Day of Prayer and Fasting

Sunday, July 30, 2006

That day has passed, but the need for prayer has not.

On Monday, July 24, 2006, the County Judge Tom Head and  the Lubbock County Commissioners Court  will sign a proclamation encouraging the county to participate in this day of pray and fasting for rain on the South Plains.

On Tuesday, July 25, 2005, the Mayor David Miller and the Lubbock City Council will make a similar proclamation declaring our utter dependence upon God for rain in our area. 

Lubbock's City Council, the Lubbock County Commissioners Court and Pray Lubbock encourages our community and region to distinguish Sunday, July 30, as a day of prayer and fasting for rain.

Here are some suggestions for prayer:

Thanks to God for the answer to prayer for rain in 2004.  (Remember: 2004 was the second wettest year on record - remarkable considering 2003 was the second driest year on record!

Pray for rain on the South Plains including the area around Lake Meredith.  Immediate needs to quench the dry lands and to replenish the reservoirs and aquifer.

Effective water conservation practices by our citizens.

Wisdom in developing a 100-year water strategy.

Here are some ideas about how to observe this day:

·        Organize the entire worship service around prayer for rain

·        Include this emphasis in the pastor’s prayer

·        Hold a special afternoon or evening prayer service for rain

·        Encourage congregational members to fast in some way on the 30^th i.e. fast for one meal, fast until sundown, fast from TV, etc.

·        Replace the coffee urns and boxes of donuts with signs reminding people to fast and pray for rain.

Insights from Intercessors on the subject:

• God answered our prayers in 2004 with abundant rainfall - the 2nd wettest year on record.  2005 and 2006 have not seen the rainfall we need, yet many are still praying.  Is God holding us accountable for the way we "used" His blessing of rain in 2004?  Have we lavished praise upon Him?  Have we ascribed to the Lord all the credit for the rain we received?  Have we lived our livers in deeper appreciation, deeper consecration, and greater obedience because we have experienced His blessings?  Or have we tipped our hat and gone on with our business...  Our prayers for rain need to include humble confession that we are not worthy of the blessing we are asking for and humble submission and dedication to give Him praise in words and actions for the rain He will bring.  In other words, is this request self-centered or Kingdom-centered.

Scriptures to consider:

“When I hear your cry, I will look upon your distress, I will remember my covenant for your sake, and I will relent according to the greatness of My Loving kindness.” (Psalm 106:44-45)

“Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain?  Or can the heavens grant showers?  Is it not You, O Lord our God?  Therefore we hope in You.”  (Jeremiah 14:22)

"If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit." (Leviticus 26:3,4)