30 Day Season of Prayer

In a recent letter to churches across the state of Tennessee, recipients were informed that Governor Lee had signed House Joint Resolution 803 into law, calling for “those who are physically able and spiritually inclined to do so, to join in a 30-day season of prayer and intermittent fasting for the month of July as a means of humbling ourselves to receive God’s grace, mercy, and blessing in Tennessee and in our nation. The letter was co-signed by Senator Mark Pody of the 17th Senate District and Representative Monty Fritts of the 32nd House District. Furthermore, the Resolution embodies a “bipartisan recognition that the issues we are facing cannot be effectively addressed without the intervention and favor of our Lord.”

Only five months earlier, legislation that will include “In God We Trust” in Tennessee’s Great Seal, was sponsored and passed when legislation was submitted by State Representative John Holsclaw of the 4th District. Holsclaw asserted that the design “addition aligns with the deeply rooted faith-based values of Tennessee and will serve as a visual representation of the state’s commitment to trust in a higher power.”

According to the Pew Research Center, Tennessee is the third most religious state in the U.S. with 73% of residents identifying as “highly religious” and 81% of adults in the Volunteer State identifying as Christians.

Local pastors and believers seem to echo the same sentiment, “It’s time! For far too long we have been the SILENT majority, and that has to change! If not, the future for our communities, states, and nation will look vastly different for families of faith! How amazing that our legislators have seen the urgency for a plea to God on behalf of our communities and families and individuals and have responded with an action plan to jointly appeal to the Creator for mercy and healing!”

Those same men and women of God are quick to point out that in calling for a 30-day season of fasting and prayer, state leaders have addressed the necessity of recognizing sins and shortcomings before God, asking forgiveness, and inviting the Holy Spirit to fill halls of government, classrooms, places of business, churches, and homes with peace, love, and joy. The final Resolve summarizes both the commitment requested and outcome desired:

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon all those who are physically able and spiritually inclined to do so to join in a thirty-day season of prayer and intermittent fasting as we begin a new fiscal year as a means of seeking God’s blessing and humbling ourselves to receive His Grace and Mercy, transforming ourselves, our communities, our State, and our Nation.”

Lewis Countians desiring to participate in this 30-day season of prayer and intermittent fasting on behalf of our families, communities, states, and nation are asked to gather June 30th at 4 p.m. at the city parking Lot and don’t forget to bring lawn chairs.