Posted: 8/19/05
Pray for Muslim women
By Meghan Merchant
Communications Intern
WACO–Women passed through the door expecting to learn more about Islam and enjoy a cup of tea. Instead, they found themselves covering their heads with scarves and removing their shoes as they entered into a time of prayerful intercession for Muslim women.
During a workshop titled “Tea for Muslim Women” at the Texas Leadership Conference, session leader Teri Hamilton enlightened Baptist women about some of the experiences Muslim women go through daily.
| Participants in Texas Leadership Conference, an event sponsored by Woman's Missionary Union of Texas, cover their heads as they prepare to pray for Muslim women. |
The conference is sponsored by Woman's Missionary Union of Texas, which is supported through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.
“Through our prayer time, we will touch Muslim women all over the world,” Hamilton said. “We will share the burden of Muslim women and intercede for them.”
Going through the “seasons of prayer” by assuming five prayer positions, the women began to pray for the group that represents 10 percent of the world's population.
The five body movements–standing, listening, bowing, worshipping and kneeling–were designed to help participants identify with Muslim women who share similar movements in their ritual praying.
Muslim women cover themselves as a sign of modesty and respect, Hamilton explained. The tea-time setting was an example of the hospitality Muslim women display.
As the gathered women prayed, Hamilton encouraged them to use their veil to help block out distractions and focus on God.
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