Guest User
Hallowe’en in the English Conversation class

Many churches with Muslim communities on their doorstep offer English language classes or English Conversation groups and find that these activities open the door to engaging with their neighbours. Find out how to use Halloween topics as a springboard to talking about Jesus.

Hallowe’en in the English Conversation class
Network update
Mahabba Network
Mawlid al-Nabi: A call to prayer

Muslims show the greatest respect to the Prophet Muhammad especially during the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi. And that makes Mawlid a great time to talk about how important Jesus is to us, not just as a prophet, but as our Saviour. Starting a conversation can be tricky, but it’s as simple as asking ‘How will you be celebrating Mawlid?’

This month we’re sharing some ideas on how we can engage with, and pray for, our Muslim friends and colleagues.

Mawlid al-Nabi: A call to prayer
Guest User
Why should we love all Muslims?

What do you picture in your mind when you think of Muslims in the UK? Whatever the image in your mind, God tells us to love all Muslims! But what does that look like in practice?

Why should we love all Muslims?
Network update
Mahabba Network
Ramadan - A time for opportunities

The Islamic month of Ramadan runs from 10 March to 8 April this year (2024). Ramadan is a great time to start conversations with Muslim friends and colleagues and to focus on praying for Muslims in our local community and across the UK. These next few weeks are full of opportunities!

Ramadan - A time for opportunities
Network update
Mahabba Network
Eid Mubarak

Did you manage to wish your Muslim friends ‘Eid Mubarak’ (blessed Eid) as they celebrated Eid ul-Adha last weekend? You may also know of people who are undertaking the Hajj at this time. These are both great occasions for sharing stories about your faith and the Biblical take on these topics.

Eid Mubarak

Lovefast

Lovefast 8: Pearls

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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!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

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.”
— Matthew 13:45-46

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

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!

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 7: Sharing my faith

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 7 of 30

By Charlotte from Frontiers

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”
— 1 Peter 3:15-16

Thought for the day

Sharing my faith

I had a friend from the Maldives at school. She and two of her cousins had been sent to a boarding school in the UK. At the time I didn’t even realise she was Muslim or how different her life growing up in the Maldives was from mine.

I first made a commitment to follow Jesus when I was a teenager and I remember telling her all about my faith in Jesus. I may not have done this in the most culturally sensitive way, but I was unhindered by any preconceptions of how as a Muslim she would respond to my faith.

I hope that today I would be just as bold, but sometimes my preconceptions and fear of rejection get in the way. I want to be prepared to share my faith with any Muslims I meet today with gentleness and respect but with a certainty that what I have to share with them is truly life changing.

Prayer for the day

Lord help me to be bold in sharing my faith with Muslims that I meet. Help me to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask about my faith, sharing with them with gentleness and respect.

Daily action

God brings people from far flung places across our paths every day. Think about a simple way you can introduce faith into conversation with any Muslims you meet today. Then give it a try. Let us know how it goes!

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!

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 6: Another cuppa - Hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 6 of 30

By Simon from Mahabba's Hub

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
— Romans 12:12-14

Thought for the day

Another cuppa

We often hear about the importance of tea in Muslim contexts. One that struck me was warfare.

I remember news reports about British Army officers sitting down for tea with tribal elders in Afghanistan before discussing local matters and issues.

The tea often comes with mint in it; sometimes it's coffee, highly spiced with cardamon, depending on which region you are in.

Among Muslims in the UK, the tea might be less important, but the act of hospitality certainly isn't.

While Brits might be worried to pop in unannounced to a friend or neighbour, this is not a concern to Muslims.

The honour and privilege lies with the host; you bestow a blessing on your guest by visiting them, as you've set aside space and time to be with them.

This is a way that we can all show the love of Jesus Christ to Muslims.

Perhaps you need to get into the habit of dropping round to your Muslim neighbours more often, and take a little sweet something too.

Clearing out your diary and being less busy might help too!

By sharing time, homes and tea with Muslims you are able to build relationships and may even be invited to share your faith in the fullness of time.

All that because of a cup of tea - not bad!

Prayer for the day

Father God, thank you that we can learn a lot about Jesus’ command to show hospitality through our Muslim friends and neighbours. Help us to take that command seriously and as we do so, bless our relationships with Muslims that they might see Jesus in our heart, words and actions.

Daily action

Look at your diary, as suggest above, and think about how you can build space in your week to visit Muslim friends and neighbours. It might be on a Sunday afternoon or perhaps you’ve got some space mid-week. If you need more structure, are there local places or events where you can start to build relationships? Ask yourself what is getting in the way of you finding a little time for a cup of tea?

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!

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 5: Refuge & restoration - Syrian Refugees

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 5 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!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God...”
— Isaiah 43:1-3

Thought for the day

Refugees: finding refuge and restoration

My Arabic teacher is a refugee from Syria who managed to flee with her 3 children to a refugee camp while her husband made his way to the UK across the Mediterranean.

They were reconnected 2 years later in an English city after a lengthy asylum seeking process.

Their children have adapted to school and social life, and the family tries their hand at anything to earn an income.

Mobile phones connect them to family and friends back home, sharing snippets of good and bad news.

She has lost all her worldly possessions but most of all, my teacher feels the loss of social networks and connections - people who would have helped her to find work and connect her children to marriage partners as they grew up.

She once exclaimed that she has lost all honour and the only thing that might restore it is if her children excel at school.

Prayer for the day

Lord, give us awareness of the pressures refugee children face to restore their families' honour. May those who have found safety with us also find refuge and restoration in the God in whose sight they are precious and honoured as Isaiah 43 promises.

Daily action

Sing together with Casting Crowns for Jesus to break our hearts for what breaks His

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!

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 4: The power of forgiveness

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 4 of 30

By Gillie from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
— Matthew 6:12

Thought for the day

The power of forgiveness

In Bosnia, people meet and talk over tiny cups of thick, strong Bosnian coffee. Where I live, my Pakistani friends and I meet and talk over cups of milky chai, flavoured with cardamom and fennel. My Syrian friends and I meet and talk over cups of black tea, flavoured with mint and lots of sugar! Whatever the drink, talk often drifts to the problems people have getting on with each other. Sometimes it is family issues, sometimes problems with neighbours, and sometimes national and international concerns.

Amina is a new believer who reads the Bible hungrily. God’s word is changing her, and changing her relationships. One day, prompted by reading Jesus’ words about forgiveness, she sat down with her mother and forgave her for past hurts. Amina talked about her hope in Jesus and, with tears, her mother said, “These words about Jesus must be true.”

The power of forgiveness is huge in Muslim cultures, where grudges and resentment can damage relationships for years. As people like Amina are transformed by Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven advances.

Prayer for the day

St Francis’ prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

Daily action

What story could you have ready to share if a Muslim friend asks you about forgiveness?

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!

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 3: Fancy a cuppa?

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 3 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. ”
— Romans 15:2

Thought for the day

Fancy a cuppa?

My friend was far from home on a three-month course. Tea was served at regular intervals. The trouble was it wasn't real tea so far as he was concerned. He needed his tea at least once a day and drinking it alone was just not right. Making it was a whole palava. The result, the perfect tea that was just right for him, it was disgusting to me.

Years ago, sitting on the ground eating with some Muslims in a former French colony, my host lent across to me and said “You people are OK. You eat our food. The French never would.” I don’t know how fair that was on the French but I learnt that loving our neighbours includes eating their food and drink.

Jesus did. Whether he enjoyed it or not, we are not told.

Prayer for the day

Lord, help me bless people by being their guest just as you did.

Daily action

Accept an invitation from a Muslim to eat or drink with them.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 2: Generous hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 2 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
— Hebrews 13:2

Thought for the day

Generous hospitality

Jesus spent a lot of time in homes eating with ordinary people (eg in Bethany John 12:1-8) When he sent out the 12 apostles and then 72 disciples, he told them to eat with ordinary people and receive hospitality as part of their mission. (Luke 9:4 & 10:5-19)

Eating together breaks down barriers; people tell stories and share lives as they share food together.

Whilst Ramadan is all about fasting from dawn to dusk for Muslims, there is also the joy of breaking fast – iftar – at sunset. This is usually a shared public event. And an opportunity for 'us' to share with 'them' and become 'we'. There will be opportunities later to return the hospitality and invite your Muslim friends to your own table.

The Biblical word for hospitality is philo-xenia ‘kindness to strangers’. It is the opposite to xeno-phobia, ‘fear of the other’. As xenophobia seems to be on the increase in our country, let us come in the opposite spirit and practice hospitality (both giving and receiving), and have a go at ‘entertaining angels’.

Prayer for the day

Pray this Celtic prayer - BRIGIT’S FEAST

I should like a great lake of finest ale, for the King of Kings
I should like a table of the choicest food, for the family of heaven.
Let the ale be made from the fruits of faith, and the food be forgiving love.

I should welcome the poor to my feast, for they are God’s children.
I should welcome the sick to my feast, for they are God’s joy.
Let the poor sit with Jesus at the highest place, and the sick dance with the angels

God bless the poor, God bless the sick, and bless our human race.
God bless our food, God bless our drink, all homes, O God, embrace.

Daily action

Watch the video ('The British') and enjoy the diversity of both people and food, that we have in Britain. Find out about an Iftar meal in your area (put on by the mosque or as part of the BigIftar http://thebigiftar.org and resolve to attend.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 1: Getting together

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 1 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock, and if anyone hears my voice, I will come in to him and eat with him and He with me.”
— Revelation 3:20

Thought for the day

Doing things so we can be together

For the past 4 years Christian and Muslim women have been getting together in our town to read their scriptures, to enjoy food and do crafts together.

We've built up relationships that carried on beyond these activities in each other's homes. While the meetings were informal and enjoyable, they do take planning and initiative. Someone needs to take responsibility for booking a venue and printing texts and sourcing crafts.

As (western) Christian women we don't have a particular code of hospitality like the Fulani 'koddirgal.' We sometimes felt burdened by strategic planning for these meetings. However, this changed at one of our recent community events when one of the Muslim women gave us a new perspective.

We were drinking tea and reflecting on the way people seemed to connect in a natural way throughout the day. Her explanation was that 'We want to be together, so we do things.'

Her comment turned our expectations upside down: our aim is no longer the clever planning or the smooth running of events but the being together. My Muslim friend reminded me that Jesus wants to be with us, so he knocks on the door of our hearts to enter in (Rev. 3:20).

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, give me a heart of flesh that truly wants to be with people, so that our encounters may lead to them hearing you knocking at the door of their heart.

Daily action

Take time to really listen to someone over a cup of tea (or coffee). Simply find an excuse to 'be together'

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 0: Fasting and prayer

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 0 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning….”
— Joel 2:12

Thought for the day

Fasting and prayer

The overall theme for this years 30 days of prayer is 'hospitality'.

30 Days of Prayer represents an opportunity to pray for unreached people around the world.

And there seems to be a direct link between this global prayer movement and the rise in interest of followers of Jesus within the house of Islam.

Lovefast is about rooting this to our experience in UK. We will be looking at the same themes, but applied to Muslims in Britain.

The 30 days of Ramadan are a great opportunity to meet Muslims friends as they are desperately seeking Allah, as they fast and pray to draw nearer to God.

You can sympathise as they take ‘nil by mouth’ - no food or drink from sunrise to sunset, and then the joy of breaking their fast with dates and an Iftar meal.

You may be invited to an Iftar meal yourself at a local mosque, or an event run as part of the #BigIftar But use this opportunity to reach out to your muslim friends

Prayer for the day

Pray with Paul from Romans 10:1:

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved

Why not write down the names of five Muslim friends you know and pray for them throughout Ramadan?

Daily action

Ensure you’ve got a 30 Days of Prayer booklet during Ramadan and sign up to Mahabba’s #lovefast so we can pray and act together as a Network for our Muslim friends

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast -1: Hospitality

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Day -1 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6

Thought for the day

Hospitality in the Muslim World

Hospitality is an important, almost a central, part of Islamic culture. Offering kindness and generosity to guests is considered a duty which one owes to God. Therefore, many Muslims believe that to honour and welcome a guest is to honour and welcome God.

Hospitality is expressed in different ways in different cultures, but throughout the Islamic world it is characterised by generosity and self-sacrifice. No matter how little one might have, it is a point of honour to share it with guests.

In the prayer 30 day guide contributors to tell us about what hospitality looks like in the Muslim people groups they live among. And in Love Fast we reflect on these themes and apply them to our UK context

Food, of course, plays a significant part and you are warned that some of these articles may make you feel very hungry! Even during the month of Ramadan when fasting is the focus, the feasting that happens after sunset each day is sumptuous and shared freely.

Hospitality brings people together. It invites us to talk with one another and grow in spiritual understanding both as an individual and as a group. We hope you will enjoy these descriptions of hospitality in different Muslim cultures and be inspired to pray in a way that reflects that spirit of generous welcome.

Prayer for the day

Lord we pray that as we identify with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this month of Ramadan. You would help us to pray for them to discover more of You. And help us to find ways to act and get involved with their lives so that together we can discover more of Your Loving Heart.

Daily action

Make sure you have a copy of the 30 Days of Prayer booklet during Ramadan. Check on the website, and sign up with Mahabba for the daily feed of #lovefast prayer and action campaign.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 30: Peace

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 30 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

Feedback and suggestions on the content and layout of Lovefast - see our Trello board →

Daily verse

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
— Romans 12:18 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Peace

We have been looking at symbols all through these 30 days of prayer during Ramadan.

When visiting the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem a saw a tile of a church, a synagogue and a mosque next to each other.

It became a symbol of hope for me.

I also came across the word ‘coexist’, replacing the C, X and T with a crescent, a star of David and a cross.

At the time I had a deep concern about how the Abrahamic faiths could stop attacking and killing each other.

So many wars seemed to have religious dimensions to them.  

One way to ‘coexist’ is to create mutual understanding by reading and reflecting on our sacred texts together.

This has taken many forms:

  • Scriptural reasoning

  • Meetings for better understanding

  • Prophet Stories

  • Holy book clubs

Various ways of reading our Scriptures together and building relationship through the stories of the Bible and Qur’an.

Prayer for the day

Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

Daily action

Get hold of a copy of the new Grove booklet on storying Christian and Muslim faith together. Check out if there are any groups mentioned above near you.

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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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 29: Bread

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 29 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

Feedback and suggestions on the content and layout of Lovefast - see our Trello board →

Daily verse

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
— John 6:35 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Bread

There is an Egyptian proverb that says, “He who has the bread has the whole of happiness.”

The story today in the prayer guide illustrates the importance of bread in Middle Eastern culture.

The Arabic for bread aish literally means life.

Of course the image of bread is also important to us as Jesus followers.

He told us to pray for our daily bread and spoke of himself as being the bread of life.

At the last supper he used bread as the ultimate symbol when he spoke of his body, broken and shared, given for the life of the world.

As Muslim friends and neighbours are going without food (bread) and spending more time in praying and reflecting on God, how might we offer spiritual bread?

What words of life could we share that will speak to those who are spiritually hungry?

Prayer for the day

Thank you Lord for your love, mercy and compassion; that your heart is to see many Muslims come into your kingdom. We pray that many will hunger for the one who gives life, and find you, the Bread of Life, who truly satisfies.

Daily action

Choose a story about Jesus meeting a need (from the Gospels or a personal testimony) and plan how you would tell it to a Muslim friend. Pray for the opportunity, and be ready, to tell it.  

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 28: Curry - Sylhetis in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 28 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

Click to open

Click to open

Feedback and suggestions on the content and layout of Lovefast - see our Trello board →

Daily verse

“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
— Colossians 4:5-6 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Curry

I once came across a tract entitled “Religion is not enough”.

I discovered that it was written by a young British-born man of Bangladeshi heritage.

Today the 30Days booklet focuses on his people, the Sylhetis.

What the text does not say is that the vast majority of Bangladeshis living in the UK are Sylhetis.

They run many of our curry houses. You may have met some.

So far very few have come to Christ in the UK despite the efforts of some workers in a few locations.

The tract told how he came to Christ.

I later got to meet him and heard more about how he grew up in on a street where English was rarely heard.

He almost no contact with Christians, but someone had made the effort to connect with his community.

With greater use of English, the opportunities to share God’s love are increasing.

Prayer for the day

Lord, raise up witnesses from among the Sylheti in the UK.  Visit a curry house and befriend the waiters. And enjoy the food as well… 😛

Daily action

A Sylheti Scripture App is now available for free download on Google Play! Please promote and distribute among your Sylheti contacts as widely as possible.

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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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 27: Night of Power

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 27 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

Click to open

Click to open

Feedback and suggestions on the content and layout of Lovefast - see our Trello board →

Daily verse

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Night

I once visited a mosque towards the end of Ramadan.

Inside the mosque were individual sleeping compartments separated out by white cloths, like the inner lining of a tent.

Some Muslims would spend all ten nights here, without any contact with the outside world by mobile phone or any other way.

They come here simply to pray and read the Quran. Such devotion!

During one of the night’s of the last ten days of Ramadan Muslims believe that the blessings and mercy of God are abundant, sins are forgiven, visions and dreams are given and supplications are accepted.

This night is called ‘Laylat al-Qadr’ variously known in English as the Night of Power, Night of Decree, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures.

While not all will be resident in the mosque at this time, many will attend extra prayers and Quranic readings and hope for blessing.

Prayer for the day

As Muslims seek blessing from God during the last ten nights of Ramadan, let’s pray they would have encounters with the true and living God.

Daily action

Why not take some of this evening to pray for Muslims to have encounters with the living God.  You might like to use this Night of Power prayer resource.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 26: Welcome - Moroccans in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 26 of 30

By Simon from The Hub in Mahabba

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
— John 14:6 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Welcome

There’s something special about a Moroccan welcome, especially a Berber one.

It’s a traveller’s welcome - often after a long, tiring journey, when the hope and excitement of the day is waning into the evening.

Lots of tea, honey, pancake-like treats, and lashings of sugar in every direction!

I remember the same warmth being true when I stumbled across a Moroccan shop in the UK - in Oxford, an academic capital and a world away in terms of culture!

Sometimes we feel we are only worthy to put on a welcome or have people into our home unless everything is pristine and just-so.

That pressure can sometimes prevent our hospitality.

Moroccans feel the same pressure, but after a quick spruce up, even the poorest of the poor would be as proud as punch to usher you through their door.

We honour them by our presence as guests in their home, no matter how lowly it is, and they go to great lengths to provide sustenance.

There’s definitely something of Christ in this welcome, and we see it in Muslim communities in the UK, whether Moroccan or not.

We know too that the invitation from Christ and to come to know Father God is beyond all else.

We may be British and struggle with this one, but how can we be a little be more hospitable and welcoming that Muslims we meet might encounter something of Jesus through us?

Prayer for the day

Father God, thank you that I am part of your family and for the loving embrace that I received through Jesus Christ. Today I pray that Muslim men, women and children in the UK might have the opportunity to experience something of that. Use me to be a channel of your love. Help me to break out of my Britishness and embrace Muslims around me.

Daily action

During Ramadan, it is common practice for Muslims to share food with neighbours after the fast finishes in the evening. Try to find a shop locally that sells Asian sweets. Buy some and take them as a gift to your neighbour. Make sure you go around 9:30 or 10:00pm - it’s not too late or rude, as they will eat after dark and be very awake! Offer them as a blessing and that as a Christian you are praying for them in their fasting.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 25: Hot - Eritreans in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 24 of 30

By Simon from The Hub in Mahabba

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’”
— John 13:35 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Hot

Abraham is Eritrean; a friend of mine and I see him almost every day.

We give each other a big hug in the morning and sometimes at the end of the day - very un-British, but very Eritrean.

I love it - warm, welcoming friendly - what’s sometimes known as ‘hot climate culture’ - and it took me a little while to cotton on!

I saw him the other day at a Christian festival, sporting shiny aviator sunglasses and advocating for a new charity, helping the church to welcome refugees.

He was happy and smiling.

He has found Jesus and a fresh purpose in life - imagine if all the Muslims on your street or in your area had the same encounter.

Let’s be a bit hotter with our faith and warmer with our welcome - start with a Muslim you encounter; today!

Prayer for the day

 

Father God, thank you for the world that is coming to our doorstep. Help us to be warmer in our welcome and embrace of those we do not know. Stir in us more of your love for Muslims around us that we can better demonstrate your love for those from Islam who do not yet know you.

Daily action

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

I once worked with a young Muslim lady who remarked that I was different because I genuinely asked how she was and looked out for her. This one is a longer-burning action. Be intentional in really getting to know a Muslim near you, whether a shopkeeper or colleague. Make a conscious effort to ask consistently about his or her health, family, hopes, dreams etc. When you’ve done that, find out more about Welcome Churches which is helping churches welcome refugees in the UK.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 24: Seek - Sufis

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 24 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Seek

“This is the highlight of my week,”

remarked a young bearded man of Pakistani heritage.

“I would not miss it for anything.”

He was at a gathering of the mureeds (disciples) of a Sufi Sheikh. In a borrowed hall, they gathered to sing their way through an Arabic litany.

They sang stirring hymns, listened to a short exhortation from one of their members and enjoyed a meal together.

For tourists abroad, Sufism is associated with the gilded tombs of mystics long dead, but Sufism is alive and well and thriving in the UK.

Sufi Muslims believe that knowing God is possible and that access to grace and blessing is given through sheikhs who guide those who believe in them.

All that they seek, God has given in Christ but they do not know it.

Prayer for the day

Thank God for all we have in Christ and ask him for opportunities to share it with the spiritually hungry.

Daily action

Think how you would describe all that ‘the man Christ Jesus’ has done and is doing for you and ask God for an opportunity to share it.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 23: Growth - African Muslims

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 23 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
— Revelation 7:9 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Growth

An African man in London rested on his bed after completing his Muslim prayers.

As he did so a very bright light came into the room.

Within the light he saw the figure of a man who said ‘Islam is not your religion; this is’ showing him a Bible.

He is now a follower of Jesus and a passionate evangelist wherever he goes.

In recent decades there has been a marked increase in the numbers of people attending Pentecostal Churches in London, mainly explained by the growth of African Churches.

Many West African Pentecostals regard the UK as a potential mission field, bringing the gospel back to those who originally provided it.

Simultaneously, about 10% of the UK's Muslim population are of African heritage and a growing number of young black people are converting to Islam.

Will you join our African brothers and sisters to pray for continued conversion growth in their churches?

Prayer for the day

Pray for sustained growth in terms of conversion numbers and quality of fellowship within the black led Churches in the UK and that they might bring many muslims to Jesus too.

Daily action

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Read 'Black Muslims in Britain: Why Are a Growing Number of Young Black People converting to Islam?' by Richard S. Reddie.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 22: Stop - Transients

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 22 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
— Deuteronomy 10:19 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Stop

My car was in an unusually filthy state, even for me.

I took it down to the manual car washing service round the corner where I was welcomed by a man with an accent and a big smile.

He scrubbed the car as if it was a joy. I asked his name. Ali.

Every time I walked that way I stop to greet him. He seems so pleased that someone should just stop and talk to him.

Who takes any notice of a car washer? He is from Iraqi Kurdistan.

He has worked in various places over the last few years.

He is one of the new population of transients that move amongst us, not in a caravan like traditional gypsies but never truly at home either. He too is a neighbour.

Prayer for the day

Open our eyes to notice the people near our homes but far from theirs. Pray blessing for every person you see or think of.

Daily action

Watch God’s heart for the foreigner

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 21: Close - Visiting a Mosque

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 21 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba's Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!

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Daily verse

“even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”
— Psalm 139:10 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Thought for the day

Close

Once we were prayer-walking in Ramadan.

As we passed the central mosque, my companion said “Do you think we could go in?”

As approached a side-door a car drew up. A man got out. We greeted him and asked if anything was going on. “Come and see,” he said.

He led us upstairs where we found a group of men were chanting, seeking closeness to God.

We prayed silently for them.

We were expected elsewhere so after a while we left but not without being invited to comeback and eat with them.

Long story short, we learnt that one of them had a brother dying of cancer.

We asked if we could pray for him in the name of Jesus. “Of course” he replied.

So we prayed for him in the mosque in the name of Jesus. Men build walls: Jesus passes through them.

Prayer for the day

Here am I. Send me.

 

Daily action

Discover your local mosque and look out for invitations.

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!

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

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