Lethbridge, Alberta
When the Saviour descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, He found some of His disciples unable to heal a young man (see Matthew 17). The Saviour proceeded to heal the boy himself and reminded His disciples that some requests of our Heavenly Father require more spiritual sacrifice: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
When we combine fasting with humble prayer, our petition to the Lord has greater power. We are currently in a situation that requires both prayer and fasting.
The Area Seventies in Canada invite members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Canada to join in a special fast this Sunday, March 29, 2020. We join many of our inter-religious friends across the nation in uniting our faith. We invite you to petition our Heavenly Father to pour out His healing blessing upon our country and the entire world. We are in a crucial moment where the health of millions of people hangs in the balance. There is a great need for all of us to turn to God and petition His help.
We invite you, your family and your friends to fast and pray that the Lord will pour out His grace upon our government leaders and health-care workers to quickly find solutions to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for those who are suffering in any way that they may find peace and hope during this tumultuous circumstance; ask that all might see the needs of others and take every opportunity to minister.
Petition our Father in Heaven that all hearts will turn to His Son, Jesus Christ, at this moment of need, for the peace and hope that we all desire.
President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency has taught that our “fasting and prayers [will] lead to a blessing from God for someone in need … [and] the spiritual blessing of power to receive inspiration and greater capacity” (“Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen,” Apr. 2015 general conference).
As we join our faith in fasting and mighty prayer, the Lord will deliver us from this challenge by sending His Spirit to inspire our leaders and increasing our capacity to minister to those in need. He will provide the spiritual guidance we need to help our families and loved ones through this troubling time. He will remind all that we are His children and that He has not forsaken us.
Elders Michel J. Carter, John N. Craig, James E. Evanson and Michael R. Murray
Area Seventies, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
