Faith Leaders Call for Global Day of Fasting and Prayer in Response to Israel’s Devastation and War
Amidst the devastation and war in Israel, faith leaders around the world have united in calling for a global day of fasting and prayer. Jason Jones, founder of the Vulnerable People Project, has spearheaded this initiative, urging individuals of all Abrahamic faiths to come together on October 13 in a show of solidarity.
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, the Vulnerable People Project is committed to protecting the vulnerable and promoting respect for the dignity of every human being, regardless of their characteristics or background.
According to Jones, fasting inspires empathy for those who suffer, while prayer unites us with our neighbors and our Creator. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Jones said, “Prayer is powerful, and I’m inviting Jews, Christians, Muslims, and all people of good will to unite in prayer and spend one hour in contemplation and prayer on what it means to love God and our neighbor.”
He highlighted the suffering of mothers in Israel who are grieving the loss of their children at the hands of terrorists, causing them to be unable to eat or sleep. Similarly, mothers in Gaza are overwhelmed with fear as their children cry in hunger, while the children of soldiers deployed to Gaza pray for their fathers’ safety.
Ted and Maureen Flynn, founders of the International Week of Prayer and Fasting, have also joined the call. While their annual event is scheduled for October 20-28, they are encouraging fasting on October 13 as well. They expressed their concern over the grave evils witnessed globally and emphasized the power of prayer and fasting to bring about positive change.
“We encourage people to join in a global prayer and fast on Friday, October 13, and make a sacrifice by giving up a meal or multiple meals, to deny oneself and unite in prayer and sacrifice for those suffering around the world and to call on God’s mercy and protection from all evil,” they stated.
Additionally, over 800 rabbis, synagogues, and Jewish institutions have signed a letter from the Hadar Institute, calling for a communal fast on October 12. The institute explained that this fast is a traditional practice to unite the community for deliverance in times of crisis.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has called for a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer on October 17 in Israel. This call has been echoed by religious leaders worldwide, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Pizzaballa emphasized the need to turn to God in prayer during these challenging times.
“Although most probably in many parts of our dioceses circumstances will not permit large gatherings, it is possible to organize simple and sober common moments of prayer in parishes, religious communities, and families,” Pizzaballa said.
The world stands in solidarity with the people of Israel as they endure the devastating consequences of war. Together, through fasting and prayer, faith communities aim to bring peace, comfort, and protection to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle. Christine Rousselle is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
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