Good morning church family,
Yesterday, I felt led to call for prayer and fasting on behalf of our church, our community, and our nation. I want to encourage and challenge you to find something that matters and give it to the Lord this week.
Remember King David’s example when he was offered all the resources necessary for building an alter and bringing a sacrifice to the Lord:
2 Samuel 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
Why We Fast and Pray
Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God, align our hearts with His will, and seek His intervention in our lives and the world around us. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to unite as a community of faith, humbly seeking God’s face and His will for our church, our families, and our community.
By offering something of value, we are actively seeking first the kingdom of God. We are asking for God to bring about His will in our lives and in our nation.
How to Participate
1. Choose Your Fast: You may choose to fast from food, certain meals, or specific activities. Whether it’s a complete fast, a partial fast, or abstaining from certain things like social media, choose what will help you focus on God.
2. Set Aside Time for Prayer: Each day, set aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection. Use this time to seek God’s guidance, confess our sins, and intercede for others. We’re asking for at least 15 minutes per day.
3. Read God’s Word: Pastor Bethany has selected the Book of James for the worship team to read together this week and we invite you to do the same. It’s only 5 chapters and I recommend reading it all the way through today, and then go back and spend time each day reading one chapter at a time.
Specific Prayer Points
- For spiritual revival and renewal within our church.
- For us to live as Kingdom Citizens ahead of our earthly affiliations.
- For God’s guidance and wisdom in our personal lives and decisions.
- For healing and comfort for those who are sick and suffering.
- For our church to reach our community with the gospel.
Encouragement from Scripture
1. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
3. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
“6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Final Thoughts
Anytime we take stands like this we should expect pushback from the enemy. Don’t fall for the lie that you are alone and that you are the only one struggling. Please open up to someone and share what you’re experiencing (good or bad) with your church family so that we can stand with each other see breakthrough together.
We are here with you and for you! If you have any questions or need additional resources, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our church leaders.
May God bless you abundantly as we rally under the banner of King Jesus.
Love you all,
Pastors Phil + Pastor Heather