Christians
around the world will join in prayer for the Muslim world from July 20 through Aug.
18 as Muslims enter their month of prayer and fasting called Ramadan. During Ramadan,
Muslims focus on prayer and spiritual development. They fast from first light
until nightfall, breaking the fast by eating large meals with extended family.
It is one of the most important Muslim celebrations of the year, and many
Christians dedicate time during this month to pray for the Muslim world and
specifically for their Muslim friends and neighbors.
The
organization 30 Days International, a ministry dedicated to prayer for Muslims
during Ramadan, offers resources to help Christians pray, learn about the needs
of Muslims globally and form relationships with Muslim neighbors. The
organization offers a prayer guide, 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim
World, as well as a children’s booklet, Just for Kids. The guides offer statistics, photographs and testimonies
of Muslims touched by last year’s prayer movement.
“We have seen that Christians take
the prayer more seriously as they see their Muslim neighbors fasting and active
during Ramadan,” 30 Days International writes.
Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious
zeal among Muslims of all ages. A typical day of fasting begins around 4:30 a.m.,
when Muslims share a meal before beginning the fast at dawn. As dawn breaks, they
offer the first of five daily prayers.
As the day proceeds and their hunger increases, fasting Muslims remind
themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and
seeking his mercy.
Muslims are encouraged to make special efforts to help the needy, both
financially and emotionally, throughout the month. For this reason, Ramadan is
also known as the month of charity and generosity. To a Muslim, fasting means
abstaining not only from food but also from all vice and evils committed
consciously or unconsciously.
As
Muslims around the world begin their 30-day period of soul-searching, set aside
this time to intercede for them. Use resources available at Christian bookstores
or through 30 Days International. Let us use the power of prayer to make a
difference during this crucial time.
Source: www.30-days.net
Posted: July 18, 2012