To give worshippers the opportunity to recognize Good Friday this week, the Harbor Ministers Fellowship is promoting a community-wide day of prayer and fasting, in which participants can follow a prayer guideline and livestream prayer sessions from a number of local churches.
The fast will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. The group is encouraging people to pause for concentrated times of prayer at 9 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., according to information provided by Pastor Kent Gravley of Hoquiam’s Immanuel Baptist Church.
Participants can watch by livestream brief times of worship and pastor-led prayer. To join the livestream sessions, go to praygraysharbor.com and scroll down to the boxes just below the “fasting info” button.
There are three livestream sessions scheduled as of Tuesday: 9 a.m., hosted by Ged West from Calvary Chapel of Montesano and Doug Basler of First Presbyterian in Aberdeen; noon, hosted by Doug Cotton of Harbor City Church and Doug Markes of River of Life Aberdeen; and 6 p.m., hosted by Sean Jamieson of Grays Harbor Foursquare and Gravley. There are buttons on the website that allow participants to join.
Along with the prayer guideline, the website offers tips about fasting. “If you have any kinds of medical issues, especially diabetes, fasting (and dehydration) can be unnecessarily harmful and even dangerous. For those with health concerns, we encourage you to consider other ways to participate in our fast, including the spiritual disciplines of solitude (even solitude from your online community) and silence,” read a notice on the site.
Prayer guideline, as provided by the Harbor Ministers Fellowship
Morning prayer, 9 a.m. or earlier: Begin with Praise: Psalm 46:1-3. Pause for a time of confession: 2 Chron. 30:9b. Pray that God would stunt the growth of this disease throughout the world, God would comfort and heal those who are sick and their families, and God would give wisdom and stamina to our leaders and decision makers at the national, state and local levels in so many areas of responsibility. 1 Tim. 2:1-4. God would use this situation to His glory and good in our lives.Rom. 8:28.
Noon prayer: We begin with prayer: Ps 50:14-15. Pause for a time of confession: Luke 5:8-10. Pray that God would protect those serving the ill, our doctors, nurses and first responders. God would give wisdom to those seeking a cure for this virus. Ex. 31:1-3. People would repent and turn to the Lord during this time of need. God would meet the needs of those whose lives are impacted by loss of income or place of employment. God give us confidence in these days.
Evening prayer, 6 p.m. or later: Begin with praise: Mt. 6:9-10. Pause for confession: Joel 2:13. Pray that God would give us wisdom how to use our time during these days. God would strengthen the church to be His hands during this time, serving the needs of others. God would give us grace to turn to Him during this time AND to continue to turn to Him after this is over. Let our growth be genuine; the new habits we develop life-long. Luke 18:1. God would heal our land. 2 Chron. 7:14.
Close the evening celebrating the Lord’s Supper as a family. If possible, let the dad lead the readings. Use bread and juice as you have. 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
