Praying for Hindus during Diwali
On Sunday, Nov. 8, nearly 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide will celebrate Diwali, the most significant holiday in Hinduism each year.
More than a billion of those Hindus live in India, making Diwali a massive festival in the world’s most populous (and most Hindu) nation.
India also has the world’s largest diaspora population, with an estimated 35 million people living outside the country.
During the holiday known as “the festival of lights,” here are a few ways for Christians to pray for the light of Christ to break through Hinduism’s spiritual darkness, whether in India, other nations, or in the lives of our own neighbors:
1. Pray for opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel in India.
Many people in India live and die without ever hearing the gospel clearly explained. Pray more Indians will be exposed to the good news of redemption in Christ, and that God will draw many to himself.
2. Pray for Christ-centered churches in India.
Though Christians make up only 2 percent of India’s population, that’s still about 28 million people. Pray for faithful, Christ-centered churches to preach the gospel faithfully and reach those around them.
3. Pray for Christians facing persecution to be a faithful witness.
Christians in many parts of India face increasing opposition and persecution for their faith in Christ. Pray the Lord will protect these believers and help them to be a faithful witness—including during Diwali, when many Christians stand out for not participating in the holiday.
4. Pray for Hindus in other nations, and in your own neighborhood.
Diwali is also a major holiday in other countries, including Nepal, where the majority of the population is Hindu. Pray for Nepalese living in spiritual darkness to hear the gospel of Christ, even as they continue recovering from devastating floods.
Pray also for the Indian diaspora. Pray the Lord will give Hindus living in other nations the opportunity to hear the gospel, perhaps for the first time.
Pray and look for opportunities in your own city or neighborhood to build friendships that might lead to gospel conversations with Hindu neighbors.
