Sacred Act 1: Ihram (cleaning, preparation day)
Pilgrims must enter into the state of Ihram (purity) which involves ritual washing and then
wearing white, plain garments. These garments indicate that all pilgrims are equal. Following
this cleansing, pilgrims are officially on the Hajj.
As they cross the pilgrimage boundary, the men will shout the Talbiyah, a Muslim prayer: “Here I
am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine
alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners.”
During this day of cleansing, pilgrims visit the the Grand Mosque in which the Ka’aba is located.
The Ka’aba is a black building in the center of the Mosque that is considered to be the Bayt Allah
(“House of God”), the most sacred site in Islam. It is equivalent to the Holy of Holies in the Jewish
Tabernacle and Temple. After leaving the Grand Mosque, many pilgrims will walk to the tent city
of Mina to spend the night.
Key Scriptures to Pray
“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the
greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, not a part of this
creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy
Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and
the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are
outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve
the living God.” Hebrews 9:11-14
Going before the Father
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Read"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is. 41:10
Read"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Ps. 34:18
Read"throne of grace with confidence, so that [they] may receive mercy and find grace"
Read"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6
ReadJohn 4:14, "whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again."
ReadPsalm 117:1, "Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth."
ReadPsalm 113:3: "Everywhere—from east to west—praise the name of the Lord."
ReadPsalm 107:8: "Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them."
ReadPsalm 106:1: "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."
ReadPsalm 104:1: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty."
ReadPsalm 100:4, "...enter his gates with thanksgiving... and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name."
ReadPsalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
ReadPsalm 96:4, we declare together: "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods."
ReadPsalm 95:1: "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation."
ReadPsalm 86:12: "With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever"
ReadPsalm 66:4: "…I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."
ReadPsalm 66:4 declares: "Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
ReadPsalms 63:3 declares, "Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!"
ReadPsalm 48:1, "How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain!
ReadPsalm 47:6, "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!"
ReadPsalm 34:1, "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises."
ReadPsalm 33:1, "Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him."
ReadPsalm 30:4, "...sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name."
ReadPsalm 29:2 to "Honor [You] for the glory of [Your] name" and "worship [You] in the splendor of Your holiness."
ReadPsalm 19:1, "...Heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display [Your] craftsmanship."
Read“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them…” Acts 19:6
ReadActs 13:2 records, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“God anointed Jesus [to bring the Good News]… with the Holy Spirit and power.” Acts 10:38
Read"Jesus…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“We are witnesses… and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Read“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31
Read“...in the last days, [You][ will pour out my Spirit on all people..." Acts 2:17
Read"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1–4
Read“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8
Read"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
Read"I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2
Read