If my people...

Deep calls to deep. Beneath the noise of everyday life, God invites us to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and return to Him. At the next Willow Grace Retreat, we will answer that invitation together. Like the psalmist, we come thirsty for His presence. We will lift our hands in praise, make room for His Word to refresh dry places and remember that the God who made heaven and earth is near to us. His Spirit dwells within us, calling us to honour Him with our whole lives. We will set the weekend apart to Fast And Pray. • Queen Esther: Called a 3-day absolute fast (no food or water) for all Jews in Susa before she approached the king to save her people (Esther 4:15-16). • King Jehoshaphat: Proclaimed a national fast across Judah to seek God's help against an invading army (2 Chronicles 20:3). • Ezra: Proclaimed a fast at the river Ahava to seek safe passage for the exiles returning to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:21-23). • The Israelites at Mizpah: Samuel called a national assembly involving a fast for repentance after turning away from idols (1 Samuel 7:6). • The Elders in Antioch: The early church fasted and prayed before setting apart and sending out Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2). • The King of Nineveh: Declared a city-wide fast for both people and animals as an act of repentance after Jonah's warning (Jonah 3:7) As we turn towards Him, we hold fast to His promise to hear, forgive and heal. Come ready to seek Him, pray with one another and ask Him to bring healing to our hearts, our communities and our land. If My people… Let our answer be yes, Lord.