Prayer & Fasting

Over the last few months, we have felt the overwhelming need for compassionate ministries in our area and feel God's heart aching for His children who are in need. As a church, the Lord has led us into a specific time of fasting and prayer for direction on how we should be faithfully responding to this great need. This season should not be the only time you pray or fast, but we encourage you to join us in prayer and fasting for God's guidance. We would ask you, whether you're a part of our local congregation or the global body of Christ, to follow the instructions of Christ when it comes to fasting and prayer:

Matthew 6:5-13,16-18
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us today the food we need,12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

We are not asking you to make a public display of prayer so that everyone might know how holy you are, truthfully no one else needs to know. What we are asking of you is that you would take time devoted to the Lord to pray and to seek His will for the church moving forward. 

The same goes for fasting, it’s not about putting on a show for other people or the Lord. Fasting can quickly become like us trying to bribe God into Him giving us what we want, kind of like a child holding their breath until their parents give them what they want. This type of fasting is completely opposite of what the Lord is asking from us. The type of fasting He is seeking is for us to set aside distractions and our normal that we may be totally focused on Him and His will for us. 

So, we encourage you to spend time this week in Prayer and Fasting over a few things. There are many things you can fast from, but we would encourage you to fast from food for as much of one days as your health allows. That may just be a meal or a full day, but do what you can. If your health or job prevents fasting from food, select another option - the Lord knows and it's okay. Be sure to remain hydrated while you fast. 

Spend time asking the Lord how He wants us to be faithful in the following areas:
  • Those who are going hungry in our area
  • Those who don’t have a safe place to stay
  • Those with untreated medical needs

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