How to Pray for Muslims & Communities Worldwide as a Christian

Scripture instructs us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer, as our ongoing conversation with our Heavenly Father, is a beautiful practice. Supplication or petition is part of our prayer life, where we present our requests to the Lord.

Most of us fall into the habit of saying daily repetitive prayers where our sole focus is on our lives, our loved ones' needs, and maybe some people we know who are going through a difficult time. It is very tempting to fall into general daily prayers for speed’s sake. But what or who should we petition for?

Oftentimes, we underestimate prayer, viewing it as the very least we can do when we observe such great evil in the world. This is a lie from the enemy because prayer is powerful, and it is an integral part of reaching Muslims with the Gospel.

When we witness the great oppression and lostness of the Muslim world, it can be easy to feel like we as Christians can do very little. In prayer, we can ask God to intercede directly into the lives of Muslims as well as the Christian workers and missionaries among them.   

So how do we pray for Muslims?

Just as in any religion, Islam has its devout believers and nominal adherents. It has varying sects, schools of thought, and traditions. As we pray for Muslims, it is helpful to consider the special needs of Muslims who live in different places and are part of various groups across the globe. 

How to pray for nominal/cultural Muslims who are less committed

Nominal or cultural Muslims are particularly vulnerable to being drawn deeper into confusion, but they are also easier to reach with the light of Christ. They aren’t legalists; many dare to question the Islamic religious teachings and traditions. Others revere tradition and the faith of their forefathers, though it may not fulfil their spiritual needs. Many cultural Muslims either live in denial of some parts of the Quran or have little knowledge of it, relying on what their religious leaders instruct them.

Unsure in their beliefs, nominal or cultural Muslims largely live in fear that if they disavow the faith, they may be disowned by friends and family or even be killed. They also fear leaving Islam because of the familiarity of it, and because of the strict warnings from their family.

As Christians, we can pray that the Father would draw the cultural Muslims closer to Himself (John 6:44). We can also ask that God will give them courage to ask and search and be restless, and that He would continue to appear to them in dreams to reveal Himself.

Pray that their eyes would be opened, so they can distinguish the darkness from the light. Pray for them to gain access to a Bible, the safety to question, and the opportunity to speak with a Christian. In Jesus' name, we can pray that their hearts would be ready to embrace the truth of Christ. Ultimately, we can ask God to replace their confusion with clarity, fear with His “perfect love” (1 John 4:18), and hopelessness with the eternal hope that is found only in His name.      

How to pray for Muslims who are devoted to Islam

Unlike cultural Muslims, Muslims who are immersed in the depths of the spiritual darkness of Islam have become accustomed to it. They are devout legalists who may know all or parts of the Quran and Hadith.

Not all devout Muslims agree on all topics, but they all desire to carry out Allah’s commands. This desire to obey stems from a terrible fear of Allah and his wrath. Utterly enslaved by Allah, their minds are in bondage to the countless commands of this god, and their consciences often become numb to guilt after committing the sinful acts the Quran allows.

When praying for true devout Muslims, we should again start by asking the Father to draw them (John 6:44), because without His Spirit’s prompting they cannot come to Him. We must pray that God would meet them in the darkness and do miraculous work to soften their hearts. That the fear of doubting and questioning (prohibited by the Quran) would be removed from their hearts and minds.

Pray that their hunger for answers and truth would be met with the Gospel. Additionally, ask the Lord to provide a way for them to safely connect with a Christian. Pray for the Lord to renew their “debased minds” (Romans 1:26-31). Above all, pray that they could understand the sacrificial love of Christ and the everlasting freedom that only the Holy Spirit can bring (2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 5:8).

This can happen for a Muslim whether they are in a Western country where Christianity is more prominent, or in a closed Islamic country. Our God is able to reach Muslims through many different things, like the underground church, missionaries, media, and even dreams! This is something you can pray for too – that the devout Muslims who meet Christ in dreams are courageous enough to pursue Jesus afterwards.

You can read stories about Muslims meeting Christ in dreams here: LINK

How to pray for American Muslims

American Muslims consist of both the very devout and the nominal or cultural. However, as Americans, they enjoy a religious freedom that Islamic countries do not afford. This also means these Muslims are more easily reached by Christians who are free to evangelize in America, unlike underground Christians in Islamic countries.

Ask the Lord to use the American Church mightily to reach these lost souls in our cities and neighborhoods. Ask the Lord for a nationwide wave of Muslims turning to the throne of Christ, and that this would influence Muslims globally. Pray that these Muslims would be open to asking the difficult questions and be open to relationships with their Christian neighbors and coworkers.

How to pray for Christian missionaries and workers who reach Muslims

Christians who have answered the calling to minister to Muslims in Islamic and Western countries need our constant prayers.

Ask the Lord to give them a steady supply of wisdom and discernment. Pray that they would put on the full armor of God and that the Lord would surround them with safety. Pray that their godly character would point to the Father (Matthew 5:16). Most of all, pray that they would realize that God alone grows the seeds we plant (1 Corinthians 3:7).

Prayer is a sign of love 

In Matthew 5:43-44 Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Muslims are prohibited from making supplications of forgiveness for non-Muslims (Surah 9:113); they are not instructed to care for those who do not follow Islam.

The Bible’s teachings to prayer for all, even non-believers and our persecutors sets Scripture apart. Displaying love, according to Christ, is what sets us apart as His disciples (John 13:35). For specific scriptures to pray over Muslims, click here: Powerful Scripture passages to pray over the Muslim World

Remember the will of our Heavenly Father: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer for Muslims to meet Jesus Christ

Dear Lord, thank you for being a loving God whom I can come to personally. Please break the chains of Islam in the hearts of Muslims. Draw them close to you, out of the darkness and into the light! I want to obey your commands to pray and love like Christ. Amen.