During Ramadan this year, we are praying day by day through the book of Philippians. In the first chapter, Paul models for us how to pray for believers, who at great risk to themselves, are engaged in gospel work. He prays with thanksgiving, joy, affection, and confidence. What is primary to Paul, in his prayers and in his letter, is that the gospel of Christ be magnified, both in the manner of their lives and in proclamation. Fruitful labor comes through life in Christ. We pray for our brothers and sisters laboring among the Hui. And we pray for Hui Muslims who have yet to hear and accept the gospel, that one day they may also personally testify: “for me to live is Christ.”
Here are the first eight days, starting from April 1st, covering the first chapter of Philippians.
Day 1: Partnership
I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Phil. 1:3-5 CSB
Thank You, Lord, for the witnesses You have sent to labor among the Hui, and for the believers worldwide whom You have led to pray for this people group. Please continue to lead Your people in obedience. Lord, please open opportunities for the Hui to hear Your gospel in a clear and understandable way.
Day 2: Love
And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment… Phil. 1:9 CSB
Father, we lift up to You the missionaries to the Hui and ask that they would grow in love by growing in knowledge of You. Please Lord, allow the Hui to be touched by the love and kindness of Christians and give glory to God.
Day 3: Fruit
… so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Phil 1:10-11 CSB
Jesus, we pray You would fill missionaries’ lives with the fruit of righteousness, to the glory of God. Father, give them wisdom in their ministry, and allow Hui people to see in their lives the fruit that comes through Christ, and turn to You.
Day 4: Boldness
Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. Phil 1:14 CSB
Lord, give boldness to Chinese believers in the face of persecution, to confidently proclaim the gospel to the Hui. We pray that Hui Christians would also fearlessly share the good news about Christ with their family, friends, and neighbors.
Day 5: Proclamation
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Phil 1:18 CSB
Lord, we pray that believers would testify to Christ among the Hui, proclaiming the gospel for many to hear. Lord, we pray that Hui would hear the good news of Christ proclaimed. Please lead them to repent and receive salvation.
Day 6: Life
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil 1:21 CSB
Lord, we pray that Hui workers and believers would love You more than anything else and learn to trust in You in life and in death. Lord Jesus, may many Hui come to know that You are life, and recognize the hopelessness in Islam of trying to earn eternal life through good works.
Day 7: Courage
Just one thing… live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. Phil 1:27-28a CSB
Lord, give courage to Hui-focused workers, to strive forward in gospel work despite opposition, and to glorify Christ in the manner of their lives. Lord, may the lives of believers display the gospel, and their words testify Christ to the Hui people.
Day 8: Suffering
For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him Phil 1:29 CSB
Christ Jesus, may the persecution and suffering that missionaries and Hui believers experience be for Your sake, and to the glory of Your name. Lord, would You grant, for the sake of Christ, that Hui would come to believe in Jesus, take up their cross, and follow Him.
Go here for the full downloadable 30-day Ramadan prayer guide.