As we prepare for Seven Days of Prayer & Fasting, here is a guide to help you get the most out of this time:

First, let's establish a couple things:

1. What is Prayer?

Prayer is simply communicating with God. It is a conversation in which we express our thoughts, feelings, desires, and needs to God and then listen for His response. Through prayer, we can seek guidance, ask for forgiveness, offer praise and thanksgiving, and intercede for others. Prayer is a way to deepen our relationship with God, align our hearts with His, and ask for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

2. What is Fasting?

Fasting is the act of abstaining from food or other indulgences for a set period of time. Fasting can help us focus on prayer, deny ourselves, and draw closer to God. It is a way to rely on God and seek His guidance and provision. Simply put, fasting is giving up something in the natural to gain something in the spiritual.

Some Practical Tips:

Prayer – For the next seven days, set aside specific times each day to pray, such as in the morning, at lunchtime, and/or before bed. If needed, use a journal to write down your prayers, thoughts, and reflections. We will provide prayer focuses for each day as we pray for specific areas as a church. The church building will also be open from 12:00-12:30, Monday through Friday.

Fasting – Choose something specific to fast from, such as giving up a favorite food or beverage, or fasting from social media or screen time. Use the time you would spend eating or engaging in the activity you are fasting from to pray for the daily prayer focuses, read the Bible, or meditate on God's Word.

Starting Sunday morning, as we pray and fast together as a church, we are believing for God to do incredible things in the life of our church and community. Before we begin, reflect on the following scriptures:

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15 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. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer (Ezra 8:23 NLT)

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, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)