Prayer and Fasting: Hope in a Time of Devastation
During a conversation in which we Sisters of the Transfiguration struggled once again with a sense of helplessness in the face of rising injustice and cruelty, Sister Teresa shared her experience of being part of the International Fast for Life which started on August 6, 1983. The date was the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. August 6 is also the Feast of the Transfiguration, a painful irony. That day in 1983, people around the world started fasting to draw attention to the desperate need for nuclear disarmament.
It is hard to describe the light and hope which flowed around the room as we realized that we are not helpless. We might be aging and few, but we specialize in prayer and understand the strength and power that fasting can bring to intense intercessions. While not everyone can offer a full fast, everyone can offer something.
Each Monday we set aside other work, try not to schedule meetings or other appointments, and concentrate on prayer for one of a variety of needs. During that time, many of us are writing letters and emails and making phone calls to elected representatives. We welcome anyone to join us from wherever you are or at the convent for a day of quiet prayer. The more people praying, the more love we pour into the world.
Attached is a packet of resources including articles, scripture passages, prayers, brief liturgies for beginning and ending a day of prayer and fasting, and lists for further information. Most of what is included was composed by a Sister and is shared with permission to use and adapt as is useful for you and your congregation. Acknowledgement of the Community of the Transfiguration is appreciated but not required.
A dedicated email address has been established at FastingandPrayer@ctsisters.org, for connecting with us and for being added to a mailing list for occasional updates. Information will also be posted on our website at ctsisters.org, and on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ctsistersglendale.
Weekly Focuses for Prayer and Fasting
The Sisters of the Transfiguration are women in the Episcopal Church, lay and ordained, living together under religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Our convent is in Glendale, north of Cincinnati, Ohio. We are dedicated to sharing the love of Christ according to our varied gifts. Our active ministries include Bethany School, St. Monica’s Recreation Center, The Transfiguration Spirituality Center, Food for the Soul, and commitment to care for God’s creation. Our primary ministries are prayer and worship, which we offer on behalf of all people and which strengthen us for ongoing service. We trust that God uses these offerings for good as God wills to do.