30 Years of Prayer – and still praying

In 1992 the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World began. It was a decade when prayer mobilisation was expanding alongside the mobilisation of loving Christian witnesses from all over the world to Muslims. One of the most exciting things about mission in the 1990’s was seeing growing numbers of Christian witnesses being sent from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

A French movie titled Of Gods and Men, released in 2010, told the story of a group of Christian monks in 1990’s Algeria, caught between a violent Muslim extremist group and the Muslim villagers they were called to love and serve. A profound scene happens when the Islamist leader comes to the monastery to ask for medical supplies for wounded comrades. The priest denies the request due to needs of the villagers, but quotes from the Qur’an and prays for and with him. While this extremist leader was alive, he ensured that the monastery and monks were protected.

As many Christians in the 1990’s prayed during 30 Days for Muslims to have dreams and visions of Isa al-Masih (Jesus), stories of answers to those prayers were heard all over the world. J. Christy Wilson, who helped start the International Assistance Mission (IAM), had a regular practice of praying with a Muslim before he would leave them, in their homes or after conversation. He would say, “Would you join me in prayer before we part?” Wilson believed that praying with Muslim friends was one of the greatest ways to let the presence of God work, far greater than words about beliefs alone.

How to Pray

• Pray for more Christians to join in prayer with 30 Days – encourage others to pray with you this year! (James 5:16)
• Pray for Christian workers who have sent the requests and stories in this guide, to see the fruit of their work and your prayers. (Ephesians 6:18)
• Pray for Muslims to experience God’s presence in new ways this Ramadan. (John 14:13)