When Charles Spurgeon spoke these words more than 150 years ago, he wasn’t thinking specifically of India or Hinduism, but his words still hold true today. Intercessory prayer can accomplish the impossible. Indeed, intercessory prayer is the only thing that will overcome the challenge of bringing the life-giving message of Jesus to Hindus around the globe.
The goal of the Hindu Prayer Guide is to help Jesus Followers throughout the world to focus on praying for Hindu people. It is a tool translated into 20 languages and used by over 5,000 international prayer networks. During these 15 days, more than 200 million people will be praying. We are excited that you are joining them!
In addition to sharing some amazing stories of how the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of Hindu people, this guide offers information on several cities in India. Teams of Jesus Followers will be praying for spiritual breakthroughs in these specific cities during the days leading up to the Diwali festival.
May the Holy Spirit guide and speak to you as you pray for our Lord to bring a revelation of Himself to Hindus.
It’s about the Gospel,
William J. Dubois
Editor
Hindu festivals are a colorful combination of rituals and celebrations. They occur at various times each year, each with a unique purpose. Some festivals focus on personal purification, others on warding off evil influences. Many celebrations are times for the extended family to gather for a renewal of relationships.
Since Hindu festivals relate to the cyclical life of nature, they may last for many days, with specific activities each day. Diwali lasts five days and is called the “Festival of Lights,” representing a new beginning and the triumph of light over darkness.
The origins of Hinduism reach back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BC. The development of Hinduism as a religious and philosophical system then evolved over the centuries. No known “founder” of Hinduism exists—no Jesus, Buddha, or Mohammad—but ancient texts known as the Vedas, composed between 1500 and 500 BC, provide insights into the region’s early religious beliefs and rituals. Over time, Hinduism absorbed ideas from different religious traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism, while retaining its core principles and concepts.
Hinduism encompasses many beliefs, making it a diverse and inclusive religion. However, most Hindus accept certain fundamental concepts. Central to Hinduism Origins of Hinduism and Summary of Hindu Beliefs is the faith in dharma, the moral and ethical duties individuals must follow to lead a righteous life. Hindus also believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), guided by the law of karma, which states that actions have consequences. Moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is the ultimate spiritual goal.
Additionally, Hindus worship a multitude of deities, revering Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, among others.
With more than 1.2 billion adherents worldwide, Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion. Most Hindus live in India, but Hindu communities and temples are found in almost every country.
Approximately 15% of the world’s population identifies as Hindu. Unlike most other belief systems, very little information is available on how someone can become Hindu or leave the religion. Due to the caste system, historical precedence, and a traditional worldview, Hinduism is essentially a “closed” religion. One is born a Hindu, and that is the way it is.
Hindus are the second largest least reached people in the world. Accessing the Hindu community is extremely difficult for outsiders, particularly missionaries from the West.
Hinduism includes dozens of unique languages and people groups, many living in tight-knit rural areas. The Indian government recognizes 22 individual “official” languages, but in reality, more than 120 languages are spoken with numerous additional dialects.
Portions of the Bible are translated in approximately 60 of these languages.
There are approximately 1.2 billion adherents to Hinduism worldwide
16% of the world’s population is Hindu.
1.09 billion people in India are Hindu.
India is home to 94% of Hindu believers in the world
80% of India’s population is Hindu.
1.5 million people in the U.S. are Hindu.
The U.S. is the 8th most significant concentration of Hindus worldwide.
830,000 people in Canada are Hindu.
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