Dear Christ Bible Church Family,

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 5, marks the beginning of our 14-day journey of fasting and prayer. What a sobering and sacred time this is, as it aligns perfectly with our current sermon series, “Letting Go.”

We believe the Lord is calling us into this fast at a critical moment—one where we must confront the issues that have been harming the unity and witness of our local body. This is a time of self-examination, repentance, and renewal. As we begin this journey, we will start the day with no food, but with prayer—seeking God’s face together as a family in Christ.

Our first prayer focus is letting go of pride. Pride is a silent divider, and it has no place in the fellowship God has called us to. Let us each take this day to humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to reveal and remove the pride that keeps us from loving one another well and living out the gospel authentically.

Attached to this email is a video that we strongly encourage you to watch. It will provide deeper insight into the hope and heart behind this fast and how we’re trusting God to move among us.

The Word of God reminds us:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Saints, let us seek the Lord together with urgency and humility. This is more than abstaining from food—it is about feasting on God, trusting Him to heal, restore, and realign our fellowship with His will.

With you in prayer,

Pastor Steven Pettis Jr.

Lead Pastor, Christ Bible Church of Chicago