Seeking true worshipers

Ramadan, the Islamic month of daytime fasting, begins April 2. Right in the middle of this global communal effort to gain God's favour through self-denial and intensified prayer, Christians will celebrate Passover and Resurrection Sunday. I love when Ramadan and Passover coincide. We celebrate that Jesus has already done what is necessary to enable us to confidently approach God's Throne in heaven to "receive mercy and find grace" (Hebrews 4:16). The Savior Himself has redeemed us from futility!  What will we do with this priceless truth, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit?

I'd like to focus our prayers and actions on two groups—Muslim seekers and Christians from Muslim backgrounds (CMBs).

MUSLIM SEEKERS
Jesus travelled the long route through Samaria in order to meet a woman who would bring her whole town to hear Him preach the Good News. It was to her He announced that "...the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24). Would any of her neighbors have known that her heart had been prepared to receive His message and to desire to worship in the way He described?

Jesus knew. Likewise, Jesus knows the seekers who are going through the motions during Ramadan, earnestly seeking truth but falling short of finding it. He knows those who've given up observing Ramadan because their efforts leave them empty. He knows the ones who "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2). Let's pray during this Ramadan for these.

Jesus, You said, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). This Ramadan, stop by and talk with them about their lives, Lord. We cry out on their behalf, "Make Yourself known!"

Jesus, You said the Father is seeking true worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and truth. Pour out Your Spirit on those who will recognize You as worthy of their worship!

Jesus, You promised that "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). Make Yourself known to them as the God of the Bible by feeding them with the Bread of Life and giving them "water without cost from the spring of the water of life" (Revelation 21:6b). 

CHRISTIANS FROM MUSLIM BACKGROUND
Some of the Christians who formerly observed Ramadan as Muslims may find this month to be spiritually oppressive. They may find themselves nostalgic for the unity and mutual support of communal fasting and feasting. If they haven't yet fully appropriated their freedom in Christ, they may be tempted by the deceptive security of doing works for God's approval. Perhaps they haven't been discipled and, not maturing in faith, are losing their way on the narrow path of following Jesus. Let's pray during this Ramadan for these.

Lord, alert Your church to support these believers. It pleased You, because of Your love, to adopt us into Your family through Jesus (Ephesians 1:5). Now may we come around them as family, and with discerning hearts, may we respond to their needs for prayer, sharing a meal, encouragement, practical help, whatever our brother or sister needs.

Father, we pray You will hold these precious believers close to You during Ramadan, and may their experience of Passover and Resurrection Sunday affirm their faith and deepen their understanding of who You are and what You've done for us all.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Please pray for Muslim seekers and CMBs throughout the month of Ramadan, April 2-May 3. For more prayer resources and prayer gatherings go to https://lmtn.outreach.ca/Praying-During-Ramadan. The GHPL will resume, God willing, in May.