Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued a proclamation urging citizens to pray and fast on Dec. 3 for healing, comfort and strength for those affected by COVID-19.
The proclamation says Oklahomans have always “turned to God to guide us” during “trials and seasons of uncertainty.” It urges citizens to ask God to “heal those who are sick, comfort those who are hurting, and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19.” It also notes that faith communities “have an incredible opportunity” during this season to “provide hope to Oklahomans who are struggling.”
The proclamation also quotes 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“Oklahomans have always turned to prayer to guide us through trials and seasons of uncertainty, and I am asking Oklahomans of all faiths and religious backgrounds to join together with me on Thursday,” Stitt said in a press release. “I believe we must continue to ask God to heal those who are sick, comfort those who are hurting and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19.”
Following is the full text of the proclamation:
“Whereas, Oklahomans have always turned to prayer to guide us through trials and seasons of uncertainty; and
“Whereas, I ask Oklahomans of all faith and religious backgrounds to join together with me in prayer and fasting to continue to ask God to heal those who are sick, comfort those who are hurting, and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19; and
“Whereas, churches and faith communities have an incredible opportunity during this season to provide hope to Oklahomans who are struggling as we close a year that has been mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. It is important that we continue to find safe ways to gather as we all do our part to protect our families, neighbors, and communities from the virus; and
“Whereas, when we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for the state to bear with His help. 2 Chronicles 7:14 proclaims that; ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
“Also, therefore, I, Governor J. Kevin Stitt, do hereby proclaim December 3, 2020, as ‘Oklahoma Day of Prayer and Fasting’ in the State of Oklahoma.’”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Alex Wong/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
