Sept 7: Syria-Global Day of Prayer & Fasting Called by Pope
In an extraordinary gesture before God and man, Pope Francis has called for a global day of prayer and fasting today for peace in Syria. The Pope himself is leading a four hour vigil at the Vatican.
To me this sounds like something that Lou Engle or Mike Bickle might do. I remember how Campus Crusade founder Bill Bright once called for 40 days of prayer and fasting for America before he passed. And in a historic precedent, this humble pope is now calling 1.2 billion Catholics and a broader audience of Christians around the world to catalyze change by seeking God with prayer and fasting.
I say, in Jesus’ Name, lets also engage before God’s Throne in prayer and fasting for peace in Syria.
As a son of a Pilgrim, I am intrinsically cautious about all things Vatican. However, again and again Pope Francis has impressed me with his devotion to Jesus Christ, deep humility in word and deed, his understanding of the reality of the spiritual realm, and his genuine affection and appreciation for everyday people. As we pray for peace in Syria, lets also seek The Lord for a sweeping resurgence of Holy Spirit awakening within the Catholic Church—a movement of prayer and revival focused on devotion to Jesus Christ. It may have already begun.
Saving Face? Really?
As we pray for peace in Syria, we must pray for wisdom and revelation by God’s Spirit for President Obama (see Ephesians 1:17). I’m going to go out on a limb here. Many have criticized the president for waffling regarding the “red line” regarding Syria, saying that his words should be backed up by deeds.
Friends the deed we’re all speaking of is intervention through war. I personally believe President Obama has shown great discretion. He has mobilized for war, clearly showing Assad our immediate capabilities to follow through at moments notice. He has also clearly conveyed a willingness for strategic restraint. In the long term, this is not weakness but wisdom. And if America does engage in Syria, we will do so knowing that the internal debates and wrestlings over this decision has also been played out on the global stage.
New Birth of Freedom—Syria
I for one am not so concerned about saving face among the global elites. With more than 110,000 slaughtered in this war, including women and children exterminated by chemical weapons, I want the bloodshed to cease in Jesus’ Name. I want the chemical and biological weapons apparently employed by both sides to be confiscated and destroyed.
I want the trauma of millions of families to be healed, in Jesus’ Name. And I want to see Syria receive a “new birth of freedom,” with government of the people, by the people, and for the people. By the grace of God alone, this dream articulated by Abraham Lincoln became a miraculous reality after our own Civil War. And my personal prayer is that the great nation of Syria would be granted the same, in Jesus’ Name.
“In that day Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth. Whom The Lord of hosts has blessed, saying blessed is Egypt My People, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance” (Isaiah 19:25).
