Recently a friend asked for an Interview for his national newspaper. We decided to publish the Questions and Answers here:

How Did 30-Days Get Started?

Imagine a prayer meeting with just a handful of people. Imagine the same prayer meeting a few years later which now includes millions of people praying for the Muslim world. 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is this prayer meeting!

The origin of this call to prayer and fasting for the Muslim world came about as a group of Christian leaders were praying about the Islamic world during a meeting in the Middle East in April 1992. God put a burden on the hearts of these men and women to call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Muslim world.

How Big is the Prayer Project, How Many People Or Countries Are Involved?

Today this event draws Christians worldwide to a united, global prayer meeting. The 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World prayer guide is now produced in more than 42 languages each Ramadan and distributed from more than 32 regional offices. Millions of Christians have joined together in prayer, across denominations, languages and cultures to pray for the Muslim world. As a result, a wave of missions mobilisation and Muslim missions awareness is occurring across the globe.

Why Ramadan?

This prayer event is planned to coincide with the Islamic month of Ramadan so that we, the Body of Christ, would get God’s heart for the Muslim world.
Ramadan is a great way to “pin” a prayer movement on something Christians can understand and relate to (literally a calendar month called Ramadan). When Christians hear in the media that Ramadan is coming, it reminds them to pray.

We have seen that Christians take the prayer more seriously as they see their Muslim neighbors fasting and active during Ramadan. Spiritually Christians can relate to Muslims better and pray and fast for the Muslim world because they are praying during Ramadan. Ramadan also gives Christians a good opportunity to make friends with Muslim neighbors.

What Is 30-Days About? What Is The Purpose Of The Project?

Our purpose is to call Christians to pray for the Muslim world, specifically:

• for greater breakthroughs for the Gospel among Muslims,
• an increased commitment to prayer by Christians,
• and for more missionaries to be released to work among Muslims.

We do this by creating a 52 page Prayer Guide coinciding with Ramadan each year (first edition was 1993).

Below: Various Prayer Guide Front Covers

How Do You Create The Prayer Guide?

Each year people work together to provide new information, statistics, stories and photographs for the 30-Days Muslim World Prayer Guide. Most of those who contribute are field workers currently working in unreached regions. Each person contributes a unique insight into the needs of the Muslim people they live and work among. They are certainly not scholars who have a distant understanding of Muslims, but rather a group of people who have a passionate love for those they serve.

The 30-Days International team is then responsible to put together the text, graphics, layout etc. and that in turn is released to the national teams to translate and print and distribute how ever they can.

(PS. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of each article, minor errors, usually spelling and grammar, often slip through even the most ardent of proof-readers. We appreciate your grace and forgiveness.)

What Is The Purpose of the Prayer Guide Itself?

The purpose of this prayer guide is not to be comprehensive, but to motivate and inspire the reader to pray. Each article of the prayer guide contains enough content to provide a brief overview and up-to-date information. We strongly encourage our readers to seek further information in addition to this prayer guide. There are many excellent resources available, some of which are listed on our Links page.

Do You Have Stories About Muslims Saved During Ramadan?

MANY! We have many many testimonies, especially from our national offices. Often we hear of Muslims having had dreams of Jesus during Ramadan right after we have prayed for that country or people group. And, we have seen completely unreached people groups who now have Christians among them. Example: Brother Andrew of Open Doors Netherlands said publicly he believes our prayer ministry has opened doors to the Gospel where he travels.

Another wonderful testimony is that many Christian people contact us saying their hearts have been changed (positively) towards Muslims. Sometimes that leads to folk going on a missions trip, others reach out to their Muslim neighbors, still others commit to prayer.

(Each year in our Prayer Guide we print some special testimonies we receive.) But yes, a huge yes, that is one reason we keep doing this, the testimonies we receive encourage us that God is using this and answering the prayers of many. (See also the Testimonies section of our web-site.)

Is A Prayer Project Like This Dangerous For The People Creating It? Any Threats?

Yes, we have had threats and of course our people in Muslim countries have to be careful. Never-the-less, over the years we hear more and more that Muslims have come to respect what we do. They may not agree, but they respect our motto, “Loving Muslims Through Prayer.” Muslims have not found anything but love and respect for them, although they don’t want prayer to be saved by Jesus. Of course if a Muslim cleric somewhere gets upset with us, then problems can occur and have.

How Can People Take Action?

Our passion is to know God and to make Him known. Our focus is on praying for the unreached Muslim people groups. Our work is creating resources for Christians to pray.

Although 30-Days International is not a sending organization (we just create prayer resources), all of us behind this work are actively involved in missions somewhere in the world. As missionaries, we encourage you to pray and give. But also consider going! There is no greater joy then to bring the Gospel to lost and to help the poor and needy as well.

Will you pray? Will you promote 30-days? Will you change the world – God’s way?

Welcome to 30-Days of Prayer. Love Muslims Through Prayer

• The Muslim world is a challenge to Christians–especially since 9/11. We will not impact Muslims through our theological arguments or political manipulation, but we will through prayer. The annual 30 Day prayer emphasis that coincides with the Muslim month of Ramadan has been a remarkable global effort to focus millions of Christians on prayer for the spiritual needs of Muslims. Is it surprising, then, that during the 15 years of the 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus there has been a corresponding rise in the number of Muslims turning to Christ? May God call many more as intercessor-priests (Rev 5-8) to change our world and extend His Kingdom!
Patrick Johnstone, WEC International, Author, Operation World

The history of the 30-Days of Prayer ministry reaches back to 1992. See the video:

Download: 30-Days Press Release PDF, 445 kb

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These are some creative prayer ideas and tips on how to use the 30-Days Muslim World Prayer Guide materials in a group or for your personal prayer time.

Organizing group prayers

You can use these materials to pray creatively by yourself in your own prayer times, and also to join with groups of others to pray together. We would encourage you to find creative ways to involve as many people as possible with you in this prayer focus. Jesus gave some special promises of blessing for Christians who come together to pray and agree as a group.

You could organise some weekly or twice weekly meetings over the 30 day Ramadan period with your church, your youth group, your committee or leaders’ meetings, your women’s meetings, home Bible studies, cell groups, children’s groups; in fact, any occasion when your Christian friends and associates meet together.

A Social Occasion

Take a social occasion and turn it into a prayer event as well. Have others join with you in a special meal using the prayer topic for that day. Find out all you can about that particular culture – including food and dress, music, sports, etc.

Facilitator

It is helpful if one person is chosen as the leader/facilitator of the group for that time of prayer. This person can give direction and cohesion to the prayer time, and assist the group in using the following guidelines.

Focus

As you pray through the Prayer Guide that are suggested for each day, ask and expect the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer, revealing certain areas of detail and specific focus for you to pay particular attention to (Romans 8:26).

Take notes and keep a journal of your prayer times. Particularly note any Scriptures that God may prompt you to read concerning that day’s topic.

It is helpful if the group focuses its prayers for one subject area at a time, rather than chopping and changing all over the place. Each person should wait before moving on to a different topic, until every person has been able to pray out their prayers over the current subject area (1Corinthians 14:40). Make sure that all have an opportunity to pray for that area or need if they want to.

Be Creative

Look for ways to make your times of prayer varied and interesting. God is infinitely creative, and has made us in His image, so we can expect creative ideas and prayers to flow as we seek Him. For example, using a map or reading out a short article on a particular country or need related to the day’s prayer theme can add interest and spark new ideas of needs to pray for. Photographs and pictures, maps or even radio, television and video documentaries can do the same.

Strategic

“The Night of Power” is a strategic night of prayer. Consider setting aside this night for an all night prayer time with your church or mission group. ["Day 26" can be confusing. The reason is night precedes day in the Islamic Calendar. In the past the prayer focus was on Day 27, however, for many the Night was already over....]

Believe

Let us believe God for an outpouring of His Spirit on our Muslim neighbours worldwide. Let us pray and believe for the fulfilment of Revelation 7:9, that every group, including the peoples of Islam, will be represented before the throne of God on that final day.

Make It A Different Prayer Meeting – Specific for “The Night of Power”

During Ramadan our mission committee floated the idea of holding a prayer night on the Muslim “night of power” when God often works in miraculous ways throughout the Muslim world. (‘Night of Power’ prayer nights can be used throughout the year!)

It won’t be another “dull” prayer meeting.

We recognise that “prayer meetings” are seen by many as dull or boring and often have a corresponding lack of attendance – “just another night out”. As we wrestled with this, the idea came to use a format that has been used in various ways by our creative ministries team. So began our journey to create various prayer “stations”. The aim was to cover as many of the senses and prayer styles as possible and yet be informative and not too disjointed.

Set up the meeting room

Our venue was the church auditorium, from which half the seating was removed giving wings at either side which were lit. On the entry side was information on Islam (including Ramadan, the Night of Power, Muslims and sin, Muslims and Jesus) with prayer focus points and information on several countries, sourced from the “30 Days of Prayer” booklet and added to by pictures and library books. Prayer points were highlighted. One of these stations focussed on ‘dreams and visions’. It looked at the importance of dreams and this night of revelation to Muslims and had scripture and prayer points. It also had some testimonies of Muslims meeting Jesus through dreams.

The other side focused on Islam in our country, from similar sources. This side also contained a trestle covered with newsprint on which was the outline of a world map (traced from a wall map) and felt pens for people to write prayers. Our national stand also had hand outs available for people to take away on how to witness effectively to Muslims and also how to reach Muslim students in our country (these were printed off the 30 Days promotional/resource CD).

Both seats and floor cushions were provided at these stations for those who wanted to use these.

Set the Welcome and Ambiance

At the entrance was a “Welcome” sign and a “please leave your shoes at the entrance”. Headscarves (borrowed from the children’s Playgroup and previously washed) were available for women to wear if they so wanted. These added colour to the entrance as well. We had people do a right turn as they came in the door – most folk naturally turn left – reflecting Arabic language which is written from right to left. On the path to the earlier stations we invited folk to “join with us on a journey through the Muslim world and pray that the people of Ishmael would know the one true God and Jesus as the Messiah (Isa-al-Masih).”

In the centre we left the pews, which were used when we called people together at an appointed time for corporate prayer, lead by our pastor. As a conclusion of this time, small groups went to pray at the various stations. This central area was dimly lit and had a power point presentation running for the duration of the night. Pictures had been sourced from the internet with prayer points and scriptures interspersed. From the sound desk, Arabic style worship music was playing quietly throughout the evening.

Women Only Corner

One of the side rooms off the auditorium was used to focus on the women and children of Islam. The door was curtained and a “Women Only” sign placed beside it. The idea was to reflect a Muslim home and the hospitality of that. Outside the door, like the guest lounge in an Asian home, we had two couches, plus a wall display with pictures and a poem. A table was set with a jug of water and glasses for people to help themselves, along with some snack food which would be similar to the “iftah” with which Muslims break the fast after sunset each day during Ramadan. For this, I used patty pans containing a date, dried apricot, chocolate truffle and some chocolate raisins. Inside, the curtained room was set up as a family room with a kitchen table and similar chairs. A greater number of pictures and prayer points were on the display board here, focusing on women and children – some Mission agencies have calendars which are great for pictures. One table was set with water and food as in the “guest room” and more people partook in the privacy here. (I had a comment from one of the guys, “What did you have in there?”) On another table was a collection of books, again focusing on women in the Muslim world, and paper and pen to record those who wanted to borrow these. This gave it a “homework” feel. A cassette recorder was playing Arabic style music here also. The different timing from the main room gave some clash of sounds as in a busy Asian neighbourhood. It also represented the ministry of songwriters working in the Muslim world, the men amongst which cannot otherwise minister to women. This room was well used during the evening.

Jesus at the center

A spotlight was focused on a beautiful wall hanging that we have in our auditorium, as a reflection point to consider the work of Jesus and His centrality in the continuing work of the kingdom.

We had quite a number of positive responses to the whole evening and felt that it was well worth the effort that was put in. We hope this helps you with creative ideas when you pray during Ramadan and especially on the “Night of Power”.

(From a church in New Zealand)

Tools

Ideas for Praying in Groups – Want to pray with a group once per week or even one day to cover the whole 30 days of Ramadan? Here is a flexible idea to pray 30, 15, 5 or 3 minutes in groups for all the material. That breaks down to 15, 7.5, 2.5 or just 1.5 hour slots – great for churches!

Downloads

• download the Praying in Groups Idea (pray_in_groups_events.pdf [57 kb])
• download the Group Prayer Schedule (pray_groups_schedule.pdf [56 kb])
• Are Your Prayers On Target? A Guide to Victorious Prayer? – A two page brochure filled with biblical references about God’s joy to hear us pray. Designed by us to help encourage your faith when praying during Ramadan. (rk_prayerbrochure.pdf 162 KB)
• “When You Fast … ” A Biblical Guide To Victorious Fasting – A two page brochure including practical tips, health pointers and many starting bible references to begin cross-referencing. Also designed by us to help encourage your faith. (rk_fastingbrochure.pdf 142KB)

[These require a newer version of the free Adobe Reader software.]

Video – creative ideas how to pray

That’s My King! [no live band] from Albert Martin on Vimeo.

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Every Muslim is someone whom God loves. Some Christians do not pray for Muslims because of prejudices or fears. Let us pray by asking God to give us a heart filled with love and compassion towards Muslims. We also need to pray in faith and confidence that God will hear us and will move powerfully in answer to our prayers of love and compassion. (John 14: 12-14)

Praying for Muslims: God’s Character

Muslims believe in the uniqueness of an all powerful and supreme Allah. Similar to Christians and Jews, Muslims believe that Allah is creative and eternal. Muslims also believe that Allah is unknowable and that it is impossible to ever really know him or have a relationship with him as a personal saviour. According to Islam, Allah holds himself apart from mankind. When praying for Muslims, pray that they will have a full revelation of the true God and His loving character. (Hebrews 8:8-9)

Praying for Muslims: Against Fear

The Muslim worldview is strongly influenced by an awareness of the supernatural and the presence of good and evil spirits known as jinn. Jinn are greatly feared and are often thought to be responsible for illnesses and misfortune. Superstitions control many aspects of a Muslim’s everyday life and often result in them living in constant fear. This fear reveals a heart cry and desperate need that can only be met in the person and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray against the fear that influences many Muslims. (1 John 4:18)

Praying for Muslims: The Relationship with God

Galatians 4:22-25 tells us that Ishmael was born as a result of works resulting in slavery. Islam means submission and a Muslim understands that he is a servant of Allah. While this is also a Biblical aspect of our relationship with God, it is incomplete. As Christians, through Jesus, we know that we move from being servants to becoming sons and daughters. Pray that Muslims will also understand that God desires for everyone to know Him as children and not as slaves. (Galatians 4:7) (Matthew 18:3)

Praying for Muslims: Assurance of Salvation

Islam teaches that a person must do enough good deeds to outweigh the bad deeds in order to make it to paradise. Even then, there is no guarantee for a Muslim of salvation. As a result of this belief, it is difficult for many Muslims to fully understand the basis of forgiveness of sins. It is also difficult for Muslims to understand repentance. When we pray for Muslim’s to get saved, we are really praying that they will be convicted of sin and know true repentance. We are also praying that they would experience God’s total forgiveness and thus be able to forgive others. And, we are also praying that they would know the assurance of salvation through Jesus, something Islam can never offer them. (Ephesians 2:8-9.) (1 Peter 5:6) (Matthew 6:14-15)

Praying for Muslims: The Work of the Holy Spirit

Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit as you pray for Muslims. Allow God to teach you how to pray and to share His heart with you concerning them. Vast numbers of Muslims have come to Christ as a result of supernatural encounters. Many have dreams and visions of Jesus. It is only God who can open blind eyes and soften hearts. Only God can bring true conviction of sin and create new life. (Romans 8:26) (John 16:8)

Video: God-o-nomics

God-o-nomics from DanStevers.com on Vimeo.

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Angel meets Iranian

An Iranian women from Germany was met by an angel in a dream. After that she now wants to know more from the Christian faith and is in contact with a cell group from a church.

Berlin

In Berlin, Germany, a cell group with former Muslims (3-4 converts who came to Christ after the last Ramadan), during this Ramadan experienced members returning after a long absence, with a “new fire” for the Lord.

North Africa

From North Africa the first known person from the Saharawi people has recently converted to Christ.

Christian Radio to Muslims

In a letter just received from HCJB World Radio, in the last 12 months there has been increased response to gospel broadcasts, and reports of clear reception where reception was previously only fair. HCJB goes on to say that they have recently seen miraculous open doors with government permits, finances and missionary staff. In the Middle East there is an increased focus and enthusiasm for providing radio for Muslim countries.

Missionaries to Muslims

According to Frontiers, the numbers of missionaries to Muslims has now doubled. Just in the last few years the number of missionaries has increased from a mere 1,000 to over 2,000 missionaries among the 1.1 billion Muslims.

Moroccan Women finds real joy

In a letter received from Morocco, a Christian women writes; “My joy is so big that I have taken the decision to write to you to share it. I have received the gift that every Christian hopes to receive and that I have prayed for such a long time. It was before dawn on Friday during Ramadan and as I set about my usual Ramadan prayers I began to pray something unusual. I prayed, ‘O God, make of my spirit a reservoir of your ideas. Use my mouth and lips to announce your salvation. Use my feet to go where you want. Amen.’ As I had almost finished these words I felt an unexplainable feeling, a joy that I cannot describe. I gave thanks to God for almost two hours. I now know that I have found God and he has filled me in His Holy Spirit to a wonderful fullness. I now know that only He saves!” (translated from French)

From the Middle East

This was our first time to use 30-days while actually living in a Muslim country. We can view a couple of dozen mosques from our rooftop, and you can imagine the sound during prayer calls! I am often awakend by the predawn call to prayer at the mosque less than a hundred yards from our bedroom, but as I lay listening to the lonely and echoing sound in the early morning darkness, I was encouraged that Christians across the globe were praying to a God who not only hears their prayers, but answers them.

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Tony Maalouf, a Lebanese Christian studied the Scriptures that speak about Ishmael. In his book “Arabs in the Shadow of Israel” he opens up the prophecies that speak about God’s love for Ishmael and his physical and spiritual descendants. God’s plan for the millions of ‘slaves of Allah’ is to be free! God sent His Word, Jesus Christ, to the slave Hagar with the promise that the son in her womb would be a free man. Today Jesus appears to his descendants in dreams and visions and shows them how they can be freed by Him.

Yet many still live in fear and inferiority. But through prayer hearts and nations are changed. Some of the profound changes since the launch of Praying through the Arabian Peninsula are:

• In one country the first church has been built where expatriates are permitted to worship.
• In another country the very first local Arabs have come to faith.
• In a third country a network of local believers has come into being.
• In the most difficult nation, Saudi Arabia, the Lord led a local believer to a fruitful ministry through the Internet through which she reached thousands in her own country.

These changes didn’t come easy. Many people have spent many hours praying for and sharing with Arabs. Though these changes are exciting, the population growth in the region is still way beyond the amount of people coming to faith. And those who come to faith sometimes have to suffer greatly for their faith. When the father of the lady in Saudi Arabia found out that she had become a Christian he murdered her brutally.

Join hundreds of thousands worldwide for a total breakthrough, that many sons and daughters of Ishmael may be set free by the power of Jesus Christ.

Please visit our English website www.pray-ap.info and download one of the prayer guides and/or subscribe to the weekly prayer updates. Those of other languages can also go to www.apinfo.eu.

Thank you,

The believers in the AP.

For a quick impression why you should be praying for the heartland of Islam view the PTAP promotion movie on the English site below. 1.30 min.

Praying Through The Arabian Peninsula Video – Testimonies

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