Day 2 - Spiritual Realities part 2

Testimony:

Nacima, whose family comes from an Algerian Kabyle ethnic background, was born and grew up in France. Her mother had some conservative and folk Islamic beliefs. Nacima pick up from her mother a nominal belief in the existence of God, but she was afraid, especially of dying.

Despite a wonderful family life and involvement in school and sports, Nacima faced emptiness in her soul. At the age of 18, while in university, she explored questions with her friends like, "Why am I on this earth? Does my life have meaning? What happens after death? Why she also heard about Jesus, He had no more meaning than any important historical figure. Even after two years of university studies Nacima still believed that God exists, but it was not real to her. Then during one summer, Nacima heard of Jesus in a new way. While visiting her family in Algeria for two weeks, she was surprised to hear her older sister talk about how Jesus had transformed her life. Nacima saw something special that moved her, and following more talks with her sister, Nacima came to understand both the role of Jesus as Messiah and the depth of her personal sinfulness. With the help of her sister and the Holy Spirit, she discovered the true light. Nacima believed that Jesus died and rose for her, and faith took root in her heart. Death had been defeated by Jesus' resurrection, and Nacima's fear of death was overcome. She found her reason for living, it was to serve the one who gave His life for her.

Continue praying along the same lines as yesterday. It is important to lay a good foundation for the remaining 28 days.

Prayer Ideas:
Remember your spiritual identity. We are the children of God by the blood of the Messiah. We serve the one who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Proclaim these truths in worship. Pray for the following subjects for yourself and Muslims who may be in your town, city, region or country.

• Where there is bitterness -- meekness:

Lord, remove all bitterness from my attitudes concerning Muslims. Help Muslims deal with any bitterness in their own hearts. (Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:15)

• Where there is fear/intimidation -- love:

Lord, help us overcome fear. Your love casts out all fear. Help me to live that way. Muslims often live in fear of others, fear of evil spirits and fear of death. (1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 1:7)

• Where there is lust -- purity:

We and all Muslims need to escape the corruption which is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 2:16). Muslims are not free from pornography and covetousness. Knowing that we are also tempted, pray for yourself and for them.

• Where there is violence -- peace:  

Most Muslims do not condone the violence that is perpetrated in the name of Islam. Many reject it and refuse to live in that manner. Pray for them to know the way of peace. May God help us as believers not to be the sources of violence and hateful attitudes towards Muslims. (Matthew 5:9, Luke 1:78, Luke 10:5-6, Romans 3:17)

-- All text from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World