Day 8 of 30
By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Thought for the day
A pearl of great price
The pearl industry in United Arab Emirates flourished throughout most of the nineteenth century after establishing a Treaty of Maritime Peace with Britain in 1853.
The Imperial State Crown worn by Queen Elizabeth for her coronation has 269 pearls. The crown is made up of many precious stones and metals that were brought to the UK from across the Empire; their beauty and value sufficient to be given to a king or queen.
The Quran tells of pearls that will be given in the Hereafter to the faithful and those who have done good works (see chapters 22:23, 35:33).
The Bible likewise places value on pearls and precious stones, e.g. the city gates of pearl in Revelation 21:21.
Jesus uses pearls to explain what the Kingdom of Heaven is like in Matthew 13:45-6. He likens it to a merchant who sells everything to obtain one pearl of great value.
Here we see that the Kingdom/pearl is not the reward that awaits us for good works, it is in the willingness to give up everything that we receive Him as our greatest joy.
Prayer for the day
Make us courageous and willing, Lord, to seek you with all that we have and all that we are.
Daily action
Look out for the beautiful description of pearls as 'raindrops filled with moonlight' in this video:
Your turn
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Resources
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.