The German-speaking Evangelical Union of German, German, Austria and Switzerland invites Christ to participate in a 30-day prayer campaign, a 30-day prayer for the Islamic world, from February 28th to March 29th.
When co-leaders of the German Evangelical Alliance (EAD, Germany’s Evangelical Alliance), spoke about their experiences in involvement with Muslims, encouraged EAD members to participate in the annual prayer initiative. Heinrich, a pastor of the Salvation Army, also serves as an officer in the Evangelical Alliance of Arabic Speakers in Europe (EAAS).
Referring to the apostle Paul’s exhortation to followers, “Pray without stopping!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), Heinrich, who always acknowledged the unreality of praying literally, emphasized the importance of prayer posture in everyday life.
“If we live a hermit life, bring everything out completely and we’re on our lap 24 hours a day, the world can’t help,” Heinrich said. “If so, this is probably God’s direct and special personal calling.”
But what applies to all followers is, according to Heinrich, a personal relationship with the Creator God. “The more I know God, our Father, the more I understand that he was created for the connection that exudes this life. And I realize that God is blessed with our human beings.”
Heinrich reflected on his experiences at a scientific conference held in Iraq last summer. It took place at the end of the Islamic Albain Pilgrimage, the annual event attended by 20 million Muslims.
“At the meeting, I was given the honor of speaking freely about my faith on the stage and reflecting how such events influenced me as a Christian, and how they affect me in the presence of the finest Muslim officials,” he recalls. “From these deep impressions I draw new insights for myself into how I can pray for Muslims.
“At the same time, I was confirmed in some of the things I had already felt. When praying for the Muslim world, attitudes in the heart are very important. It is love for our neighbors that lead us to prayer. And love is only done on the eye level.”
For Heinrich, the visit served as a reminder of the importance of personal relationships for Muslims. He finds that many Muslims enjoy voluntary visits by friends, and they value both integrity and a genuine lifestyle.
“Even if we don’t share their faith, they are very well shown that we respect us simply because we take our faith seriously,” Heinrich said.
He further expressed hope for the spread of the gospel, noting that Christians of Muslim majority countries “pray differently under pressure than we do in the West where we are comfortable, and they experience their faith powerfully.”
“It’s been going on for years,” Heinrich said, prayers to the Islamic world make a difference. “Together as a body of Christ, we support our suffering brothers and sisters, let them know that they are not alone, and pray for the expansion of Jesus’ kingdom of peace among Muslims.”
The campaign prayer booklet is available in two editions: standard and special editions for families and children, including prayer information, puzzles and game suggestions.
