Marcia Dixon talks about the importance of a National Day Of Prayer And Fasting For Christian Music.

Marcia Dixon

Britain's first ever day of prayer for gospel music was held in London recently. I for one was very pleased that the event took place as it was an idea birthed in my spirit during 1993.

For the past six years I have written for The Voice, Britain's best selling black newspaper. I am responsible for writing the Soul Stirrings page, which contains interviews with numerous British and international gospel artists, reviewed countless records and concerts and generally expressed my views on the state and purpose of the gospel music scene. I have watched as British gospel artists have tried to establish themselves as a credible music force. Though equally as talented as their secular counterparts, because of the message God has called them to share, many of our gospel artists find it difficult to get the success they aspire to.

This has caused many artists to get discouraged. Some have backslidden, others have compromised their faith and others have become spiritually lukewarm. The few that remain true to their calling soldier on, singing in their churches, often not gaining any recognition or encouragement from their ministers. Of the few that have managed to get record deals, somewhere along the line they seem to have lost contact with the gospel fraternity where they learnt their craft, and when the mainstream success they desired was not fully attained, they became bitter.

In talking to the different artists involved in gospel, I also heard them express their hurts about the lack of professionalism, integrity, Christian character, honesty and basic Christian commitment in gospel artists. Other people have spoken about the lack of love the gospel fraternity seems to exhibit in their relationships with one another and the maliciousness and unforgiving spirits that hovers in the air when Christian artists get together.

After listening to people express their hurts and heartfelt desires for gospel music I asked God what needs to be done to make gospel music thrive, and the answer that came to me was to pray.

At the London meeting prayers were offered to:-
- encourage and inspire Christian artists to use their talents to the fullest.
- increase church leaders' understanding and acceptance of the music ministry.
- help heal the divisions that exist among the Christian music fraternity.
- pray that God will open doors for Christians so that they have a greater impact on the mainstream music industry.

I believe that God has heard our heartfelt prayers for gospel music and that he will answer them very, very soon.