14th September, 2012

Christians across the country are being urged to join in seven days of prayer and fasting for marriage starting from tomorrow.

The organisers of the National Day of Prayer and Fasting to be held 10th February next year said the decision to call for seven days of prayer and fasting followed consultation with "churches and national prayer leaders". It comes as Federal Parliament prepares to vote on the issue of gay marriage.

"The foundational purpose for this seven day period of prayer and fasting is, as the church, to repent of our own sin, hypocrisy and apathy and turn back to God in a true spirit of humility and seek His face for the healing of our land as it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and declare the words of Jesus found in Matthew 15:9 for our nation at this time," said Pastor Matt Prater and Dr Graham McLennan in a statement released this week.

They are asking people to pray for the "protection of marriage as a holy covenant relationship ordained by God", in particular for parliamentarians - "that they will have the courage to make a stand for marriage", and for the media - that they "would begin to tell the truth about the importance of protecting the natural family and the health risks associated with the homosexual lifestyle".

They have also asked for prayer that the debate would be "carried out in a true spirit of love and respect, realising that we are all made in the image of God" and that "‘The truth will be spoken in love’ as Paul says in Ephesians 4:15 because as Jesus said in John 8:33, 'You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free'."

They have urged people "continue on in a spirit of prayer" if the vote is delayed until it is finalised.

~ www.nationaldayofprayer.com.au