By Matters India Reporter
Indore, June 1, 2020: All Christian denominations in India came together to pray for their nation on May 31, the feast of Pentecost.
Members of various churches all over India met in churches, homes and wherever they were for the ‘Prayer of Hope’ during the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 190,000 people across the country.
“They believe for a better tomorrow and a COVID-free India,” Divine Word Father John Paul, one of the organizers and president of Indore-based Christian Media Forum, told Matters India.
The Catholic priest claimed every Christian denomination in India collaborated with the 12 noon program strictly following the lockdown restrictions. They prayed and sang together, and rang church bells to resonate the sound of hope to every corner of the nation, as per the directives in place., Father John Paul said.
“During this time, we have specially put our prayers before God, for all the unsung heroes of our day namely; doctors, nurses, medical professionals, police and other law and order enforcing personals, grocers, truckers, farmers, bank employees, those maintaining supply of electricity, water, and other essential services. All these and others, who are on the front lines, need God’s special protection as they serve us,” the priest added.
In Indore, Catholic Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal said after the program, “This is in obedience to what we believe to be God’s word in the Bible that says, ‘I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives…’”
“The feast of Pentecost is an important day when all the Churches celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit of God on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Jesus. It is the day that the Church was formed and is hence a solemn occasion for the community. It is an apt time for us to come together to pray for India,” Father Paul said.