00 AM and not eat or drink anything until after their ceremonies are completed in the evening after the moon rise.

Karva means clay pot and Chauth means fourth night after the full moon. The clay pot and the moon are very important in this holiday. The moon is worshiped during this holiday and the clay pot is instrumental in that worship.

Please pray for the families of Delhi. Pray that they will come to know Jesus and know the one that truly suffered for our sakes.

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your hand."

Isaiah 64:8


Pray for the women of Delhi that are followers of Jesus with husbands that aren't.  Pray for the women of Delhi who have lost husbands this year.  Please pray for the wives of Delhi!

Sikhs of Delhi

Today many of the Sikhs of Delhi will be celebrating the birthday of Guru Ram Das.   Please pray for the Sikhs of Delhi specifically today.  Pray that they will learn about the one true Guru - Jesus Christ!  Pray that someone will tell them today!

Miracles

"Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."  Acts 4:30

Throughout the Gospels and the book of Acts, God did many miraculous things through Jesus and through the disciples who were sent out in Jesus' name. Blind men were given sight, the crippled could walk, dead men and women were raised to live again, and thousands believed in the Most High.

Miraculous healings are one of the ways that people in India come to faith in Jesus after they see that He alone has the power to heal.

Please pray today that people in Delhi who are sick and in need would turn to the One and Only God. May they pray in Jesus' name alone and, upon seeing the results, give praise and worship to Him. 

Father, please use your healing power and your miraculous signs and wonders to capture the hearts of people in Delhi today.

Dussehra 2011

Today is a Hindu holiday called Dussehra or Dusshera. It takes place during Durga Puja.  It's a holiday that has a long history that is based on the stories from the Ramayana. The festival basically celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the death of the demon king Ravana. To celebrate this, there is a big festival and burn effigies of this demon king.

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Pray for the people celebrating this holiday today that they will come to know the one who is truly good!

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"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."

Isaiah 5:20-21

Navratri Endings

Today is the 8th day of Navratri (tomorrow is the last day). Tonight many people will celebrate with a yagna. A yagna is a "ritual of sacrifice". Families will gather around the sacrificial fire at home or at the temple and present offerings to the gods (along with a Hindu priest in many cases). Everything that is offered into the fire is believed to reach the gods (which is also why Hindus cremate). They will give offerings of ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding), sesame seeds and other things as an offering to the goddess Durga.

Please pray for Hindus in Delhi during this night. Pray that they feel emptiness as they do these rituals. Pray that they learn of the sacrifice Jesus made for them!

Pray for the Christians of Delhi too. Pray that they share with their Hindu friends boldly and without fear! Pray that they share about Jesus and the sacrifice he made for them.

Joy of Giving Week

This week in India it is the "Joy of Giving Week." It is said that it is: "An Event that Brings India together to celebrate Joy in the Act of Giving." Many people here in Delhi (and the rest of world) give in order to benefit themselves. Karma plays a big part in this here in India.

Please pray for Christians during this week. Pray that while giving, they won't just give, but share about Jesus' love. Pray that many receive the gift of eternal life and a relationship with Jesus and understand true joy!

Navratri

Navratri is a festival that lasts for 9 days (and literally means 9 nights).  There are 3 days devoted to worship of Durga (the Goddess of Valor), 3 days devoted to the worship of Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth) and 3 days devoted to the worship of Saraswati (the Goddess of Knowledge).

During these nine days, feasting and fasting take place.  There are many festival activities that take place in the evenings as well.

Please pray for the Christians of Delhi during this holiday.  Pray that they don't hide away in their homes while this holiday is going on.  Pray that they are bold in sharing their faith with those around them!

Bania of Delhi

Please pray for the Bania of Delhi.  The Bania people group is one of the largest people groups in Delhi.  They are traditionally merchants and businessmen and tend to still fill those roles today.   It is said:  “If you give a Bania a handful of sand, he can turn it into gold.” Banias have a big reputation in India as being “money-minded”. Much of the typical Bania’s life revolves around the idea that with money comes peace of mind and security. The majority of Banias are Hindus, with a percentage of them following the Jain religion.

Please pray for them today!

Many Jains and Hindus are coming to Christ because of a miraculous healing.  Please pray that God would reveal himself in these ways to the Delhi Banias (and Banias all over the world!).  Pray that the  Banias will discover what it means to be truly rich though a relationship with Jesus! 

Pray for Delhi - On Your Phone

For those of you that have an Android phone -  you can scan this QR code and get the Pray for Delhi app.  

Thanks for praying!!

Earthquake - Hurting People

Photo Credit 

Please continue to pray for those that are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.   As of now there are 72 people reported dead.  The relief efforts have been thwarted in many areas because of landslides and bad weather.  

 Many people have lost friends, family and loved ones.  Please pray for the Christians in those areas.  Pray that they can show God's love to those around them that are hurting.  Pray for the Christians of Delhi as well.  Pray for wisdom as to whether they should stay and pray or go and help.  Pray that the Christians of South Asia would not be silent but that they would share God's love with those that are hurting.  

Earthquake

Photo Credit

Last night there was a 6.8 earthquake in Sikkim. It rocked many different countries in South Asia. It is unknown right now how many people have died.  Please pray for those that have lost lives, family members, friends and other loved ones.  Please pray for those that have lost their houses and businesses as well. 

Please pray for the Christians in Delhi that have family members, friends and loved ones in those areas affected.  Pray that they know how to minister to them and can help them through this hard time.  Pray that they will have wisdom to know if they should stay and pray or go and help.  Pray that many will learn of Jesus' love during this time.  Pray that Christians all over India will show Jesus' love to those that are hurting. 

Pathan Muslims of Delhi

The Pathan people of Delhi are Muslims and claim to be descendants of King Saul. Many of them have the surname Khan. There are many Pathan people in Old Delhi. They are said to be a proud people that are sensitive about maintaining family honor and self-respect.

Please stop and pray right now for the Pathan people of Delhi. Please pray that the 190,022 Pathan people of Delhi will get to hear about the Hope of Jesus Christ! Pray that their lives are changed! Pray that the Christians of Delhi will share with them!