Moharram / Ashura 2014

Tomorrow is a Muslim holiday called Ashura (sometimes called Moharram in Delhi).  The celebrations begin tonight at sunset.  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!

Ashura / Moharram

Tomorrow is a Muslim holiday called Ashura (sometimes called Moharram in Delhi).  The celebrations begin tonight at sunset.  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!

Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid) - Today

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

Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid)

Tomorrow 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

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).

Praying Through Ramadan

Some Muslims in Delhi might have heard the Gospel many years ago.  Many have heard of Jesus as a prophet but may not know the True Jesus.  Pray that this week during Ramadan, it would be a time when memories of encounters with Jesus, or believers in Jesus, would be remembered or recalled.  Pray that as people think on past truths that were shared, that there would be a deep sense of peace and joy.  Pray that many Muslims put their faith in Jesus this week!!

Christians During Ramadan

Many Christians aren't sure what to do when a holiday like Ramadan comes around. Many people (including Christians) in Delhi stay away from areas with high concentrations of Muslims. Please pray for Delhi Christians to be bold during this time.

³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:36-40

Please pray that Christians in Delhi will love their Muslim friends and Neighbors as they would themselves. Pray that Christians would love their neighbors so much that they would ignore any fears they have and share Jesus with their Muslim friends and neighbors.

Praying Through Ramadan

Please continue to pray for Muslims during this month of Ramadan. Please pray that the Christians of Delhi would be bold in sharing their faith with their Muslim neighbors, friends and people they meet. Pray that they will be wise in what they say and share out of love. Please pray that those Muslims will open their hearts and mind to the things that are being shared with them. Pray that their lives are changed!

^2"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Colossians 4:2-6

Ramadan 2013

Ramadan is currently going on. This is the Islamic month of fasting. Muslims that are participating in this holiday will fast from sunrise to sunset. During this holiday, Muslims tend to pray more than usual. Please pray for the Muslims of Delhi during this time. Pray that they will have dreams and visions that will lead them to Jesus. Pray for the Christians of Delhi to be bold in sharing their faith with their Muslim friends during this time of heightened spirituality.

For more information on Ramadan, CLICK HERE :)

Mawlid - Muhammad's Birthday

Today is Muhammad's Birthday.  Many people in Delhi will celebrate the prophet today in different ways. 

Please pray for the Muslims of Delhi today.  Pray that someone will tell them about Jesus, who was not just a prophet but so much more.  Pray for Christians to be bold today and tell Muslims about Jesus!

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!

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.

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/

Imams During Ramazan

Imams are Muslim religious leaders in the community.  They often lead the calls to prayer and are looked to as a great spiritual leader with authority.   Many Muslims do not read the Quran, so they rely on the imams to teach them the tenets of their religion.  

Please Pray for Imams in Delhi (and all over the world!) to come to know Christ and to use the considerable influence they have in their communities to teach about Jesus!

Friday Prayers

In Islam there are the 5 daily prayers, but there is also the Friday prayer. Today (Friday), many Muslims will gather at the mosques of Delhi for the Friday Congregational Prayers.  Today, there will be more people than normal at the mosques because it is Ramazan.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me will all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

Pray for those that are praying today at the Friday Prayer time (and every other prayer time). Pray that the Muslims there will seek out the one true God will all of their heart. Pray that their hearts and minds are open. Pray for the Christians of Delhi to be open, willing and ready to share the Gospel with their Muslim friends, neighbors or people they meet in passing.

Christians During Ramadan

Many Christians aren't sure what to do when a holiday like Ramadan comes around. Many people (including Christians) in Delhi stay away from areas with high concentrations of Muslims. Please pray for Delhi Christians to be bold during this time.

³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:36-40

Please pray that Christians in Delhi will love their Muslim friends and Neighbors as they would themselves. Pray that Christians would love their neighbors so much that they would ignore any fears they have and share Jesus with their Muslim friends and neighbors.