September 29, 2006

Christians praying for Muslims during Ramadan

ReligionAndSpirituality.com

DALLAS, September 29 (UPI) — A global coalition of evangelical Christians is urging prayer for Muslims during their holy month of Ramadan.

But the idea has met some resistance from Muslims — and even some Christians, Associated Baptist Press reported Friday.

Ramadan, which this year began Sunday, is a significant time for Muslims. They spend the month fasting, praying and doing good deeds.

The Christian prayer effort is the 15th annual "30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World," which lasts for the duration of Ramadan. During the holiday, Christian churches and groups fast, pray and learn about "Muslim peoples of the world," both as a form of solidarity and as an outreach tool.

According to the project's website, people participate so Muslims "may at least have an opportunity to consider God's grace revealed in Jesus Christ, and that we may live peaceably and respectfully side by side." Major contributors to the project include Youth With a Mission, Frontiers, Evangelical Alliances of Europe, Transformations Africa and major churches worldwide.
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