Hana’s Prayer

Hana’s Prayer “Imagine being watched all the time,” says Hana, a Christian from Pakistan. “Imagine your neighbor asking you to cut down a tall tree in your garden, because it means they cannot look into your home anymore to see what you do. Imagine being asked on the street if you are fasting during Ramadan. Imagine being asked if Christians believe in dressing modestly, because the message the neighbors are getting from TV is that Christianity is ‘Western,’ and, anyone associated with the West is seen as an individual unconcerned with living in a way to please God. “People in our part of the world work hard, and Christians are hard-working if given the opportunity. However, many Christians have been unemployed for generations. Most are uneducated with few opportunities to practice their skills and abilities. “Christian children have a huge advantage if they make it to school. However, Christian children face challenges at school, and will always be reminded of their status as descendants of the untouchable caste, or being associated with the British. Both are stereotypes and not true. “From morning to evening life is a challenge. This is our prayer every day, ‘Lord, give us eyes to enjoy the beauty and richness of spring, the blessings of the land in which You have placed us, the friendships waiting for us when we put our anger aside, and the opportunities to love and minister Your grace to those around us. Amen.’”  One With Them Today, be one with Hana as you too pray this prayer. Give thanks to the Lord for the freedoms we have, and pray for our brothers and sisters in places like Pakistan who do not share the same freedom.  Pray that wherever we are, we are seeking to please God, not the world.  2013.06.11

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)