Day of Prayer and Fasting

[9] Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. [10] He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, [11] as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.  (2 Corinthians 1:9-11)

Dear Friends,

Please join with United Methodists nationwide for a Day of Prayer and Fasting, Monday March 20, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.  As General Conference approaches, there is the usual political grandstanding on the part of radical groups within the denomination and even talk of dissolution.  Evangelical leaders seem confident that no drastic changes will be made to the Book of Discipline.  However, as the recent events in the California Nevada Conference illustrate, there are some within our denomination who hold Scripture in utter contempt and ignore the Discipline when it gets in the way of their "vision" for "inclusiveness" in the church.

On March 20, we are asking evangelicals to lay aside politics and join together in serious, fervent, united prayer--not simply for General Conference, although that is a concern we must lift before the throne of God, but for a genuine outpouring of God's Spirit, a renewal of Scriptural holiness and vital Christianity within our church, and a great spiritual revival throughout our nation.

The following prayer guide, based on Psalm 85, may be helpful as you plan your time with God:

Following the pattern of Psalm 85, pray that God will grant us:

1) His restoration as in times past (vv. 1-3).

Praise God for the times of restoration and revival he has sent in times past. Pray that he will do the same in our time.

2) His joy and love in our times (vv. 4-7)

Pray that God will turn away his wrath, remember his mercy and grant us forgiveness of our sins, healing of our land and revival in his church and in our nation.

3) His peace and presence in our land (vv. 8-9)

Listen for God’s answer and seek a renewed sense of his presence.

4) His peace (shalom) among his people (vv. 10-13)

Pray that perfect holiness (right living and gracious living) will be the rule which guides and informs all of God’s people as they live in obedience to him.

Please share this with members of your church and ask them to set aside at least one hour between 10 am and 6 pm, Monday, March 20.

Thank you,

James Gibson

Higher Ground
http://sites.netscape.net/jhigherground/homepage

United Methodist Prayer Summit
http://ucmpage.org/summit

Please read the Epworth Prayer Covenant

Psalm 85:4-7