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).

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.

Raksha Bandhan

Today is a Hindu holiday called "Raksha Bandhan". It is sometimes called the brother-sister holiday. On this holiday, sisters tie a Rakhi (a bracelet like seen above) on their brothers wrists. The brother then offers a gift to his sister and promises to look after her and protect her. She will also give sweets to her brother.

This holiday, like many holidays, family members get together and spend time with each other. Sometimes sisters will travel a far distance to see their brothers. This is a great opportunity for the Gospel to spread in Delhi and outside of Delhi!! Pray for those sisters and other family members that are Christians. Pray that they are bold in sharing their faith as they travel to see their family. Pray that they aren't afraid to share with unbelieving family members! Pray for the brothers that are believers too, pray that they share with their unbelieving families during this time also!