Islam pursues political, societal, and top-down power structures. Christianity teaches bottom-up servant leadership (Luke 22:25-27). Pray for Bosnia to be transformed as Christians model Christian leadership principles and reject worldly power structures.
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and he loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing…” (Deut 10:18).
Lord, we declare on behalf of the refugees from around the world who are in Bosnia: Defend their cause; you care about their plight; you respond to their cries for justice; and you reach down from heaven to act. You are the God of the refugee, a safe haven, a strong tower. And you stand with those whose backs are up against the wall. We also pray for those seeking to leave Bosnia as part of the ever-increasing diaspora population, that they would encounter you in new ways in the new lands they enter.
Pray that the Bible will be available to and understood by every Bosnian believer. There are several translations available in the Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language, but dialectal differences and religious/ethnic backgrounds can make finding one suitable translation for everyone difficult. Pray for unity among believers who may read different translations, that the same Spirit will work through everyone!
This month, we want to encourage you to pray in new or unique ways as we lift the Bosniak people. Each day, we will be highlighting a way you can engage one of the “5 senses” to specifically pray for Bosnia.
SMELL
Somun is the name of a traditional flatbread eaten and enjoyed by Bosnians year round. During Ramadan, however, this bread takes a special place, as it is usually served at the iftar meal. Bosnians will stand in line at bakeries before sundown, waiting to buy the freshest bread possible for the evening’s feast. Many say that the smell of bread baking is synonymous with Ramadan in Bosnia. Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread, yeasty and comforting. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even try making your own somun. Pray for Bosniaks to find the Bread of Life, who will satisfy all of life’s needs.
Intercede on behalf of Christ’s followers in Bosnia, that their testimony about Jesus would be confirmed by God’s power working through miraculous signs and wonders.
Lord, we need your power, not just our words! We need your living power – the same power that conquered the grave and raised Christ Jesus from the dead; the same power that delivered God’s people out of the clutches of Pharaoh’s brick-laying, back-breaking empire; the same power that created all that we see and all that we don’t!
Holy Spirit of God, when your people pray, come in power.
When they preach the word, come in power.
When they face opposition, come in power.
When they feel weak, come in power.
When they stand before crowds, come in power.
When they weep with the lonely, come in power.
When they fast, come in power.
When they love, surround them at all times by your confirming, world-changing power.