In the last episode of this years focused prayer we want to say thank you and give a small encouragement of the impact of this humble podcast.

On Day 32 we pray Matthew 7:28-29 asking that Muslims would respond to the teachings of Jesus and surrender to him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Transcript:

Day 31

Today is the last day of Ramadan. Please tune in tomorrow for a concluding prayer and thank you.

Today’s verse is Matthew 7:28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” 

Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, even born of the virgin Mary and performed many miracles. But his status as a prophet comes short of his divinity. Muslims also believe that Jesus was not crucified, instead he was saved by God but was raised to heaven and since he did not die then he did not make atonement for people’s sin. Let’s pray today for Muslims to encounter the true Jesus and become true disciples who love and obey Him.

Jesus, we thank you today for your life. That You:

6, being in very nature[ God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be grasped;

7 but emptied yourself, by taking the form of a servant,

being born in the likeness of men. 

(Philippians 2:6-7)

We ask in your name Jesus that you would reveal yourself to Muslims as more than a prophet, but as the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. Come in dreams and visions, come with miraculous healings and come with faithful teaching of Bible that the resounding witness of creation, miracles and the Word would confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no other name under heaven by which people might be saved (Acts 4:12). 

Amen.

On Day 30 we pray some of the last few verses of the Sermon on the Mount - Houses built on rock or sand.

Transcript:

Today’s Verses are from Matthew 7: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 

The reality is that many people, including Muslims, are building their lives on self interest and self preservation. Investing in careers, relationships, reputation, money, influence, and health. These are all things that will not be able to endure the floods and the winds of life. We need the Rock of Salvation, Jesus Christ, to change us and show us His higher ways.

Father, we pray today for Muslims, that the instability of building a life apart from Jesus would prove to be sinking sand. Work among Muslims bringing them to the end of their self-built security that they might see that it is all smoke and mirrors. We ask that you, Jesus, would make yourself known as the true and firm foundation, the Rock of Salvation and the only one worth building our lives, our hopes and futures on. Build your Church among Muslims in South Asia.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/30

On Day 29 we pray Matthew 7:21-23 for believers in Muslim Contexts.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/29

Content:

Today’s scripture is Matthew 7: 21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

In Islam, someone becomes a Muslim simply by reciting the shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) with conviction. Jesus says merely saying ‘Lord, Lord’ will not be enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. Today, as we pray for these people, ponder what it means to do the will of the Father who is in heaven. 

Father, we pray for churches among these people who would trust Jesus’ teaching, be strengthened by His Spirit, and, with grace and wisdom, acknowledge Christ before others. We also pray for brothers and sisters who, in moments of persecution, have denied Christ out of fear. Restore them to yourself, just as you did Peter after he denied you three times. And for those who will stand before courts and governments to testify to Who You are. Give them the words to speak by Your Holy Spirit. And let the judges, lawyers, and officials Who are listening and hearing be drawn to You. Draw them to Yourself, Lord.

In Jesus name, Amen. 

On Day 28 we pray for Muslims to desire real fruit that comes from the heart and for the Church in Muslim contexts to produce fruit that draws people to Jesus.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/28

Transcript:

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:15-20“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits… every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit… Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” 

Like most people, Muslims care deeply about their outward appearance or reputation in the community. In contrast, Jesus cares about the person’s heart. Religion can change outward behavior but can not change inward attitudes—only the Spirit of God can do that. Pray for Muslims to be convicted about their need for a clean heart and to seek out Jesus’ teachings on the topic.

Father, we ask for an overwhelming disillusionment from the inability to produce good fruit apart from you. We pray for Muslims to hear and believe the gospel, be filled with your Spirit, and thus bear good fruit. We also pray for churches in Muslim contexts to continually grow deeper in the Word, that both what they believe and how they live will match what your Word says and that you would protect your church helping them discern between prophets and wolves.. In

Jesus name, Amen. 

On Day 27 we pray Matthew 7:12-14 asking the Lord to empower followers of Jesus to live lives of humility and service.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/27

Transcript:

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7: 12-14 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:12-14) 

When followers of Jesus live loving lives of sacrifice, it adorns the gospel that they preach. 

Father, we pray for the believers who live in Muslim countries today, that You would empower them to choose to honor others, to forgive, to offer hospitality, and to serve with humility, giving their lives for Jesus’ sake, calling others to the narrow way. Give them joy on the narrow way even when the road is marked with suffering. Give them the grace needed to say “yes,” even when it is hard. Give them joy in the midst of suffering so that their testimony rings loudly in the ears of a watching world. May Christians in these countries be known by their acts of service and hearts of love, even when it is costly.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On Day 26 we pray Matthew 7:9-11 asking for Muslims to experience the Goodness of God as their Father.

content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/26

Transcript:

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:9-11 “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” 

Muslims do not refer to God  as “Father”. In their minds, this moniker is too personal. Instead, he is Allah, the Creator and Sustainer. Today let’s ask for God to burn a holy curiosity in the hearts of Muslims to want to know more about God as their Heavenly Father.

So Father, today we pray and ask that you would invade the world of Islam with the reality that you are not only omnipotent but also a “Father.” 

Yes, you are Master, King, Creator, and Lord as well, but You also invite us in even closer and allow us to be your children. Lord, let those who worship a God who might seem holy but impersonal run right into Jesus, the God-Man who is holy and very personal. And then, Father, let them receive the good gifts of faith, salvation, and the peace only you can give.

In Jesus name, Amen. 

On Day 25 we pray Matthew 7:3-4 asking that God would give us eyes to see our own hypocrisy.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/25

Transcript:

Today’s scripture is Matthew 7: 3-4 “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “ 

It is very easy for us to come into a conflict blaming the other person for causing the problem. When we do that we fail to realize that we also have a part in the conflict. Our sinful hearts betray us when we only cast blame. Let’s pray for those in Muslim countries today that their hypocrisy, like ours, would be revealed and that they would turn to Jesus as the true way to make peace. 

Father, you know that it is easier to point the finger at others than it is to acknowledge our own sinfulness before You. As a people, we are deeply broken. Today, as we focus our prayers on those who follow Islam, we are asking that You would start revealing to them what is really in their hearts. Give them eyes to see their own hypocrisy. (And give us eyes to see ours as well). We are a people who need You with every fiber of our being. Help us, Father…

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

On Day 24 we pray Matthew 6:31-32 asking God to make himself known as the knowable God.

content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/24

Transcript:

Today’s verses are Matthew 6:31-32

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

It is taught in Islam that, “You may not have complete transcendence and self-revelation at the same time.” Which is a lofty way of saying that in order for God to remain God, He cannot be known. As a result of this idea, many Muslims feel like God is distant. The truth is, God Almighty wants an intimate relationship with His followers because He is a good Father who knows even the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7).

Father, thank you for making yourself known to us and for choosing to know us. We ask today that you would reveal yourself to followers of Islam as the One True God whose desire is to know and be known by your people. You are unique and yet choose to draw near. You have done this by sending us your son, Jesus, who has made you known and whose life, death and resurrection has made possible the way for us to know you. Make this Truth known is the Muslim world.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

On Day 23 we pray Matthew 6:21 asking for Muslim's to learn and know the heart of God.

Content adapted from https://ramadan.prayer.tools/fuel/23

Transcript:

Today’s verse are Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

It is a common assumption among Muslims (and many Christians) that material wealth is evidence of being favored by God. Likewise, the converse is also true: lack of material wealth is evidence of being out of God’s  favor. In this passage, Jesus encourages His followers to invest their lives in laying up treasures in heaven and not material wealth. Let’s Pray today for Muslims to ponder where the true treasure of their heart is.

Father, your kingdom economy is different from ours. You value character and what is on the inside of a person, their heart - and not what’s on the outside. We pray today for Muslims to be brought along in this journey of learning and knowing the heart of God, to value the things that He values and to invest in eternity. Jesus, you are the only door by which one may enter into relationship with God and have eternal life. Show Muslims in South Asia that you are the only thing, the only one worth treasuring.

In Your Name, Amen.