Friday Prayers

Muslims do not think of communion with God, knowing God or hearing from God, as being part of their normal prayer experience. In Islam normal daily prayer is a focused ritual exercise which is an expression of worship and honour toward Allah. Personal requests are possible in Islam but the formal ritual prayers are definitely the most important prayer activity for Muslims, especially Friday Prayers.

Prayer as Communication

Prayers in Islam are generally not meant to bring one’s self into direct personal contact or communion with Allah. Even when Muslims speak of prayer as communication with Allah they do not expect that Allah will actually speak back to them. The communication is always one way.

However, in the Sufi Muslim minority one can speak of meeting God. However, beliefs and practices among Sufis place the emphasis more on being submerged in the divine than knowing God in a communication oriented and relational sense.

Prayers are encouraged as a means of restraining Muslims from social wrongs and moral deviancy. According to a traditional saying, Mohammed when asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To offer prayers at their fixed times.”. Thus, prayer is often seen as a meritorious activity in Islam.

Prayer Starters:

• Prayer is seen as a meritorious activity in Islam. As Muslims gather today and pray “show us the straight path”, may their prayers be answered. (Jer 29:13)
• Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of those who have never heard the Good News.
• Pray that the many Muslims would have dreams and visions of Jesus, and come to follow him.