7 days of prayer and fasting.

From our friends at The Fellowship:

To Our Beloved Community,

God has laid it upon my heart to invite all of us into a particular time of contemplative prayer as we discern the will of God for many substantive issues that are at hand Momentous matters are before as we discern and deliberate the the leading of the Holy Spirit as it pertains to this election. No doubt we hear of financial crisis, 47 million people without health insurance, a national record setting pace of home foreclosures, marriage equality, rising unemployment and a declining fiscal commitment to our youth's education. These are not merely national problems but issues that transcend race, political & geographical boundaries and global markets. Those who have been marginalized and disenfranchised are looking for a supernatural move of the Spirit fo God, so, then, let it begin with us. I am inspired by the words of II Chronicles 7:14 - 16 which states:

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there for ever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

Revised Standard Version

So with deference to our Presiding Bishop, Rev. Dr. Yvette A. Flunder, may I strongly suggest that we consecrate ourselves seven days with contemplative and community prayer with fasting, commencing October 28 - November 4, 2008, as an international call to discern the will of God for how we will cast our votes in this historic election. Let us call on our fellow denominations, colleagues, neighbors and communities to join with us and pray in ways that are meaningful and relevant for them.

May I further respectfully suggesting that we consider fasting from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise indicated your medical provider. Let us gather ourselves as individuals, couples, families, professional colleagues and students; asking that the perfect will of God prevails in the midst of this tumultuous season. Some of us may feel so moved as to open our homes, chapels, churches, temples and mosque specifically for this purpose for each night. If that be the case, I would ask that we get the word out that others may join us in our time of consecration and prayer.

For Pastors and Faith leaders in particular, I respectfully ask that you consider emphasizing the significance and importance of participating in this historic election. Let us go before God with humility in earnest expectation of hearing The Voice of the Ancient of Days. Let our commitment to prayer and courage serve as a prophetic witness to the work of faith-fused social justice.

To God be the Glory!

MacArthur H. Flournoy
Minister of Public Policy
The Fellowship
www.radicallyincusive.com
Master's of Divinity Program