BLOG: Praying for our Muslim neighbour

This article is part of our series, ‘Reaching Muslims Locally’, where we explore how you can get involved in mission to Muslims where you are.

By Judy*, a cross-cultural worker in the UK

‘When I pray coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t!’ So said Archbishop William Temple back in the 1940s. This little maxim has been a real encouragement to me over the years.

The importance of prayer

I believe that praying is the most important thing I do. I’m not sure that I always live that out, but I do believe it! When I lived in the Arab world, I prayed every time I got into the car; I knew it made a difference in keeping me safe on the roads. How much more should I pray as I go out to share about our Lord? Overseas we were very aware of the spiritual battle and that prayer made a difference, but in the UK it’s easy to be less aware of the need for prayer. We believe in theory that we need to pray, but we don’t always follow through. Prayer prepares us and helps us to hear God in each situation, so when we are involved in outreach to Muslims, prayer is vital.

It’s easy for prayer to be pushed out by activity and demands. Whatever it takes to make it happen we need to make sure that we do pray, because when we pray coincidences happen. Good prayer habits, regular daily times, and prayer lists are all good ways to help us pray. Praying with others can be very encouraging. In the UK, the Mahabba network is a good place to look for a local prayer group. Or you could find one or two friends and pray together for particular individuals or a people group.

The power of prayer

Before I was a Christian, I was part of a small Bible study group where I heard others pray. When my friends prayed, I sensed that they had a relationship with God that I didn’t have. They were talking to someone they knew, and I didn’t. I saw a quietness in them as they prayed, and I was deeply touched by hearing their prayers.

I prayed with one devout Muslim friend, and she said, ‘it’s easy!’ Yes it is easy! And God answers.’ One friend came back two days after I’d prayed with her to say, ‘Jesus answered!’ Today she is a believer.

Over the years I have often prayed with Muslim friends. I have found that Muslims are very open to the offer of prayer if someone is sick or facing problems. I prayed with one devout Muslim friend, and she said, ‘it’s easy!’ Yes it is easy! And God answers.’ One friend came back two days after I’d prayed with her to say, ‘Jesus answered!’ Today she is a believer. Sometimes I have found that a friend is waiting for me to pray, as they have got used to the idea that that’s what we do!

We don’t force prayer on people, but you can simply ask ‘Can I pray?’. It’s good to tell them beforehand that we pray in the name of Jesus. Don’t put it on. Be genuine. Thank God. Pray for your friend. Don’t get too long-winded.

Pray by yourself. Pray with others. Pray for Muslim friends. And share God’s answers to your prayers, simply and naturally.

Interested in praying regularly for Muslims? Why not join your local Mahabba prayer group here? Or sign up to receive our fortnightly or quarterly prayer updates here.

Check out the rest of the 'Reaching Muslims Locally' series