Forty-day fast for peace ends the day MC USA called to prayer and fasting

NEWTON, Kan. (MC USA) -- Because of many encouraging e-mails and phone calls, Daryl Byler said he's never felt alone during his 40-day fast for peace that began Feb. 5.

But Byler, Mennonite Central Committee's Washington Office director, may feel solidarity like never before on the last day of his fast, March 16. That's when the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has called congregations to a day of prayer and fasting at the height of U.S. preparations for war in Iraq.

"Part of what's stood out to me during this time is how I've never felt alone and how well-supported through e-mails and calls that I've been," Byler said. "I've received notes and calls from people in 20 states, 12 countries and six Canadian provinces.

"And I think this churchwide call to fasting and prayer is wonderful. There's been a real sense of helplessness out there in light of this train plowing towards war. But this is something we can do together with God that can bring a real sense of hope. ...

"Anytime a church comes together in prayer and fasting, it's a time to hear from God's spirit and to humbly pay attention. It gives us courage to move in a different direction than some of our neighbors on the issue of war."

Whether one engages in prayer for 40 days or four minutes, Byler believes prayer is important during what he sees as a watershed time for the United States in its global relationships, he said. This sense of urgency -- along with being inspired by MCC Canada women's fast for peace -- drew him into his personal sojourn.

But it hasn't kept him in his prayer closet. Each day of his fast - which has included drinking juices and water and times for prayer, reflection and writing - he's faxed a letter to President Bush and several of his advisers. It offers a short meditation on that day's Daily Office Lectionary Bible texts and a prayer for peace.

"It feels to me like the United States is making very critical decisions about how it will relate to the rest of the world community for decades to come," Byler said. "If the United States moves ahead with war against the strong resistance of key allies and Arab nations, it is an omen of how the United States will choose to act unilaterally in the world in light of its vulnerability after Sept. 11. ...

"This war could come back to haunt us, as it could set off more acts of terror, more violence on our part in reaction to that, a cycle that is similar to that of Palestine and Israel, a cycle very hard to get out of."

To read Byler's meditations sent to President Bush, visit the MCC web site at www.mcc.org/peace/fast.