Day 19 of 30

By Bryan 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

Iranians teaching Christians to die well

Last October, I attended an amazing meeting, unlike an meeting I have been to before and one that will impact me for some time to come. It was a Memorial Service for the Martyrs of the Iranian Church. It was held in Westminster Chapel and about 400 people were present, mainly Iranians. At the front were large photos of eight Iranians who gave their lives about 25 years ago and many of the relatives of those martyrs were present. It was a solemn service but not an unhappy event - plenty of smiles and some laughter. They thanked God for the lives of these men and acknowledged that fact that each of them knew the risks they were taking for their Lord and the Christian community.

It has also been brought to my attention that the church is growing faster in Iran than in any other country in the world, despite the fact they have no buildings and no organised hierarchy. But I think the real reason behind the work of the Holy Spirit in Iran is their attitude and commitment to the concept, reality and likelihood of torture and martyrdom. Their discipleship involves teaching people how to die, which is something way off our radar in the UK. Most of us will not read much of Tertullian, but in chapter 50 of his work called Apologeticus, comes the statement most of us will have heard, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church". These early church fathers knew what they were talking about.

We are blessed to have so many Iranian Christians in the UK. We may want to help them, but the help many of them can give us is far more significant for the kingdom of God and the future of the UK church.

Prayer for the day

Oft quoted by Iranian Bishop Dehqani Tafti (whose son was martyred in 1979) Hafiz's poem: LOVE'S AWAKENING (trans Arberry):

Ho, saki, haste, the beaker bring, Fill up, and pass it round the ring;
Love seemed at first an easy thing- But ah! the hard awakening.

Pray for the Iranian Church and believers from a Muslim background for whom finding the God of Love and following the Way of Love is indeed a 'Hard Awakening'

O God, Bahram’s blood multiplies the fruit of the Spirit in the soil of our souls: So when his murderers stand before thee on the Day of Judgement
Remember the fruit of the Spirit by which they have enriched our lives,
And forgive.

(End of Dehqani's prayer for his martyred son)

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.

Read the story of Bishop Dehqani-Tafti and his wife Margaret.

Have a look at ELAM website. www.elam.com They support the church in Iran in the Diaspora in UK. Subscribe to their prayer updates. Support and Pray for their ministry. Particularly pray for those who're still 'persecuted but not forsaken'.

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