A few weeks ago, I invited Christians across the country to join me as we pray and fast for one week to petition God to free our neighbors, pastors, and friends from the false and dangerous idolatry of Christian Nationalism. I believe that among all the civil disobedient acts we can participate in as Americans, prayer to God is the boldest and most effective. This post serves as a further invitation to join us in praying and fasting from June 27th to July 4th. I have compiled a small list of questions you might have in discerning whether to join us in fasting and prayer. I hope that as you discern and pray about whether to participate, the Spirit meets you exactly where you are and offers you wisdom and strength to accept whatever call God has placed on your life in this season.
If you’ve discerned that this is an event you’d like to participate in, I’d very much love to see you live on Instagram or Facebook at 6am Central Time on June 27th as we gather together in humility and fellowship. We’ll come together with an opening prayer session and scripture readings. Then, we’ll dismiss to pray by ourselves or in community over the next week with a closing prayer on July 4th at 9am Central.
I believe that God is excitedly waiting to work on this earth and is seeking children to partner with. I believe that empires fall but the King of Kings stands forever. I invite you to turn from the idols of this world to a God who can fulfill our deepest longings. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us!
Q: I don’t believe in Christian Nationalism or I’m proud to be a Christian Nationalist
A: That’s okay! This week-long event is intended for people who want to see their neighbors freed from what we believe to be a slavery to a man, country, or system, rather than a humble devotion to an all-knowing, borderless God. Wherever you are at in your journey with God and country, I invite you to join us. God loves when the Church comes together to pray and fast. While some of us pray and fast to end the dependence on Nationalism, maybe you and your family will join us to pray and fast for an end to homeless, an alleviation of poverty, or some other goal. This event isn’t intended to divide us, but to bring us together for a common goal of freedom.
Q: Where can I learn more about Christian Nationalism?
A: That’s a great question! I encourage you to read Pastor Caleb E. Cambell’s book Disarming Leviathan or visiting his website at https://www.disarmingleviathan.com/. I would also encourage you to watch Dr. Drew Strait’s lecture on Christian Nationalism available from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Q: Is it okay if I love America?
A: I guess it depends on who you ask! As an Anabaptist, I believe strongly in the two kingdoms doctrine. In other words, that the kingdom of earth (which spans nations and tribes) is focused on earthly concerns while the kingdom of God is focused on bringing souls into alignment with God’s vision and mission for humanity. You can read more about this doctrine here.
However, many Christian traditions and leaders advocate for a difference between patriotism, a love and favor for your culture, and nationalism, a complete devotion to your nation’s superiority and dominance over others. I would absolutely invite you to participate in this year’s week-long fast if you love America. As the Holy Spirit guides you, I believe it will be revealed to you how to love your country and culture well as a Christian the way the LORD wants you to.
Q: How do I fast?
A: This is another great question! While some Christians participate in regular fasting, others are brand new to it. Fasting is a Christian spiritual practice in which something is withheld as a sacrifice to God and as a discipline practice to help us as mortal beings reorient from the world to refocus on God’s will. This practice is designed to help us become less clouded by worldly goods and thus get closer to God’s goodness, for which there is no earthly substitution.
Fasting is most often associated with changes to a person’s diet, but Christians can also fast by staying off social media, listening to only Christan music, or giving up a daily activity to make more room for prayer. Whatever you choose to give up, the emphasis is on making more room for God’s voice to call to you, and less space for the world to influence you.
Q: Are there any resources to help me pray?
A: Yes! Again, prayer is a regular rhythm for some Christians, and a foreign concept to others. Here are some resources that have helped strengthen my prayer journey. You may also wish to connect with a spiritual advisor, friend, or pastor for resources they recommend on praying.
Q: What should I pray for?
A: I’ll leave that up to the Holy Spirit to guide you! If you’re having a hard time getting started, you can pray and ask God to free someone specific in your life who is enslaved to Christian Nationalism. If you can’t think of anyone, you can pray for the Devil to take his hands off our government, specifically praying over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the US government. You might also find it helpful to pray for your local legislature, governor, mayor, school board, and other leaders. If you’re feeling brave, I would also encourage you to spend time asking God how God wants you to show up at this time and place in history. Where does God need a you-shaped missionary? Where can God employ your talents and gifts to further God’s kingdom on earth? Finally, I encourage you to pray for your local church body, asking God to root out Nationalism from your pastors, support staff, elders, and congregation members.
Q: What if I have plans for the Fourth of July?
A: Think about ways to fast that can complement your Independence Day celebrations. God is available and accessible to you no matter where you are. As you celebrate the holiday, I encourage you to look for ways to turn away from worldly influences and look towards Godly ones. How can you celebrate your culture while still honoring your God?
What other questions do you have? Submit questions here and I’ll address them on my Instagram and Facebook pages.
Living Beyond 
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