German-speaking evangelical alliances in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are inviting Christians to join the 30-day prayer campaign, 30 Days of Prayer for the Islamic World, from Feb. 28 to March 29.
The co-leader of the Evangelische Allianz in Deutschland (Evangelical Alliance in Germany, EAD) Frank Heinrich encouraged EAD members to participate in the annual prayer initiative as he recounted his own experience of engaging with Muslims. A Salvation Army pastor by calling, Heinrich also serves as a board member for the Evangelical Alliance of Arabic Speakers in Europe (EAAS).
Referring to the Apostle Paul's exhortation to believers to “pray without ceasing!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), Heinrich acknowledged the impracticalities of literally praying all the time but emphasized the importance of a posture of prayer in daily life.
“The world is not helped if we live a hermit life and completely pull ourselves out of everything to be on our knees around the clock,” said Heinrich. “And if it does, then this is probably a direct and special and personal calling of God.”
What applies to all believers, however, is the personal relationship to the Creator God, according to Heinrich. “The more I come to know God, our Father, the more I understand that I was created for this life-bringing connection. And I become aware of the authority with which God has endowed us humans.”
Heinrich reflected on his experiences at a scientific conference in Iraq last summer, which took place at the end of the Islamic Arba’in pilgrimage, an annual event attended by 20 million Muslims.
“At the conference, I was given the honor of speaking freely on stage about my faith and reflecting on how such an event affects me as a Christian – and that in the presence of the highest Muslim dignitaries,” he recalled. “From these profound impressions, I derive new insights for myself on how I can pray for Muslims.
“At the same time, I was confirmed in some of what I had already felt: when praying for the Muslim world, the attitude of the heart is very important. It is love for our neighbour that leads us to prayer – and love only takes place at eye level.”
For Heinrich, the visit served as a reminder of the importance of personal relationships for Muslims, “because then doors can be opened that I wouldn't even recognize as such from a distance.” He noticed that many Muslims enjoy spontaneous visits by friends, and they value both honesty and authentic lifestyles.
“Even if we do not share their faith, they very often show respect for us simply because we take our faith seriously,” Heinrich said.
Furthermore, he expressed hope for the spread of the gospel, noting that Christians in Muslim-majority countries “pray differently under pressure than we do in the cozy West and they experience their faith powerfully.”
Prayer for the Islamic world, “which has lasted for years,” is making a difference, Heinrich said. “Together as the body of Christ, we are to support our brothers and sisters in distress, let them know that they are not alone, and pray for the expansion of Jesus' kingdom of peace among Muslims.”
A prayer booklet for the campaign is available in two editions: a standard version and a special edition for families and children, which includes prayer information, puzzles and games suggestions.
