Blow the trumpet

"Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people" Joel 2:15
 
Most fasting is a private matter between an individual and God. There are however, occasions of public fast. The example cited above in the book of Joel would fall into that category. Whenever there is a public fast, there are a couple of key ingredients. I want to go over them because I called our church to a public season of fasting and prayer during December to last through the end of February.

1) The corporate fast is called for by a spiritual leader
2) There is some compelling reason for the fast that typically involves emergency

I know that many of you are participating in the season of prayer and fasting in various ways and I want to encourage you as we are in the last month of our season by sharing some ways that you can pray specifically.

Pray for the families in our church for financial provision. Several are out of work. Many have had to take jobs making less money. Many who own businesses are struggling to make ends meet. Many of our Senior Saints are living on fixed incomes, but their expenses are constantly rising.

Pray that God would provide the resources that Bethel needs to do all that God is calling us to do. Pray that there would be no ministry effort that goes undone, that God is calling us to do, that is not done because of a lack of funding.

Pray for spiritual growth in our church, so that we as individuals, and corporately would bring much glory to God.

May God richly bless you as you continue to do the hard work of intercession!!!