2024 PRAYER INITIATIVE
STARTING A NEW PRACTICE
As we kick off this new year, we wanted to begin a new practice by starting this year with an intentional season of prayer and fasting together as a church. The hope is that, together, we might discover the answer to the question, “what is God waiting to pour out on our church, our city, or our lives if we would seek him through prayer & fasting?”
Starting on January 7th, we will be kicking off 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer.
Then on January 28th, we will be ending those 21 days with a special Prayer Night as we praise and call upon God together.
In addition, we have provided this webpage to provide resources, instruction and encouragement as we seek the Lord in fasting and prayer. You can click on the video for more info related to fasting.
PRAY WITH US
It’s our hope that your prayer life becomes more natural, effective, and enjoyable. With the help of some trusted leaders, we created a resource that we pray will help equip and encourage you as you pray this year. This resource is meant to be used throughout the year. So that, long after this 21 day season of fasting and prayer is over, we hope you will continue to find this resource helpful to your prayer life— all year long.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Frequently asked questions
What is Fasting?
Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. But depending on your conviction and what the Spirit leads you to do in this season, it doesn’t have to be the cutting out of all food or all meals. There are a variety of fasts you might choose to partake in.
Complete fast- In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.
Partial Fast- This involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.
Selective Fast- This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. Such as meat, sweets, and bread.
Soul fast- This involves removing things other than food such as social media or entertainment. This is especially helpful for people who have dietary or health issues.
What should I expect to happen in the middle of my fasting?
The practice of fasting is in stark contrast to most of the way we live on a day to day basis in our lives. The Bible mentions fasting over 70 times directly and is inferred many more. This practice was clearly important to God, as even Jesus engaged in a 40-day fast immediately following His baptism. But even in Jesus’ fast, He also faced temptation and hunger. So you might experience,
Heightened emotional sensitivity
Intense hunger
Awkwardness in some relational situations
Harsh temptation
What is the requirement for fasting during this 21 day period?
There is no requirement. You can choose to fast all 21 days, or some of the days. You can fast anything the Spirit leads you to fast, and no one is going to try to keep tabs on how you’re coming along with your fast. Although we do have a Pledge page for download above, that is meant for you to keep and use as a personal reminder and encouragement of whatever commitment you are being led to make in this time.
Why Fasting?
Fasting helps us to reorient our focus on the Lord, but that is mainly because fasting helps us to realize the things that control us. Practicing the discipline of fasting allows the Lord the opportunity to help us to bring these areas into alignment. Just as David once wrote, “I afflicted myself with fasting…” in Psalm 35:13, we will be intentional to provide the Lord the platform to instruct us and bring clarity to our lives. The decision to fast is not as important as the strength of your focus on God as you fast.
How do I prepare?
Begin to ask the Lord what kind of fast He would lead you to do in this season and be decisively obedient to His leading.
Take some time to consider the real implications of how the fast will affect your regular life rhythms. For example, think about how your daily schedule may be altered and have some forethought on how to adjust properly. But also, talk with the people in your lives about the decision you are making to fast. Consider how this will affect them, be gracious, and perhaps, invite them along with you.
Think about your emotional response when you miss out on some things already. Maybe you are more prone to anger or impatience when you are hungry or don’t get to watch your show. Spend some time in time in confession and repentance concerning these areas to which the Spirit leads you. Also watch your body, drink plenty of water, and consult your doctor if yo have preexisting medical concerns.
In hopes to avoid pride and self-appreciation, we don’t want to broadcast our decision to fast publicly. But, when addressed about it directly, we should prepare a thoughtful response, rather than feeling the need to be dishonest or making a bigger issue of it. When someone asks why you aren’t eating, consider simple ways to communicate that you are dedicating yourself toward a time of prayer and listening to God. Seek to respond in a simple and straightforward way without belaboring the point.