Lovefast 1: People movements
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Day 1 of 30
By Steve Bell from the Mahabba team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
Thought for the day
God moves in ‘people movements’
A ‘people movement’ has been defined as either 1000 baptisms or 100 congregations planted over a 20-year period. (*) To date, such movements have been identified in an estimated 29 out of the 49 Muslim nations. This indicates an estimated 2 to 7 million believers. Clearly God is moving within ‘people movements’ and the movements have emerged in parallel with global prayer initiatives such as the 30 Days of Prayer.
The Arabic word “ittahariq” means to ‘move with’ and many Muslims naturally ‘move’ with a movement; just like Christianity’s 21,000 denominations. (**) A helpful way to characterise a local church is to ask which Bible Week they promote. British Muslims are also characterised by their preferred ‘movement’. These include Sunni, Shi’a, Sufi or Ahmaddi; and can be ‘traditional’, ‘progressive’ or ‘Islamist’. Each have their own preferred teachers and spokes people. We can research who the key Muslim voices are – nationally and locally – and pray for them and those who follow them.
While some Christians embrace Paul’s description of being one ‘body’ with a common purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12), some Muslims can look like ‘a house divided against itself, which cannot stand’ (Mk.3:23-25).
(*) David Garrison, A wind in the house of Islam
(**) Dr David Garrett, Encyclopaedia of Christianity (OUP, 1982)
Prayer for the day
‘Father God, thank you for your involvement in the affairs of people in the Muslim communities of Britain. We ask that nothing will resist the access of your Holy Spirit to the various groupings of British Muslims. As you did with the Apostle Paul, please arrest key people of influence who influence the thinking of people in British Muslim communities. In Jesus’ name we pray - AMEN
Daily action
Please note: actions were written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult the latest advice from your local public health authority or government and adhere to any current restrictions on travel or social situations.
Think of ways of finding out what the groupings of Muslims are in your area and the recognised voices of influence.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.
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.