Shan-Tai prayer month 2011, Introduction
During the month of October I am dedicating myself to praying for the Shan people of Burma, Thailand and China. I did this last year and God has planted a desire to persist in prayer for this ethnic group. Please consider joining myself and many others around the world in praying for the Shan in October.
Most Shan people have not even heard of Jesus. Many of the places they live are remote, inaccessible, conflict zones and off-limits to foreigners. The relatively few Shan who have heard of Christ have many barriers to overcome in following Jesus. Please join in praying for these people that God will break down these barriers and bring many to faith in Him.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
(James 5:16b-18 ESV)
Shan State is the largest of the seven states in Burma, with a population of approximately 8 million people, 4 million of whom are of the Shan ethnic group.
Shan State is rich in natural resources, such as gems, minerals and teak. Large hydroelectric dams are also planned for the state.
The Shan are ethnically related to the Thai and have a similar language. The Shan call themselves “Tai”. “Shan” is a Burmese language term. Their cultural religion is Buddhism, and also strong animist beliefs. Most Shan people live off the land, generating a small income from agriculture. (Report: Crisis in Shan State)
Some ideas on how to approach this month of prayer:
- Download the Shan Prayer Guide and personally devote one month to pray for the Shan, reading a new entry each day and meditating on the verses provided.
- During Sunday school, small group, or family devotion have a time of reading an entry and praying together.
- Meet with a friend or co-worker over lunch once a week and pray for the Shan during that time.
- Exercise by going on a walk with a friend or spouse, reading one entry before going, praying for the Shan as you walk together.
- Write out your prayers and meditate on God’s concern for the Shan people during your day, pleading for their relief and salvation.
Other posts related to this topic:
- Day 1: Missing Idols
- Day 2: Sending Forth God’s Word
- Day 3: Being like God to them
- Day 4: Pernicious Poppy Problems
- Day 5: Keeping out of trouble
- Day 6: Where can they go?
- Day 7: Keeping the spirits at bay
- Day 8: Literacy for belief
- Day 9: Shan follow their traditions
- Day 10: Will peacocks continue dancing?
- Shan Prayer 2010
More Information:
- Detailed map of Shan State
- Report: Crisis in Shan State
Download the Shan Prayer Guide:
30 Days of Prayer for the Shan
Map of Burma: prayforburma.org (below)
Image of Shan village woman: iStock
