The presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Charles E. Blake, is calling churches across the globe to fast and prayer to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Blake calls the current crisis part of the “perilous times” this generation is enduring. He also says several COGIC members have died due to the coronavirus.
“It is our unhappy duty to report that we have now experienced losses of both leaders and laity within our denominational body due to coronavirus or other illnesses,” he writes. “Numerous saints are critically ill and in dire need of spiritual and medical interventions.
“Fervent prayer is our biblical response to any and all societal challenges. For this reason, your Presiding Bishop and General Board are calling all saints to observe a day of ‘GLOBAL FASTING AND INTERCESSORY PRAYER.’ This coming Friday, MARCH 27, 2020, we will intercede on behalf of all nations and people for Heaven’s help in mitigating this dreaded disease – and for healing the bodies, minds and spirits of a fallen and fearful humanity. Please observe fasting from midnight, Thursday, March 26th until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27th – and continue in fervent prayer throughout the day.
“Ultimately, we trust in the great physician, Jesus Christ.”
Blake requests that believers pray for leaders to have wisdom as they make decisions as well as for those who must continue to work hard during the crisis, including medical staff, pharmaceutical and grocery workers, childcare staff and more.
“Finally, we lift up each and every patient who has been stricken with coronavirus, flu or other medical conditions, and we petition our Creator for their total health and healing,” he says. “Remember, our God is able ‘to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us’ (Eph. 3:20). Brothers and sisters…let’s pray!”
Click here to read Bishop Blake’s full call to prayer.
