A Time to Fast & Pray as a Community

Jan. 16, 2023

Greetings, Beloved!

The first time I heard someone refer to a church congregation in this way, I was instantly uncomfortable. And, if I’m being completely transparent, it sometimes still makes me feel that way a little bit, but I think that term provides an important reminder of who we are and why we can respond to the call to prayer made by Andrea Luxton, our University president, in her campus letter this last Friday.

Beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 17, I invite you to join us and other University leaders for 24 hours of prayer and fasting, in whatever way you personally choose. Together, we will pray that “God will be the sure foundation for our times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge” (Isaiah 33:5–6).

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, beginning at 9 a.m., the Pioneer Memorial Church sanctuary will be open and available for anyone to spend time in a quiet sanctuary praying. Then, late Wednesday afternoon, our Andrews University community will conclude our day of prayer together by gathering in the sanctuary at 5 p.m. We will begin with singing and, at 5:15 p.m., a time for collective praying.

The term “Beloved” also feels intimate. In the Bible it is used most frequently in the Song of Solomon. So yes, it’s a word that’s intimate and close and full of deep, true feelings. Feelings that ultimately reflect the thoughts, plans and desires of the One whose love abounds over the other.

And, at the heart of Beloved is also the heart of God.

When the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism in the form of a dove, God declared, “You are My beloved Son … ” (Luke 3:22).

Paul referred to the Colossians similarly when he wrote, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12).

John, in his smaller epistles, used it often, but this use is the most common reference: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

So, at this time, when our souls are weary, when confusion is abounding in the world, and when the enemy would like to use this and more to tear apart the beloved of God, I would invite us to move into this time of prayer and fasting claiming this assurance found in Psalm 127:1–2:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

This Tuesday and Wednesday, the Andrews University community will pray together because God is the Alpha, Omega and everything in between of everything that is worth our time and energy. We pray together because God is our Sustainer and Deliverer. We pray together because God is our Redeemer and Reconciler. And, ultimately, we pray together because we can’t serve two masters—instead, we worship the ultimate master, the God of the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.

Love is Life—John 3:16

José Bourget
University Chaplain