Ramadan, the special month of fasting and prayer for Muslims begins this Friday August 21.  Our friends at ReadtheSpirit.com published an article introducing Ramadan to non-Muslims and will be publishing various information and stories throughout the month at their Sharing Ramadan website.  The conclusion of writer Raad Alawan’s introduction highlights an important point about the value of prayer and fasting:

“This is a powerful theme that members of other faiths can appreciate. Jesus thought fasting was good for the soul. So do Jews, who fast on Yom Kipper; and Catholics who fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. My point? We’re more unified than it may seem sometimes. And isn’t that what we all seek in life?”  Click here to read the article in full.

Next week our national leaders will be gathering for the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5, 2009.  They will be joined by many prominent individuals from around the world.  It is an important time of gathering to pray together, across and despite cultural, religious and political lines.  This event will be viewable by simulcast for anyone who would like to participate through the web for the first time!  Mark will also be attending the NPB and meeting with many leaders in the surrounding days.

For the first time in its 57-year history the National Prayer Breakfast will be available for viewing “live” over the Internet. We are hoping that this will enable more people to participate and join us in prayer for our leaders. We cordially invite you to view the simulcast of the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5, 2009 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. EST.

There is a charge of $5.00 for viewing the National Prayer Breakfast to cover the cost of the simulcast. Please REGISTER NOW (or before February 4).  Once registered you will receive a confirmation letter and instructions.  If you prefer, you can also view the event at a later time. Delayed viewing will start approximately one hour after the event concludes.

Register Now!

Note: Several people have asked if the simulcast is available for group viewing. The answer is YES. If you have a large monitor, projector, and external speakers you can view it as a group.