A Day of Fasting and Prayer
Dear friends and members of St. Matt’s,
Our siblings in Christ and siblings in faith are grieving all over the world as war continues in the Middle East and in the Holy Land. In response, Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Bishop of the Episcopal Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem has designated October 17th as a day of fasting and prayer. And he asks that Christians all over the world join in praying for peace.
At St. Matthew’s, we will answer this call for prayer. If your schedule permits, join us for a simple service of Morning Prayer in the sanctuary at 9:30am on Tuesday. We will begin the day together, asking for God’s blessing, listening for God’s word, and praying for peace. If that timing doesn’t work for you, the church will be open all day (until 5pm) for you to come and pray as you’re able. You can light a candle and offer your own prayers to God. Of course, God will hear your prayers and honor your fasting, should you so choose, no matter where you are. You can join in this prayer from work, or travel, or wherever you are. God is always more ready to hear than we are to pray and God always gives more than we desire or deserve.
However you are able, join with our community at St. Matthew’s, and with Christians all around the world on Tuesday. I’m including the letter from Archbishop Naoum below.
Until we meet again, I pray God’s blessing on you and your family.
Faithfully,
–Marissa +