Lovefast 1: Symbols
By Steve Bell, National Director for Interserve England & Wales
Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!
Daily verse
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
Thought for the day
Symbols
I happen to be non-Caucasian!
So people tell me I’m ‘wired’ slightly differently to them. This may be why I often feel an instinctive bond with non-westerners.
A spin-off is that I can grasp why many people from the global south, live their lives by the symbols of their faith. They act as annual social markers; add communal identity and serve as reassurance. For Christians it might be the Cross, the sign of a fish, bread and wine or a lamb.
We can gain a fascinating insight into the world of ordinary Muslims, through some of their key symbols such as Arabic “calligraphy”; the star and crescent motif; and the use of the colour green.
I pray that this year’s 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet and Lovefast will help you relate more easily to visual symbols and be inspired to pray for Muslim peoples for whom the symbols are so meaningful. Please pray that they will become a vehicle for God to speak directly to their hearts during Ramadan 2018.
Prayer for the day
Father God, forgive me when I am quick to judge and to assume. Thank you for your love for all Muslims. Stir in my today a growing love for my Muslim friend, neighbour or colleague, and use me, flawed as I am, to share a little of your all-surpassing love.
Daily action
Make a conscious effort to stop to talk to your Muslim friend or neighbour today and wish them well for Ramadan. If you can, ask what their hope is for the 30 days
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!