A third of the 5 pillars of Islam is tithing (zakat). Muslims are required to give 2.5% of their net worth each year to the poor. In Pakistan by default zakat is withdrawn automatically from peoples bank accounts (unless they opt-out) by the government. For many this is another obligation enforced on them. Because of the way the system is enforced there isn't as much a feeling of being generous but just another obligation. When zakat is automatically deducted, the person doesn't even have a say in what way the poor will be blessed by the money.
In Karachi there is a huge disparity between the rich and poor. And more than 40% of Pakistanis live below the poverty line. Many Muslims choose to give their zakat during the month of Ramazan (the automatic deductions also happen this month). This can often mean lots of 'generosity' in Ramazan and the poor and beggars will be very active getting hand outs from the rich during this month.
Let's pray for the people of Karachi to be challenged by the contrast between a religious rule and a heart posture and to want to understand more about the "new heart" that the Bible teaches about (Ezekiel 36:26). For generosity to extend throughout the year and to come from a right heart.
Nazimabad: Pray for God-seekers in this area – ones who desire to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
2 CORINTHIANS 6:16: What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
ReadLord above all Lords, your ways are higher than ours. Acts 2:12: Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?' Daniel 2:47: The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Cairo, Egypt and the surrounding regions.
ReadISAIAH 42:16: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make adarkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."
ReadChrist, Still Confirming the Gospel Message through Miracles, Signs, and Wonders
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tunis –Tunisia and the surrounding regions.
ReadJOHN 1:7; LUKE 2:32; 1 JOHN 1:5
ReadThe Good News Includes the Generous Gift of the Spirit Provided to All People
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Nouakchott, Mauritania and the surrounding regions.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Muscat, Oman and the surrounding regions.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: WHEN POSSIBLE DISCIPLE GROUPS, NOT INDIVIDUALS
ReadGod, give wisdom regarding in whom to invest, both in developing leaders and forming new partnerships.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tripoli, Libya and the surrounding regions.
ReadAll That We Are Is You. We Are Completely Reliant on You.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tabriz, Iran and the surrounding regions.
ReadAll That We Are Is You. We Are Completely Reliant on You.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tabriz, Iran and the surrounding regions.
ReadAcross the world Muslims are starting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr today, and will continue to do so the next 3 days.
ReadThank the Lord for the love He has given you for the people of Karachi as you prayed for them to encounter Christ this Ramadan. Pray for Him to complete the good work he has begun in Karachi. Take time to listen to next steps God would have you take on behalf of the people of Karachi.
ReadIn many parts of the Muslim world, Islam is passed down more through tradition, family, and society than in formal education. Prayer, fasting, and going on the Hajj are mostly done in a communal context. Today we pray in faith for our brothers and sisters in Karachi to find spiritual community and family. We pray they would have vision for sharing what they are learning about Christ in their community, families, and networks.
ReadLast night many Muslims celebrated the "Night of Power" hoping that God would show up miraculously to change their circumstances (health, financial, relational, etc.).
ReadOn or around the 27th night of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the "Night of Power" as a special time that their prayers and good deeds count for more. They believe their chance of getting their prayers answered and miracles done are increased on this night.
ReadMuslims are encouraged to think about the poor during the month of Ramadan, to sympathize with them, and to make donations. Jesus loved the poor and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20).
ReadMuslims do not believe in the divinity of Jesus but in the Quran, Jesus is called the "Word of God". John 1 shares about the Word of God, the Word through whom all things were created, the Word who is God and the Word who became flesh to live among us.
Read