Morris invites USMB to time of prayer, fasting

24 hours of prayer and fasting set for Nov. 18-19

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Don Morris, USMB national director, is inviting U.S. Mennonite Brethren to a 24-hour period of fasting and prayer, Nov. 18-19, 2021.

In an email sent to churches and constituents, Morris says, “I’m calling us to seek a rekindling of our collective passion and commitment for being people of Truth. We have collectively expressed our deeply studied understanding of God’s revealed Truth through our USMB Confession of Faith. As we pray and fast, we’ll recommit to abiding and living in and for the One who gives us Truth, according to that Truth, not according to the pressures or desires of the world or the culture in which we live that is calling out to us to flex, nuance, change, allow and conform to new social realities. So, we will fast and pray, to listen and hunger after the One who is Truth.”

Morris is asking those who are physically able to fast and pray from Thursday evening to Friday evening. Other options include fasting for as hours (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. either Nov. 18 or Nov. 19) or fasting from something other than food, although “fasting from food is preferred if possible.”

Morris says, “I believe this is a time that our USMB family must diligently seek the LORD through prayer and fasting in the midst of the many challenges we face today, that doing so might help keep us collectively focused for not allowing ourselves to become complacent and or complicit.”

Don Morris’ full letter: 
I believe this is a time that our USMB family must diligently seek the LORD through prayer and fasting in the midst of the many challenges we face today, that doing so might help keep us collectively focused for not allowing ourselves to become complacent and or complicit.
Joel 2:12: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
From my perspective, fasting is not intended to be an attempt to coerce God into doing what we demand, but instead is meant to help us draw close to Him, to hunger after God—His presence and His voice.
With this in mind, and after being encouraged by some of our USMB leaders, I’m inviting our national USMB family to a 24-hour period of fasting and prayer.
I’m calling us to seek a rekindling of our collective passion and commitment for being people of Truth. We have collectively expressed our deeply studied understanding of God’s revealed Truth through our USMB Confession of Faith. As we pray and fast, we’ll recommit to abiding and living in and for the One who gives us Truth, according to that Truth, not according to the pressures or desires of the world or the culture in which we live that is calling out to us to flex, nuance, change, allow and conform to new social realities. So, we will fast and pray, to listen and hunger after the One who is Truth.
Psalm 145:18: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
I’m asking those who are physically able to fast and pray for 24 hours from Thursday evening, November 18 to Friday evening, November 19—or to provide a little flexibility, to fast for 12 hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on that Thursday, or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on that Friday—this flexibility is especially for those who have health or diet restrictions that prohibit a 24-hour fast. Other forms of fasting (from something that would be difficult to give up for a length of time) can be substituted if absolutely necessary. Fasting from food is preferred if possible.
“Lord, may you find us faithful for being salt and light in this troubled world, help us to be your ambassadors of peace and reconciliation, to boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation through Jesus for those who are yet to believe, and to hear your voice of guidance. Help us Lord as we strive to live according to Your Truth, even when it’s difficult and challenging.”
Please invite your church to join in this dedicated time of prayer and fasting!

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