The goddess worshipped on the third day is Chandraganta, which means ‘moon-bell’, due to the moon shape on her forehead. She is considered brave, fierce, and beautiful. Devotees who are beginning a new venture would seek her help to remove obstacles. She is depicted riding a lion and ready for war. It is believed that the sound of her bell, or her voice, causes demons to tremble and protects her devotees. Prayers and mantras specifically for Chandraganta would be included in the Navratri worship on this day.
Everyone was created with a need for a loving God. Consider how even worshipping images speaks of this great human need for a God would would dwell with us. This week many Hindus are creating a special space in their home and longing for God’s presence to come and be with them. Pray today that this desire would eventually be met through a relationship with Jesus – whose Spirit would be with them always. Consider the Biblical stories about Jesus visiting the homes of his devotees and how amazing is must have been for them to have Him visit. In what ways do you welcome Jesus into your home and your life? Also meditate on how amazing it is that God’s love for us is unconditional and “His commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they
in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment : In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:10-19
PrayerPoints:
Praise God for His love towards you and towards Hindus!
Pray that Hindus would see their need for a loving God realized in a relationship with Jesus.
Pray for new believers to know and experience the power and authority of Christ.
Pray for India’s leaders in the fields of science and technology.
Pray for the unreached Hindu people group – the Harijan.
PeopleGroupProfile-Harijan
The Harijan of India have a population of 50,550,000 and are the largest people group among the low caste, or Shudra, communities. They were traditionally known as ‘untouchables’ according to the caste system because of their position as leather workers. Although untouchability is now outlawed in India, prejudice still remains and many Harijan are still stuck in a cycle of poverty due to low paying work and social stigmas. Pray that God would multiply His followers in this people group.