Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak's birthday is November 28th (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!

Ashura / Moharram

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!

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 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

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!

"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. ² Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. ³ But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 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.⁹ Then 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.

¹¹ Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. ¹² But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³ and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. ¹⁴ For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

¹⁵ The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

¹⁶ “This is the covenant I will make with them

    after that time, says the Lord.

I will put my laws in their hearts,

    and I will write them on their minds.”^[b]

¹⁷ Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts

    I will remember no more.”^[c]

¹⁸ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary."

HEBREWS 10:1-18

Pre-Eid

October 27th 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.

Navratri - Day 9 - Dussehra

Today is the 9th day of Navratri / Durga Puja.  This is a very climatic day for the festivities and it is also usually the day that Dusshera is celebrated (sometimes celebrated on the 10th day).   It is 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 effigies of this demon king.

Pray for the people celebrating this holiday today.  Pray that they will come to know the one who is truly good!  Praise God for his victory over death!

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  
But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Navratri - Day 8

Today is the 8th day of Navratri.  It is devoted to Mahagauri.  Unmarried girls often pray specifically for their husbands on this day.  They will also pray to this goddess for protection. On this day the fasting of Navratri often comes to an end.  Today is considered one of the most auspicious days of the festival.

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). 

During the days of this festival, it is common for believers to experience increased tension and opposition.  Please pray for the Followers of Jesus on this day.  Please pray that they look for opportunities to share about Jesus.  Please pray that they are wise in the middle of opposition and persecution and that they are bold as well.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;  thought war break out against me, even then I will be confident."

Psalm 27:1-3

Navratri - Day 7

Today is the 7th day of Navratri.  This day is focused on the goddess Kalratri.  She is said to be the goddess with power to destroy the things that trouble us and cause us to be afraid.  She grants the power to destroy one's enemies.  Saraswati is worshiped on this day by some people.  

Please pray for the Hindus of Delhi today.  Please pray that today they will be told of Jesus, the one that is the MOST powerful!  Please pray for someone to tell them!

I love you, LORD, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I called to the LORD who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies."

Psalm 18:1-3

Navratri - Day 6

Today is the 6th day of Navratri.  The 6th form of Durga that is worshiped today is Katyani, the goddess of war that slays demons.  Legends say that she can grant "instant results" to requests and can help girls obtain the husband they desire through special fasting.  Some say she also can take away greed and the desire for earthly things as well as remove sins from people's past lives.

Please pray for the Christians of Delhi today.  Please pray that they have many opportunities to share with Hindus that have the desire for their sins to be removed!  Please pray that Christians of Delhi will be bold to share and that the ones that are hearing will have open ears and hearts!  Pray for lives to be changed today!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 

Navratri - Day 5

Today is the 5th day of Navratri.  The goddess that is worshiped today (a form of Durga) is Skandmatathe, the mother form of the goddess.  This goddess is said to fulfill the desires of a mother figure to those that worship her.  Navratri (Durga Puja as well) is intensified on this day as many 4-5 day worships will begin.  

Many Hindus seek the kind of love that only our Heavenly Father can bring.  There are many obstacles that prevent Hindus from experiencing the love of Jesus Christ.  Please pray against these obstacles!  Pray that they may know the love of their Heavenly Father and have a relationship with him!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

John 3:16-17

Navratri - Day 4

Today is the fourth day of Navratri.  The goddess that is worshiped today (a form of the goddess Durga) is Kushmanda.  She is said to give her devotees success and treasures.  It is believed that she has the ability to dwell on the sun and that the radiance on Earth ultimately comes from her.  

Many Hindus will be worshipping Khushmanda today in hopes of gaining wealth.  More and more Indians are becoming caught up in materialism.  Even though Indian spirituality highly values simplicity and renunciation of wealth, many Hindus prefer to seek after wealth.  Pray for Hindus to find Jesus as the source of all of their needs!  Pray for the Christians of Delhi to share with their Hindu friends and neighbors!

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6:31-33

Navratri - Day 3

Today is the 3rd day of Navratri.  The goddess worshiped today is Chandraganta (means "moon-bell").  She is considered brave, fierce and beautiful.  Devotees who are beginning a new venture would seek her help to remove obstacles.  She is shown riding a lion and ready for war.  It is believed that the sound of her bell or her voice causes demons to tremble and protects her devotees. 

Please pray for the Hindus of Delhi (and all over the world) today!  They have a lot of fears of demons and evil spirits.  Please pray that they will hear about the One who is more powerful than any demon!  Pray that that Christians of Delhi will not be afraid to share their faith with their Hindu friends and neighbors. 

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear;  because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because he first loved us."

1 John 4:18-19

Navatri - Day 2

Today is the 2nd day of Navratri.  The goddess that is worshipped today is Brahmacharini, the goddess of purity and austerity.  The stories about this goddess say that she did a lot of penance and prayer so that she could become the wife of the god Shiva.  Since she was so devout, her wish was granted.  People believe that she helps her devotees to obtain what they desire through piety and purity.

Many who are spiritually seeking, desire purity, and many Hindus think of sin as "impurity".  Please pray that Hindus in Delhi (and all over!) would know the cleansing power of forgiveness in Jesus.  In the culture here it is often difficult to confess sin and be truly open before others.  Pray that people would be willing to open their hearts to Jesus and be humble before others about their sin.  


"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:  God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we life and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:5-9

Navratri - Day 1

Tonight is the first night of Navratri.  It is one of the most "auspicious" days of the festival.  One this day, the goddess Shailputri is worshipped.  She is the first of the nine forms of Durga.  She is the goddess of nature.  Some devotees sow seeds on this day, which will sprout before the end of the festival and are used as offerings.  A part of the home is dedicated to Durga on this day and the goddess is asked to come and dwell there throughout the festival.

As many Hindus are sowing seeds as part of their worship today, pray that the Lord of the Harvest would bring more workers to sow and to reap for God's kingdom.

"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 9:37-38

Navratri 2012

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).

  Some sing devotional songs and perform rituals every morning and night in their home.  Many families make a place for the goddess in their home and call her to stay there for the 9 days.  For many people, particularly women, Navratri is the most important time of worship throughout the year.  Many people claim that they have experienced the 'shakti', or power of the goddess during this festival.  

During these nine days, feasting and fasting take place.  There are many festival activities that take place in the evenings around the city as well.  Many schools and community groups are having Ramlilas (plays about the life of Ram).  

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!

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is currently going on in India.  Ganesh is worshiped during many life events - When people move into a new home, open a new business, get married, travel, start school, etc...  He is believed to bring blessings and removed obstacles from your life.

Please pray for the Hindus of Delhi (and India!) that they understand that God is the only one who can give good and perfect things and deliver them from evil.

Ganesh Chaturthi

For many Hindus, September is dedicated to the god Ganesh.  In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Ganesh was born around this time of year.  Ganesh is the god of Prosperity, Wisdom and Success and is said to protect and remove obstacles from your life.

During this holiday, elaborate idols are created, many parades happen and families worship together all in honor of Ganesh.   Most Hindus celebrate Ganesh's birthday for 10 days.  This festival is called Ganesh Chaturthi.  

This holiday is very popular in some cities.  It is not as popular in Delhi as other cities, but most Hindus celebrate in some way during this holiday.  The Holiday begins today!  Please Pray!

Eid-ul-Fitr

Today is the Holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr, or more commonly known as Eid. This begins on the last day of Ramadan. In Delhi and the rest of South Asia, this holiday is celebrated for 3 days. On the first day, after their Eid prayers, it is common for families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members.

Pray for the Muslims of Delhi during this time. Pray that they will be told what true salvation is! Pray that the Christians of Delhi will be bold and not afraid to tell Muslims they know or meet about the salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ!

Night of Power - TONIGHT - Ramadan

Tonight is the Night of Power for Muslims in this time of Ramadan. The Night of Power is from sunset to dawn and is considered the holiest night of the year. Many Muslims believe that there are groups of special angels who are only seen on the Night of Power. They believe that these angels perform special purposes - some for worship, some there to grant requests of Muslims and some bring proclamations of the coming year.

Tonight, many Muslims think this is a special night when God gives heed to their requests. Many people are open to dreams and visions and see for guidance and revelation on this day. Many Muslims pray all night while seeing a response to specific requests they may have. One common belief is that Angels will give blessings to those that say awake during this night.

Please pray for the Muslims of Delhi on this night. Our God does many amazing things on this night! Many Muslims have dreams and visions on this night that lead them to Jesus! Please pray that Our Father will draw them to himself on this night.

Researchers contend that 80% of new Christians in Delhi and the rest of South Asia come to Christ as a direct result of supernatural encounters.

Please pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to the many Muslims in Delhi who will seek God tonight!

For more information - click here: http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/night-of-power/

Night of Power - Ramadan

Tomorrow night is the "Night of Power" (Laylat-al-Qadr).  It is a part of the  Ramadan celebrations. The actual day of the Night of Power is debated, but it is the anniversary of the night that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad. On this day, Muslims often pray extra prayers, particularly the night prayer.

God often works in miraculous ways throughout the Muslim world on this night! Every year there are stories of Muslims having dreams or visions that lead them to Jesus. Please pray that the Muslims of Delhi would have dreams and visions that lead them to a relationship with Jesus! Please pray for the Muslims of Delhi as they are preparing for the Night of Power tomorrow night.

For more information - click here: http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/night-of-power/

There are many stories throughout the Bible where God spoke through a dream or vision. (Genesis 41,Genesis 46:2; 3, Daniel 4, Judges 7:10-15, Ezekiel 11:24, Matthew 2:12, 19, Acts 10:3-20, Revelation 1:1). In many of these cases the end result was for the purpose of salvation or physical safety.

* Consider setting this night aside as an all night prayer time with your church or mission group.

* As you pray during this night, pray for people such as Muslim leaders and governments, Muslim families and children. Pray for increased numbers of overseas workers, and pray for new believers (1 Timothy 2:1).

* Pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to the many Muslims who will seek God tonight (Psalm 118:21, Acts 4:33).