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Day 24 of 30
Written by Chas from the Mahabba team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Thought for the day
Lovefast 24: "Islam has done nothing for me"
One Sunday morning a young man with tattoos and a trendy hair cut walked into our church in London. He said ‘Islam has done absolutely nothing for me,’ and that he wanted to start a new life. He knew the tattoos would most likely earn him a rebuke in the mosque.
There are many people like my friend in the UK. Typically they will have a cultural attachment to Islam, but little connection to its religious practices. Many are hungry for new life.
What positively affected my friend were three things. Firstly the warmth, friendship and unconditional acceptance by Christians. Secondly the presence of the Lord in our times of worship and prayer and thirdly his own need to start a new life.
Practising Muslims may be quite content with their religion for the time being, whereas those who have given up their religious practices and are searching for life will be open to something new. Jesus came not for those who thought they were righteous, but those who knew they needed help. Lets be aware of the cultural Muslims around us searching for new life.
Prayer for the day
Lord I pray that you would send people searching for new life to our church. Help us to welcome them with unconditional love.
Daily action
Please note: actions were written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult the latest advice from your local public health authority or government and adhere to any current restrictions on travel or social situations.
Welcome visitors to your church unconditionally. Share with them the new life they can freely have in Jesus.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on our online community platform, Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.
Resources
Guidance on hosting iftars
A reminder of some some helpful guidance and food for thought from the Church of England in light of past media coverage of churches hosting iftar meals.
Also, please consult the latest advice from Public Health England or your relevant authority for guidance on travel and social situations.
You can read and discuss the guidance and recent events on Mahabba's online community area, Discourse.
Alternatively, a PDF version is available here. If you've not registered for Discourse, you can do so quickly here.
Prayer materials
Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?
There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:
Pray Together as a Congregation
Small Group Session
Night of Power Prayer Meeting
Prayer Walk Guide
What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.
Partners of 30 Days of Prayer
Please see the footer on the 30 Days of Prayer website