30 Days of Prayer - Why Pray?

Today is the frst day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.  I am particpating in the annual 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.  This year's theme is Loving Muslims Through Prayer". I'll be posting daily prayer topics along with information about Islam.  God's heart beats for the Muslim as much as it does for one who calls Him father. For the sake of the harvest...but also, I really want to draw closer to God myself in this time of prayer and consecration.

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World                     Ramadan 2007 / 1428:  September 13 - October 12
Why Pray for Muslims?

Why "Love Muslims Through Prayer"?
Why Pray for Muslims ?

The “30 Days” movement is based on the idea that God desires to bring multitudes of Muslims into his kingdom. We believe that He has asked us to pray in order that this could take place.

The “30 Days” project is simply part of fulfilling Jesus’ command to make disciples of all the nations (Mt 28:18-20). He also told us to ask for labourers to be sent into the harvest (Mt. 9:37-38). Our Lord’s desire is that all men would come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

We, as Christians, have often come to think that the Gospel is uniquely about our personal needs, wants and desires. Personal peace and fulfilment seem like the goal of the Christian life for many. While God is concerned about these things His Gospel is actually much more profound. God has actually started a new creation through Christ Jesus. He is rescuing and recreating our world. God is calling all people to participate in His new world which began with Christ’s resurection. The Gospel calls us to enter into the life of the world to come. There shall be a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13). The zeal of the Lord will accomplish it (Isaiah 9:7).

Let us pray in faith for God’s will and desire to be accomplished through us.

Amen
 

Blessings, Ron and the Editorial Staff

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30-Days International write the materials and coordinate the translation into some 40 languages where booklets are distributed from around 30 offices around the world. To find out more about our ministry, visit the About Us section of our 30-days.net website.

What is Ramadan? (according to About.com)

During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.