One of the five pillars of Islam is hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. This visit is considered mandatory for all Muslims, though exceptions exist for those who may not be physically or financially able (how these are quantified, though, depends on whom you ask). Praise God that Christians don’t have such obligations. Pray for Bosnian Muslims to seek out new ways of encountering God as they investigate the required practice of hajj.
“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ’Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of [Bosnia]!’” (Rev 15:3).
Father, this scripture speaks truth: one day, Bosnia will sing the song of Moses, the song of Miriam (Exodus 15:20-21), and they shall dance before the Lord as a once-captive people now walking across a dry sea, a once-imprisoned people now liberated from the brutality of Pharaoh. The truth is that all Bosnia shall sing: great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, O Lord, King of Ages!
We pray for boldness and faithfulness from the churches in Bosnia. Pray that every man, woman, and child in Bosnia will hear the testimony of someone from his/her culture in-person. Strengthen your children for this task, O God!
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.
SIGHT
Mostovi, or bridges in Bosnian, are a common sight across the country’s many rivers. Some date back centuries to the Ottoman and even Roman periods. The city of Mostar (which literally means “Old Bridge!”) has perhaps the most famous of these bridges in Bosnia. As you look at this picture of Mostar, pray for more bridges to be formed between Muslims and Christians so that the Gospel can be shared. Pray for healing in this divided city. Pray for healing in this divided nation.
Holy Father, Sovereign God, we give thanks for your mercies, please make them new every morning in Bosnia. Lord, we ask for your divine intervention: Would you lead believers to people of peace and then help those persons of peace establish new gospel-centered communities. Lord, you are the vine from which all life comes, mature those emerging communities into New Testament churches with baptized believers obeying all the commands of Christ. May we see disciples who make disciples, leaders who make leaders, groups that start groups, and churches that plant churches. May your glory increase in Bosnia through the obedience and love of your followers. And may a gospel movement cover this nation, transforming it from the inside out, and impacting the entire Muslim world.
Amen.