The Gospel Coalition (TGC) is inviting Christians to join together to fast and pray about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, April 4. The day concludes with an online, one-hour evening prayer time, at 7 PM Eastern Time.
The group has prepared a guide for the day of prayer, beginning with a morning devotional on Psalm 27. Christians are encouraged to pray together with their families at mid-day, or with other friends and church members through video conference calls.
Finally, the group is hosting the one-hour evening prayer time, where believers can join in on Facebook, YouTube, or at The Gospel Coalition website. At that evening event, Christian pastors and leaders like Joni Eareckson Tada, John Piper, Jen Wilkin, Kevin DeYoung and David Platt will lead prayers for the sick and suffering; medical workers; provision and the economy; church leaders and missionaries; families; local, national and global government officials; and those who don’t know Jesus.
Keith & Kristyn Getty, Shane and Shane, and Austin Stone Worship will lead worship during the evening prayer event.
In a video announcement about the event, TGC President Julius Kim said: “Like many of you I’ve been grieved – and at times afraid – as I’ve watched events unfold in our world in recent weeks. In light of what is happening around the world because of COVID-19, we want to invite you to join us for a special day of fasting and prayer this Saturday, April 4th.”
He explained, “We want to pray to the Lord in faith, trusting what it says in passages like Psalm 10:17, ‘O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.’”
Regarding the fast, the TGC says, “The details of the fast are up to you. Perhaps you choose to go without one or two meals on Saturday, breaking the fast at dinner. Maybe you fast from something other than food. Choose something that works for you and your family. If you’re new to fasting, this resource can help you begin.”
TGC was founded in 2005 by Pastor Tim Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan and Don Carson, emeritus professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Keller has been a frequent guest on Focus on the Family broadcasts.
TGC describes itself as “a fellowship of evangelical churches in the Reformed tradition deeply committed to renewing our faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming our ministry practices to conform fully to the Scriptures.”
Despite fear and anxiety about COVID-19, TGC says, that “we worship a mighty and sovereign God who is not helpless.”
Kim exhorts believers, “I believe a day to fast and pray can provide a unifying opportunity for Christians around the world—especially in these days of “distancing” and heightened scattering. On the eve of Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, we hope this gathering will encourage and bolster the faith of believers everywhere.”
More:
The Gospel Coalition: A Day to Fast and Pray: Saturday, April 4
TGC Video: Julius Kim Invites You: A Day to Fast & Pray – April 4
