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Day 28 of 30
Written by Chas 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
“I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
Thought for the day
London - "I have many people in this city"
There are over a million Muslims in London, a third of all Muslims in the UK. Muslims are very visible on the streets as many have become outwardly more religious. Girls as young as five can be seen wearing headscarves on occasion. Often men adopt beards and dress in the style of Muhammed.
Following radical attacks, these images can conjure fear in the minds of some. Yet the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, and simply getting on with their ordinary lives. The reason for the more Islamic dress is most commonly a show of pride in their identity as they feel under scrutiny in these troubled times. And let's not forget the terrible attacks on Muslims too. When local mosques are visited, or simple conversations had in the street a warm welcome is given with gentleness and a deep respect for God.
London has thirty three boroughs. Currently eleven have a Mahabba prayer group. These groups meet regularly to pray for their borough and to offer training in sharing faith with their Muslim neighbours.
Prayer for the day
Pray for more Mahabba groups to start in London. Pray too that churches will engage more with the Muslim population around them by building bridges with local Muslim communities, reaching out in love, sharing Jesus and making disciples who reach their own community
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.
If you live in London, or visit it this year, pray as you move around its streets for the Muslims who live here. Pray for a Mahabba group to start in each borough.
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