Over recent weeks, many of us have been praying daily for Muslim friends and neighbors—here, not far from here, a long ways from here, and to the ends of the earth. For others, my appeal to pray has been a tough pill to swallow. It’s as if we hear Jesus say, “Pray for your enemies,” and assume He’s unaware of the situations we face today.

I can assure you of two things: Jesus really said that—and He really meant for us to do it! These thoughts from the 2009 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus might help as we seek to obey—

Negative media exposure abounds concerning Muslims and Islamic civilization. This can build prejudice, fear and negative attitudes. Let us allow God to search our hearts. Let us repent over any unclean attitudes toward Muslims which are not worthy of Christ. He has called us to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Muslims are also our neighbors. Above all else they are people. Muslims have hopes, fears, dreams and disappointments. Muslims, like all of us, are subject to the effects of sin, death, and evil in the world.

Do we really want Muslims to discover new life in Christ? What will we do so they can discover the joy, laughter, faith, and love found in Jesus?

Let’s pray that God will use us—you and me—to answer our prayers that Muslim people will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

I’m proud to be your pastor,

Jerry