Biblical Foundation
In Acts 1:1-11, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples over 40 days (1:3). After telling his disciples they will be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (1:8), Jesus was taken up into heaven. In the life of the church, the Ascension is thus celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday. Following the Ascension, the disciples “all joined together constantly in prayer …” (1:14) in the upper room. Since the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them on Pentecost (50 days after Easter Sunday), the disciples therefore prayed together for 10 days (Ascension to Pentecost). It is unknown what the disciples included in their prayers, but it is entirely possible that they prayed for the promised Holy Spirit and the places where they would be sent as witnesses to pass on the Good News (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond).

Prayer Initiative
In an echo of the disciples’ devotion to prayer during those 10 days, the people of the Northeast Annual Conference will be invited to pray together for the 10 days that precede the opening of Annual Conference on June 11. These days of focused prayer will be June [email protected].

Each of the 10 days will feature a video. Each video will include the following elements:

● A brief introduction/welcome, including
images of churches within the NEAC
● A passage of scripture
● A brief reflection
● Some brief questions to consider for prayer
● A time of silent prayer.
● A doxology
● A brief benediction

Fasting
Participants are encouraged to fast for at least one day during the 10-day period. The suggested day of communal fasting for everyone is Friday, June 5. Specific fasting guidelines can be found at the link below.