Nancy Duggin
Tennessee designated July 2024 as “a time of prayer and fasting” by enacting Joint Resolution 803. The resolution, entitled “A Resolution to seek God’s hand of mercy healing on Tennessee.” It quoted Founding Fathers and Scripture in appealing for divine intervention and forgiveness to address the challenges.
Now, Tennessee House Joint Resolution 51 (HJR51) in the 2025 session calls for a voluntary, annual period of statewide prayer and fasting across the Volunteer State. This resolution, sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts, calls upon the citizens of Tennessee to seek God’s blessings and mercy for our state.
A call to prayer provides the opportunity for large numbers of individuals to join together in faith and agreement. Such prayer is referred to as intercession.
My prayer life has taught me that intercession is one of the most profound expressions of love and faith. To intercede is to stand in the gap on behalf of others, lifting their needs, struggles, and aspirations before the throne of Almighty God. Intercession requires humility, recognizing God’s sovereignty and the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us to reverence, awe, and dependence. As intercessors, we are not the source of change. We serve as conduits through which God’s power, mercy, and forgiveness can flow.
Intercession also calls for empathy. To pray effectively for others, we must open our hearts to their realities — whether it be joy, pain, confusion, hope or hopelessness. Empathy fosters a deeper connection, allowing prayers to move beyond surface-level requests and into heartfelt, Spirit-led cries for transformation and blessing.
Lastly, an intercessor must cultivate a spirit of perseverance. As seen in the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, perseverance in prayer demonstrates faith in God’s perfect timing and trust in His sovereignty.
Resolution 51 is a call for prayer, fasting, and repentance that follows the example of our Founding Fathers by seeking the Lord’s guidance, forgiveness, and mercy. Tennesseans are being encouraged to come together in prayer and fasting, addressing both personal and collective needs amid he challenges we face: violence, drug addiction, homelessness, growing numbers of children in foster care, and human trafficking.
Prayer and intermittent fasting symbolize repentance and demonstrate a sincere desire to connect or reconnect with God. The time spent fasting from a meal or other activity frees up additional time to pray and be still in God’s presence, listening for His still small voice.
Reflect on 1 Kings 19:11-13 and Revelation 3:6. I will be using each of the “WHEREAS” statements as prayer prompts throughout July and beyond. A copy of Resolution 51 has already found a place in my prayer journal, to keep me focused.
For Christians, Resolution 51 should serve as a reminder of our need to pray these “WHEREAS” statements throughout the year, acknowledging God’s ultimate authority to judge and to bless. Our intercession provides the opportunity to align our prayers with God’s divine purposes, inviting His intervention into every aspect of our lives.
Our prayers become a powerful tool through which blessings can be poured out, justice established, and mercy extended as God moves in our midst. Pray scripture — there is power in praying God’s Word back to Him.
There will also be an opportunity to participate in one of the Tennessee County Courthouse Sacred Assemblies, being held in every county in Tennessee during July. To download a copy of last year’s resolution, go to www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HJR0803.pdf.
Thank the Father for the opportunity we have to join others in praying for our state. Through intercession, we have the privilege of participating in God’s redemptive plan, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to a world in need. B&R
