In what has been described as an “historic gesture,” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed a bill calling for 30 days of prayer and fasting beginning July 1 in the Volunteer State.
Tennessee House Joint Resolution 0803 asks the people of the state “to seek God’s hand of mercy healing on Tennessee.”
A letter signed by Tennessee state Senator Mark Pidy and Representative Monty Fritts accompanying the resolution invites “those who are physically able and spiritually inclined to do so to join in a 30-day season of prayer and intermittent fasting for the month of July as a means of humbling ourselves to receive God’s grace, mercy, and blessing in Tennessee and in our Nation.”
“We are respectfully inviting you to join with us in leading the people of God across Tennessee into a time of humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God’s Face, and repentance during July,” explain Pidy and Fritts.
The language of the legislators is reminiscent of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
They ask that the resolution be read during church services across the state on Sunday, June 30, and for congregants to:
“Examine our lives in light of God’s Word and confess of our sins,”
“Acknowledge that we, as the Church, have failed to stand for the principles of God, ask for His Forgiveness and Mercy, and commit to stand firmly on those principles going forward,”
“For those who are able, join in prayer and intermittent fasting as a means of demonstrating our desire for repentance.”
