Chapter 62: Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving

62-1. The observance of days of fasting and of thanksgiving, as the
dispensations of Divine Providence may direct, is both scriptural and rational.

62-2. Fasting and thanksgiving may be observed by individual Christians;
by families; by particular congregations; by a number of congregations
contiguous to each other; by the congregations under the care of a Presbytery;
or by all the congregations of our Church.

62-3. It should be left to the judgment and discretion of every Christian and
family to determine when it is proper to observe a private fast or thanksgiving;
and to the church Sessions to determine for particular congregations; and to the
Presbyteries, to determine for larger districts. When it is deemed expedient that
a fast or thanksgiving should be general, the call for it should be issued by the
General Assembly. If at any time the civil power should appoint a fast or
thanksgiving, in keeping with the Christian faith, it is the duty of the ministers
and people of our communion to pay all due respect to it.

62-4. Public notice should be given a sufficient time before the appointed
day of fasting or thanksgiving, that persons may so order their affairs as to
allow them to attend properly to the duties of the day.

62-5. There should be public worship upon all such days; and the prayers,
psalms or hymns, the selection of Scripture, and sermons, should all be in a
special manner adapted to the occasion.

62-6. On days of fasting, the minister should point out the authority and
providences calling for the observance; and he should spend more than the
usual time in solemn prayer, particular confession of sin, especially for the sins
of the day and place; and the whole day should be spent in prayer and
meditation.