Christians from across Australia are joining in a month of prayer and fasting for marriage and families during October.
Following a move by the Australian Catholic Church’s Marriage and Family Council to set aside the month for prayer and fasting on the issues, the organisers of the National Day of Prayer and Fasting (NDOPF) and other Christian leaders from various churches and organisations have joined in calling for Christians from across denominations to take part.
James Condon, a recently retired Salvation Army commissioner and one of the co-conveners of the NDOPF, said that as well as Roman Catholics, those taking part in the month include members of the Anglican, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Orthodox, and Pentecostal churches, Salvation Army, Uniting Church Confessing Congregations, and representatives of international prayer groups. A number of key Indigenous Christian leaders have also voiced their support.
Mr Condon said that while there was a growing concern among Australian Christians over the issue of marriage given the possibility of an upcoming plebiscite on same-sex marriage, the month was also about praying for marriage and families more broadly.
“There is a real concern about marriage and family life in Australia as well and the increasing number of divorces and just concerns for families generally…” he told Sight.
The collaborative approach of churches toward the month has been described as “historic”.
“I’m quite excited as many other church leaders are because I don’t think there’s ever been a time when the churches will come together in unity the way that we are during the month of October,” noted Mr Condon. “Never in the history of our nation has God brought us together in the way He is doing.”
Mr Condon said people could take part in the month as individuals, small groups or even as churches.
The Roman Catholic Church has provided a range of resources for the month while the team from the NDOPF are providing a daily devotional – including a passage of Scripture, a short inspirational message and a prayer – for those taking part.
~ www.acmfc.org.au/month-of-prayer-and-fasting/
~ www.nationaldayofprayer.com.au
