Senegal 2023

The Folk Islam found in sub-Saharan Africa incorporates many beliefs and practices not found in Orthodox Islam. Folk Muslims often take liberties in interpreting the Qur’an and interweave traditional African religious beliefs into their spiritual worldview.

Amulets, magic potions, and incantations are just some ways Folk-Muslims endeavor to influence Allah and the good and evil spirits in the world. Evil spirits might bring physical or emotional illnesses, business failures, or relationship problems. Allah and good spirits might win you a favorable decision in a court case, cause the woman you love to accept your marriage proposal, get you accepted into a good school, or bring clients to your business. In that sense it is a form of “prosperity Islam.”

The leather pouch tied to this baby’s arm contains passages from the Quran that the parents believe will serve as charms for the baby’s protection.

Giving alms, praying faithfully, fasting, reciting phrases from the Quran, and tying on amulets are often efforts at gaining Allah’s assistance in prospering in life. Moving up in life to greater success and wealth is near the forefront in many Islamic religious efforts.

PRAISE

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Psalm 96:3)

KINGDOM COME

(The Parable of the Weeds) “He put another parable before them, saying, ’The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field’” (Matthew 13:24-30)

We pray for far more reproducing good seed than weeds in this land. We pray for more seed sowers to come to Senegal and wisely and broadly sow good Gospel seed.

PRAY THE BOOK OF ACTS

Paul and Barnabas returned to places they had preached “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

May isolated believers in Senegal find a way to grow in their faith and fellowship occasionally with other believers. May every believer in Senegal be rooted in the truth of God’s word. As these scattered Christians persevere through various tribulations, may their lives clearly and powerfully proclaim the Gospel to the people around them.

PRAY THE HALL OF FAITH

“He [Abraham] considered that God was able even to raise him [Isaac] from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:19)

Resurrected King, You conquered death on the cross! We pray for thousands of Senegalese to believe that reality and for this amazing truth to free them from any fear of death—be that physical or symbolic death to sin or of hopes and dreams. Father, give your people living in Senegal today the faith of Abraham, trusting that you are working out your plan in their lives even in times of great difficulty.

PRAYER

Father, we pray for the Muslim people of Senegal, many of whom live in fear and are trying to appease the spirits in this life with charms, magical incantations, in addition to their numerous religious activities as they endeavor to earn your favor and merit their way into heaven.

To learn more about disciple making movements, go to https://zume.training/eyes-to-see-where-the-kingdom-isnt/