In Indonesia, when it comes to talking about Jesus, many people put up a wall. This barrier, woven from centuries of cultural traditions and misunderstandings, can seem impenetrable.

However, God is at work. Time and again, Indonesians have witnessed the miraculous hand of God at work, igniting a desire to know the One who hears and responds. From big cities to remote villages, lives are being transformed through the simple act of calling upon the name of Jesus.

In Indonesia, cultural identity and religious beliefs are often intertwined. For many, to be Indonesian is equated with being Muslim, and broaching the subject of differing beliefs can create an invisible yet palpable barrier. 

Additionally, there is a high regard for coexisting harmoniously with those of diverse beliefs. When conversations veer towards matters of faith, it’s not uncommon for many Indonesians to politely express, “You have your beliefs, and I have mine,” effectively drawing a line that discourages further discussion. While admirable, this cultural value of respecting one another’s beliefs can also make substantial spiritual conversations particularly challenging.

Consequently, the high regard for mutual respect and the common belief that being Indonesian is synonymous with adhering to Islam create an unspoken boundary to deeper spiritual conversations.

That said, contextual ministry plays a crucial role in creating bridges rather than walls in conversations about faith. By understanding and respecting the cultural context, we can communicate the gospel in a way that resonates deeply with individuals and prevents them from putting their guard up. 

Yet, for many Muslims coming to Jesus across the globe, God puts his power on display in a unique way to build that bridge. For many Muslims in Indonesia, coming to faith often begins with a power encounter—experiencing healing or another type of answered prayer that opens their hearts to the person of Jesus. These experiences unveil the power of Jesus, igniting a curiosity to know Him more.

Across Indonesia, God is answering prayers and making His presence known in remarkable ways. These divine interventions frequently serve as the bridge, leading individuals to explore the truth about Jesus and the hope found in the gospel. By embracing cultural nuances and demonstrating the tangible love of Christ, barriers are broken down, and hearts are opened to the life-changing message of the gospel.

As we hear stories of Muslims coming to faith, it is clear that experiencing answered prayer is often impactful in creating an openness to hear more about Jesus. That said, many foreign and local believers trying to reach Muslims will ask a simple question: “Can I pray with you in the name of Isa Al-Masih (Jesus)?” 

From remote villages to big cities, a simple question like this has led to countless stories of individuals who have encountered the love of God through seeing prayers answered in the name of Jesus. While some come to faith quickly after, some of these stories are still being written.

Here are a few brief stories of how answered prayers have led to an openness to hear more about Jesus:

• A woman selling at a market had a son who couldn’t walk. A young, believing Indonesian prayed over the son, and he walked! This played a huge role in the woman being more open to Jesus. The believing Indonesian continued to invest in the relationship and share about Jesus, and the woman eventually believed. Once separated from God, this woman has become a bold witness for Him.
• A husband and wife asked how they could pray for their tour guide. He ended up sharing how he and his wife were separated. When they returned, the tour guide and his wife were in the process of reconciling and were living together again. 
• There are countless stories of people experiencing back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc.. They instantly feel better when someone prayed healing over them in the name of Jesus.

May these stories encourage you to pray for those God has placed around you, knowing that He could use that one simple act to open their hearts to Him.

Please continue to join us in praying for Indonesia that we will see countless others turn from despair to hope as they turn to Jesus, the One who is our hope. 

“pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” -James 5:16

The post From Despair to Hope: How Prayer Transforms Lives in Indonesia first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

What if our prayer times with God looked like this? Have you struggled in your prayer times and have felt so distracted that its hard to pray even for a few minutes? Why is it so hard to pray sometimes?

This is a common struggle Christians have. We have to recognize that there is spiritual warfare going on when we come before the Father and pray His will. Satan does not want us to do this so of course there will be many distractions.

That is why we need to pray even harder and find ways to focus during this time so we can really meet with God, talk with him from our heart, and listen to what He has to say.

This guide is a great way to be intentional in your prayer time and even pray for an hour like its nothing! The 1 hour prayer wheel will help you can stay focused and enjoy your time in the presence of God as you split up the time into 12 increments of 5 minutes each. I pray it grows your prayer life and leads you to pray deeper, more intentional prayers.

Praise

Recognize God’s Nature – Psalm 52:9

“For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.”

Praise God by remembering his attributes – His goodness, mercy, grace, steadfast love, kindness, etc. Praise Him for what He has done in your life.

Waiting

Silent Soul Surrender – Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

Sit at the feet of Jesus and wait on Him. Be still and quiet and wait to see what He has for you. Ask Him to lead you in truth in this time.

Confession

Temple Cleansing Time – Psalm 139:23

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

Ask God to reveal any sin in your life and confess that sin to Him. Repent of it and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Scripture Praying

Word Enriched Prayer – Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” 

Choose a passage of scripture (maybe one of the Psalms or what you have been reading recently). As you read the Word, use each verse as a prayer to God.

Watching

Develop Holy Alertness – Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

As you pray be alert and watch the thoughts coming in your head. Do you have distractions? Acknowledge those and lay them aside. Are you being tempted? Ask God to help you. Are you thinking about the Lord? Continue to dwell on His goodness and express your gratitude to Him. Is a specific person coming to your mind? Pray for that person because the Holy Spirit is putting them on your heart for a reason!

Intercession

Remember the World – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Spend this time praying for others- family members, friends, neighbors. Also pray for the world. For unreached people groups to have access to the gospel. Pray for persecuted Christians of the world to remain steadfast in their faith.

Petition

Share Personal Needs – Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Bring personal prayer requests you have to the Lord and talk to Him about what has been on your heart, what you are worried about, what you are struggling with.

Thanksgiving

Confess My Blessings – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Spend time thanking God for the blessings in your life. There is so much to be thankful for even in hard seasons!

Singing

Worship in Song – Psalm 100:2

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Pick your favorite worship song or hymn and sing that as a prayer to the Lord.

Meditation

Ponder Spiritual Themes – Joshua 1:8

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

This would be a great time to memorize a verse or call to mind verses you have already memorized. Meditate on the Word and us the verses as prayers.

Listening

Receive Spiritual Instruction – Ecclesiastes 5:2

“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Spend the next 5 minutes just listening to God. Don’t try to speak or let your thoughts wonder. Ask God to speak to You and help you to listen what He has to say during this time.

Praise

Worship the Lord for who He is – Psalm 148:1-6

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away.” 

The post Easy Guide to Pray for an Hour first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

God’s Provision 

• Pray for God’s provision: For the many Indonesians who have lost their jobs. The ones that are financially struggling to provide for their families
• Pray for protection from COVID-19 in the many overcrowded areas in the large cities of Jakarta and Surabaya
• Pray for the government to lead the country wisely and shrewdly as the country navigates the virus and its aftermath
• Praise God for the many home fellowships that have remained strong despite social distancing
• Praise God for the many organizations, churches, and individuals passing out sembako (the basic food needs) to those who cannot provide for their families during this time

Scripture Meditation

“Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, He told His disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.  Then the people saw the sign that He had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!'” John 6:11-14

The post Pray for God’s Provision first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.