August 29: Day of Prayer & Fasting for the Senior Pastor Search

The Session has designated a day of prayer and fasting for the Blacknall community on Monday, August 29 as we enter into a critical time in our Senior Pastor search. We invite you to prayerfully consider fasting on that day, then joining the elders and deacons in the Community Room from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. for worship and prayer (the time normally set aside for 5th Monday Prayer).

We often pray together when we have a 5th Monday in a month, but why are we adding fasting? In scripture, people fasted for a variety of reasons. Jesus fasted as he was about to begin his ministry. Paul fasted after he encountered Christ. Ezra had the exiles fast “to humble themselves before our God” to seek a safe journey back to Jerusalem. And it was while the church in Antioch was worshipping and fasting that the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for their first mission trip. Biblical fasting always involves seeking God and moving toward him.

So why now? It has been a season of transition. As we begin the work of formally setting up a search committee for a new Senior Pastor, we think it is important that we humble ourselves before God and seek him out – and a fast is a great way of reminding ourselves of our total dependence on his leading, and redirecting our eyes toward him.

Fasting can be done in many ways. Some may choose to fast for a meal, others may choose to fast for two meals, and others may choose to fast for the entire day. (And of course, some may have medical conditions that would make it unwise to fast - in that case, simply join us in prayer.) We’ll leave this up to you. But we do encourage you to join us on August 29 as you are physically able, as we seek the Lord and ask for his leading and provision in the months ahead.

That evening, elders and deacons will gather in the Community Room (location updated) for worship and prayer, beginning at 7:30 pm. We will pray for unity, for guidance and for clarity as we enter this period of discernment. All Blacknall members and regular attenders of all ages are welcome. We hope you will join us!