The next great spiritual awakening may be just around the corner, and thousands of Christian across the country are gathering this week in prayer and fasting in an effort to bring about that national spiritual revival.

Thursday begins the three-day "Fasting and Prayer '98" gathering, based in Houston and being broadcast live via satellite to more than 3,000 churches in communities throughout the nation.

The teleconference will be shown locally at Braelinn Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Peachtree City and in Fayetteville at Fayetteville First Baptist Church and Harp's Crossing. Members and neighbors are invited to participate in the entire teleconference or just as their schedule permits.

God's word says, "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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14, NIV.)

An urgent call for fasting and prayer in our nation has been issued by Campus Crusade for Christ and Mission America.

Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. a "sacred assembly" will give participants the chance to humble themselves before God, repent, search his word and worship him. Leaders of this time will include Paul Cedar, Steve Green, Pat Robertson and Bill Bright.

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, participants will join their concentrated prayers of intercession for the communities, nation, the church, for outreach, women and the body of Christ throughout the day. There will also be refreshing times of praise and worship.

Friday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. the conference will focus on praying for the concerns of America's youth. Young people will hear from people like Josh McDowell, Miles McPherson, Rebecca St. James and DC Talk.

The Saturday session, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be led by Adrian Rogers, Bill McCartney and other Christian leaders as participants turn their focus to business and church leadership, the media, family and reconciliation. Prayer and Fasting '98 will close in celebration through special worship and praise.

Bright, who has fasted numerous times from a few days to 40 days, says Christians interested in fasting should only do so after prayerful consideration and after consulting their pastor. He also suggests beginning and ending a fast with light, easily digestible snacks as a transition.

A wealth of information about fasting and the conference may be found on the Internet, at www.fastingprayer.com, or by calling 800-888-FAST.

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