Lovefast 13: Cycle - the Hajj

Image: 16nine, Flickr

Lovefast 13: Cycle

By Chas from Mahabba Croydon
Inspired by 'Families in Kyrgyzstan' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain – if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”

— Galatians 3:1-7, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Cycle

Muhammed (not his real name) is nearing retirement age.

He is deeply concerned for his children that they correctly follow Islam and so he makes sure they complete their daily Namaz (prayers) and live the Islamic way.

He has been storing up money in his bank account for years, but he’s even more concerned about storing up credit for the afterlife.

So he makes large donations to the mosque and is planning to go on Hajj to Mecca.

He can go to the sites at any time, but to go during the Hajj itself gives maximum credit.

However, he is afraid of the huge crowds and the stampedes.

So he’s afraid that he might die there and will put it off for another year.

Do you think he will hear the gospel and believe during this year?

Or do you think the cycle of religious works continue?

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for Muslims you know who are bound by religious works to gain credit with God.  Pray that they would see and understand the provision of Jesus’ death in their place.  

Daily action

Consider ways you could share your faith with Muslims.  What could you give them? A gospel, a DVD?  Get a stock and prayerfully give them away this year one by one.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!