Day 18 of 30

By an Iranian asylum seeker, as told to Chas from the Mahabba team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

Thought for the day

An Iranian reflects on the Islamic Revolution

The style of living, dress, speech and beliefs of Iranians have all changed since the revolution. Religious people told me that Iranians are better believers than before the revolution. But there are many questions in my mind.

As a child I couldn’t understand the reason for the Iran/Iraq war. When I asked my mother, she just said that we were fighting the enemies of God, those who had been killed were martyrs of God and were in heaven. I asked myself, ‘Can Iraqi Muslims be enemies of God?'

When I was a teenager I participated in some religious ceremonies, I saw people crying for some Imam that passed away thousands of years ago. I asked myself, ‘Why are people crying for something so long ago? And why are people praying and kissing shrines? Can a shrine bless our life? More importantly, why cant we know God and talk with him in our language? Does that mean God cannot understand my language? How can I have a relation with someone when I can't understand his language? How can feel his presence in my life?'

Prayer for the day

I pray for the many Iranians seeking asylum in this country. Please connect them with Christians in the UK who can lead them to a living relationship with you, Lord.

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.

Take the opportunity to welcome Iranians you meet; many of them are searching for answers. Give them warm hospitality and offer them a Bible in Farsi to help them discover the truth.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on our online community platform, Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.

Resources

Guidance on hosting iftars

A reminder of some some helpful guidance and food for thought from the Church of England in light of past media coverage of churches hosting iftar meals.

Also, please consult the latest advice from Public Health England or your relevant authority for guidance on travel and social situations.

You can read and discuss the guidance and recent events on Mahabba's online community area, Discourse.

Alternatively, a PDF version is available here. If you've not registered for Discourse, you can do so quickly here.

Prayer materials

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.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Please see the footer on the 30 Days of Prayer website