Prayer Fuel

Of the seven oblasts of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Talas holds a special place in the heart of the Kyrgyz people. It is in this valley that the legendary hero, Manas, was born and today lies enshrined. Kyrgyz from all over the country make their way to the burial site to visit the tomb of Manas and climb the large hill overlooking the tomb and to visit the museum dedicated to the Manas epic poem and its hero. This oblast also holds another interesting piece of Kyrgyz history. It was here in 751 A.D. that the Chinese armies were defeated by invading Arabs which established the religion of Islam in Central Asia. 

Map Credit: World Atlas

Today these two historical events continue to play critical roles in the spiritual lives of the people. After the fall of atheistic communism, the Kyrgyz people emerged with a nationalistic pride in their Islamic faith. Although many are not strict adherents to the pillars of the faith, they nevertheless consider themselves strong Muslims. In the past few years, there has been a definite increase in the promotion of Islam and strong encouragement for the people to return to their Islamic roots. In addition to this spiritual dynamic, the national hero, Manas, has achieved an almost deified place in the hearts and minds of many. Some see Manas as a type of intermediary between man and God.   

[With acknowledgement to authors R.&R. W. and L.W.]

Photo Credit: visitkyrgyz.com

Exalting His Name

Spend some time praying through this scripture for the excellency of Jesus to be revealed in Talas, and that many hearts will be won to him in allegiance and overflow to him in worship.

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

You are the most excellent of men
    and your lips have been anointed with grace,
    since God has blessed you forever.

Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
    clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
In your majesty ride forth victoriously
    in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
    let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. (Psalm 45:1-4, NIV)

Praying for the Harvest

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1: 11-13, ESV)

Jesus, as Kyrgyz and other people groups in Talas wrestle with these questions of spiritual identity, please reveal to them that you are not the head of a foreign religion–you are the brother of all who receive and believe in you. Show them that belonging to your Father answers the deep question, “Who am I?” (“Whose am I?”) Give grace to many in Talas to receive you and believe in your name, to be born of God.

Praying for the Church

The hero of our faith is not just a warrior, like Manas, but a servant. Pray that through his church, this aspect of Christ’s character will be demonstrated to the unbelievers around them.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28, NIV)

Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower believers in Talas to serve each other and their communities and neighbors in humility.

Worshiping and Waiting

This time can be an opportunity to simply sit still, turn on a worship song and ask the Lord if there’s anything else he’d like you to pray for today for the Talas region or anything He would like to say to you personally.

Praying by Name

Spend some time praying for the miracle of new birth and the new identity of belonging to God for your three Muslim friends, again from John 1: 11-13: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.“

Closing Prayer

The hero Manas has captured the imagination of the Kyrygz people, and we long to see Christ capture the hearts of the Kyrgyz people, and be seen as the hero to all humanity that he is. Father, would you exalt your son through your Spirit and by your Word. Would you empower gifted communicators throughout the Talas region to share compellingly about the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and would you open hearts to receive the call to love and follow this Man.