The United States will soon see deaths from COVID-19 pass the 100,000 mark. The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) joins with religious communities across the country to remember the dead and mourn their passing. The NAE calls Christians to lament and mourn the loss of life on Pentecost Sunday (May 31, 2020), when we also remember the moment the first Christians received the Holy Spirit. This will lead to the NAE’s annual Pray Together Sunday on June 14.

“As people of faith, we remember those who have died from COVID-19,” said NAE President Walter Kim. “Social distancing has prevented us from grieving in the customary, communal and intimate ways we normally would have. This day of lament on Pentecost Sunday — mostly by virtual means — is an opportunity for Christians to mark and mourn the significant loss of life.”

On the Monday following Pentecost Sunday, local leaders will host civic ceremonies at noon local time to pause and remember those who have died. In some cities, flags will be lowered and communities will observe moments of silence, mourning, memorial, prayer, reflection and bell ringing.

The events lead up to the NAE’s annual Pray Together Sunday, in which participating churches will pray for the healing of the nation and world. Churches that register for Pray Together Sunday at NAE.net/praytogether will receive a list of prayer points to guide their church’s prayer time.

Kim said, “Our spiritual unity in Christ cannot be undone by any virus or pandemic. Whether in church buildings or online meetings, we will seek God’s intervention in our lives and ask for strength to care for the most vulnerable, serve our neighbors in Jesus’ name and share the gospel with all who have not heard.”