Posted on 04/06/2020 2:44:58 PM PDT by OrangeHoof
Pastor Russell Schwarz of the Fellowship Bible Church in San Antonio, TX is calling for a day of fasting and prayer to combat the coronavirus and ask for the Lord's intervention in this world crisis.
Here is his email:
==============================
IT IS TIME TO FAST AND PRAY!!
"'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." - Joel 2:12-13
I am calling on all to join me in a day of fasting and prayer for the protection of our country. I have decided to set aside one day, Friday -- Good Friday for a day of fasting and prayer. Would you join me, beginning at sundown on Thursday through sundown of Friday for a time of fasting and prayer?
Pray for 1) The protection of our church families from this virus; 2) The elderly among us for their safety; 3) Our national and state leadership for wisdom and guidance from above in determining what is best for our nation; 4) The safety of medical workers that are serving in high risk, front line positions; 5) The scientists that are attempting to find a solution for a treatment and a vaccination. There are many more requests that you can add for your prayer times.
If you are joining me, feel free to eat a meal Thursday before sunset. Spend Thursday night and Friday in prayer and fasting, and then enjoy a meal on Friday after sunset.
Blessings upon you all. May God save our land.
Pastor Russell
======================================
Those who cannot join us due to health reasons or other activities are not being asked to do anything different than normal but it would be good for all Christians, of any faith, to use this time for fasting, confession, reflection and requests for protection and wisdom as we all endure this crisis. All faiths who acknowledge and worship the one true Jehovah God are welcome to participate.
For most, fasting means abstaining from solid foods however water is okay and some with health needs may also modify their diets for this time. Nobody is expected to be awake for the entire 24 hours. Just consider sleep as part of the fast.
Now is not the time for arguments and divisions (political and otherwise). Now is the time to confess our sins and plead to the Almighty for His great hand of mercy over all of us during this time of peril. Thank you for reading.
I've posted mean things to three people today and I should be sorry for it.
And one person on Facebook.
Considering you were away from your computer for 23 hours and 59 minutes, you did good today.
The day ain't done.
I’ll pray, but not fast!
>>I’ve posted mean things to three people today and I should be sorry for it.<<
>>>Five Hail Mary’s and two Our Fathers should be penance enough.<<<<
I was going to say two Hail Marys, one Halfback Option and an Onsides kick should do it.
Be very careful with the fasting. You really need to know what you’re doing or you could end up in the hospital yourself.
do you fast on yom kippur or is that not from your G-d
For anyone interested.
+1
Sounds like a plan!
James 5:16
How is that relevant to praying and fasting about this current virus situation?
The God of Abraham is my God. However, my church doesn’t recognize Yom Kippur so I would not have known to fast. If this virus gets much worse, however, we may soon be putting bloody crosses on our doorposts. Peace.
I don’t think fasting for one day is going to hurt anyone.
It is relevant because it is the annual 25-hour period of fasting and praying for the Jews. For this year, it is scheduled for September. I think my pastor would like us to pray and fast sooner than that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.