week 0f Prayer & fasting
Week of Prayer + Fasting
The Week of Prayer and Fasting is intended as catalyst for our faith and dependence upon God. As we “tune out” the distractions we strive to be “in-tune” with God’s Spirit. Fasting is a biblical discipline by which we deny ourselves regular appetites (be it food or otherwise) to seek God in a new and different way. No one is expected to fast yet everyone is encouraged to join us in this great opportunity.
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer
PM gatherings Sunday thru Friday in Sanctuary at 6:30p.
Saturday in the NGC with potluck (bring a dish to share) at 6:30p.
AM gatherings Monday thru Saturday in the Prayer Room at 6:30a.
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer
PM gatherings Sunday thru Friday in Sanctuary at 6:30p.
Saturday in the NGC with potluck (bring a dish to share) at 6:30p.
AM gatherings Monday thru Saturday in the Prayer Room at 6:30a.
Daily Devotions
Day One Devotion
Day 1: Let There Be Light!
Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
The first words God ever spoke were “Let there be light”. Light is fundamental to existence. God’s first words were intentional. He spoke light into existence because He knew its importance and because light reflects His very nature. Light brings direction and clarity. Light brings warmth and color. Light is pure and radiant. Generally the issues of life fall into one of these categories. We’ve allowed darkness into our walks and now we need God to flood us with His light. Wondering what job to pursue or which house to buy? Questioning why recent living feels so bland? Has sin compromised your faith? What you need is God Himself. God is light. God speaks light. Let there be light!
Lord I pray this week would be a week of breakthrough. That Your light would flood into the dark crevasses of my heart and allow me to see You more fully. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
The first words God ever spoke were “Let there be light”. Light is fundamental to existence. God’s first words were intentional. He spoke light into existence because He knew its importance and because light reflects His very nature. Light brings direction and clarity. Light brings warmth and color. Light is pure and radiant. Generally the issues of life fall into one of these categories. We’ve allowed darkness into our walks and now we need God to flood us with His light. Wondering what job to pursue or which house to buy? Questioning why recent living feels so bland? Has sin compromised your faith? What you need is God Himself. God is light. God speaks light. Let there be light!
Lord I pray this week would be a week of breakthrough. That Your light would flood into the dark crevasses of my heart and allow me to see You more fully. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
Day Two Devotion
Day 2: As The Spirit Was Moving
Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
While the earth was formless and void, God’s Spirit moved over the face of the deep. His Spirit is still moving. Jesus once told Nicodemus the work of the Spirit is like the wind blowing through the trees-you see the effects of the wind but you don’t see the wind (John 3:8). When the Spirit is moving He is working in and through us. From the outside this work might look very ordinary but it is not so. The work of the Holy Spirit is supernatural. He is walking with us, carrying us, directing us and convicting us. If we seek a fresh work of God in our lives look no further than God’s Spirit. He was there in the beginning and He continually intercedes for us even now with inexpressible groaning. If we are to walk the walk of faith, the Holy Spirit is paramount to our success. He is the Helper, the Advocate and the Comforter.
Lord may this be a week of desperation. That we are no longer content with the appetites of this fading world but desire only the delicacies of our Heavenly Father. Breathe on us oh Jesus! Amen.
Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
While the earth was formless and void, God’s Spirit moved over the face of the deep. His Spirit is still moving. Jesus once told Nicodemus the work of the Spirit is like the wind blowing through the trees-you see the effects of the wind but you don’t see the wind (John 3:8). When the Spirit is moving He is working in and through us. From the outside this work might look very ordinary but it is not so. The work of the Holy Spirit is supernatural. He is walking with us, carrying us, directing us and convicting us. If we seek a fresh work of God in our lives look no further than God’s Spirit. He was there in the beginning and He continually intercedes for us even now with inexpressible groaning. If we are to walk the walk of faith, the Holy Spirit is paramount to our success. He is the Helper, the Advocate and the Comforter.
Lord may this be a week of desperation. That we are no longer content with the appetites of this fading world but desire only the delicacies of our Heavenly Father. Breathe on us oh Jesus! Amen.
Day Three Devotion
Day 3: The Lord Will Provide
Genesis 1:12 “And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Crazy to think how our perspective dictates much of our reaction to life’s trials. When we are in a financial bind we are clinging to God and begging Him to rescue us, to provide for our dire need. This is the same God who created the trees, grass and fruit. He is the same God who supplies abundance for the sparrow and clothes the lilies in the field. He is the same God who told the Psalmist He owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Is our need any less legitimate in light of these truths? No, but we are reminded that the God we serve can provide honey from a rock (Psalm 81:16). He breathed stars into existence. He fashioned the Heavens out of nothing and spoke light into the darkness. This is our God. May these truths change our perspective toward our needs. Our need might be great but our God is so much greater.
Lord cover me with Your assurance today. Supply abundantly from Your heavenly storehouses the grace that is sufficient for today. Help me trust that if you care for the sparrow You care infinitely more for me. Amen.
Genesis 1:12 “And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Crazy to think how our perspective dictates much of our reaction to life’s trials. When we are in a financial bind we are clinging to God and begging Him to rescue us, to provide for our dire need. This is the same God who created the trees, grass and fruit. He is the same God who supplies abundance for the sparrow and clothes the lilies in the field. He is the same God who told the Psalmist He owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Is our need any less legitimate in light of these truths? No, but we are reminded that the God we serve can provide honey from a rock (Psalm 81:16). He breathed stars into existence. He fashioned the Heavens out of nothing and spoke light into the darkness. This is our God. May these truths change our perspective toward our needs. Our need might be great but our God is so much greater.
Lord cover me with Your assurance today. Supply abundantly from Your heavenly storehouses the grace that is sufficient for today. Help me trust that if you care for the sparrow You care infinitely more for me. Amen.
Day Four Devotion
Day 4: The Sun And Moon
Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.
John declared “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1st John 1:5). We are called in similar manner to be light. On day four God created the sun and the moon. The sun provided the light and the moon reflected the sun’s light to a lesser degree. All of God’s creation reflects Him and no more than mankind (made in His image). What an incredible privilege! Our light will never be as bright as our Lord Jesus but that by no way means we hide it under a bushel-NO! There are people walking in darkness all around you right now, who need light, who need your light. Don’t forsake your responsibility to reflect the Son. The brighter the Son shines on you the brighter you will reflect His love.
Lord help us to bring light into our homes, communities and to this world. We want Your purpose and love to shine through us in the things that we say and do. Please remove any selfish ambition or conceit and let Your purpose and will be known. Amen.
Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.
John declared “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1st John 1:5). We are called in similar manner to be light. On day four God created the sun and the moon. The sun provided the light and the moon reflected the sun’s light to a lesser degree. All of God’s creation reflects Him and no more than mankind (made in His image). What an incredible privilege! Our light will never be as bright as our Lord Jesus but that by no way means we hide it under a bushel-NO! There are people walking in darkness all around you right now, who need light, who need your light. Don’t forsake your responsibility to reflect the Son. The brighter the Son shines on you the brighter you will reflect His love.
Lord help us to bring light into our homes, communities and to this world. We want Your purpose and love to shine through us in the things that we say and do. Please remove any selfish ambition or conceit and let Your purpose and will be known. Amen.
Day Five Devotion
Day 5: Be Fruitful And Multiply
Genesis 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."
God’s command for the things He created was to “be fruitful and multiply”. That is still the ultimate agenda of the Church. We do not exist as a sailing club where we christen our boats and polish our decks. The Church is the Coast Guard-looking for ships lost at sea and returning them safely to shore. If our focus remains inward we will never grow. Our fruitfulness is dictated by our determination to reach the lost. Are we content at port or are we desperate to brave the cold, dangerous waters to rescue those lost or wrecked? Those who lived with the most abandon toward their own comfort and securities are the ones who have made the greatest impact for the Gospel. Our challenge today is to be faithful and multiply.
Lord we all have loved ones who are lost at sea-please bring them back home into Your loving arms. Whether it is the cares of this life or the weight to sin, Lord please bring them to right senses and help them see their need for You. Amen.
Genesis 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."
God’s command for the things He created was to “be fruitful and multiply”. That is still the ultimate agenda of the Church. We do not exist as a sailing club where we christen our boats and polish our decks. The Church is the Coast Guard-looking for ships lost at sea and returning them safely to shore. If our focus remains inward we will never grow. Our fruitfulness is dictated by our determination to reach the lost. Are we content at port or are we desperate to brave the cold, dangerous waters to rescue those lost or wrecked? Those who lived with the most abandon toward their own comfort and securities are the ones who have made the greatest impact for the Gospel. Our challenge today is to be faithful and multiply.
Lord we all have loved ones who are lost at sea-please bring them back home into Your loving arms. Whether it is the cares of this life or the weight to sin, Lord please bring them to right senses and help them see their need for You. Amen.
Day Six Devotion
Day 6: Image Bearers
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Since the dawn of human history men and women have been inscribing their images on art, culture, and money. We put our insignia on art to claim authorship and ownership of the work. We promote our names in culture to gain fame, recognition and influence. We place others busts on currency because we value the contributions of those who in some way made this note or coin valuable. When God created His foremost creation He gave it the highest privilege any created thing could be afforded, He gave it His image. His image, which claims ownership, influence and value on men and women created in HIs image. We have since largely distorted that image fashioning God in our image. Corrupting the beauty, influence and value God first placed on us. When we look at all of the world’s ills it begins and ends with this corruption whereby sin has made us ugly, unimportant and worthless. Yet it was God’s Son, who in the form and image of man (Philippians 2:7) came to restore that image. Our reconciliation was not without severe cost and to that end we are grateful.
Lord we pray for our leaders, fallen men and women, who don’t need more policy or politics but more of You. We know that any lasting reform will begin with revival. Turn our leaders hearts to You and make change that is lasting and impactful. Amen.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Since the dawn of human history men and women have been inscribing their images on art, culture, and money. We put our insignia on art to claim authorship and ownership of the work. We promote our names in culture to gain fame, recognition and influence. We place others busts on currency because we value the contributions of those who in some way made this note or coin valuable. When God created His foremost creation He gave it the highest privilege any created thing could be afforded, He gave it His image. His image, which claims ownership, influence and value on men and women created in HIs image. We have since largely distorted that image fashioning God in our image. Corrupting the beauty, influence and value God first placed on us. When we look at all of the world’s ills it begins and ends with this corruption whereby sin has made us ugly, unimportant and worthless. Yet it was God’s Son, who in the form and image of man (Philippians 2:7) came to restore that image. Our reconciliation was not without severe cost and to that end we are grateful.
Lord we pray for our leaders, fallen men and women, who don’t need more policy or politics but more of You. We know that any lasting reform will begin with revival. Turn our leaders hearts to You and make change that is lasting and impactful. Amen.
Day Seven Devotion
Day 7: Rest
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
During the French Revolution in defiance of God’s 6-7 pattern (⁶🤷⁷), the French began to use a 9-10 pattern, nine days of work, one day off. It failed. Similarly when the Soviets took control of Russia they began a 4-5 pattern, which they also abandoned in the 40s. Seems that God’s pattern works best for our mental, physical and spiritual health (gee I wonder why?). God did not need to rest because He was tired, He needed rest much in the same way Jesus needed to wash the disciples feet-for us as an example. We would be foolish to think that we can operate apart from God’s ordained pattern of rest. When you look even closer you see God was foreshadowing the rest we would all receive from our works when we enter into salvation by faith. That the work is done, it is finished (Christ declared from the cross!) and now we need to rest (Hebrews 4:10). There is no striving. There is no work. No burden. Just rest. Enter that rest today and enjoy the presence of God, the ultimate reward of seeking Him.
Lord we try too often and fail. Let us put aside the weight and burdens of sin which easily entangles us and simply rest in Your presence today. Your nearness is our goodness. Amen.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
During the French Revolution in defiance of God’s 6-7 pattern (⁶🤷⁷), the French began to use a 9-10 pattern, nine days of work, one day off. It failed. Similarly when the Soviets took control of Russia they began a 4-5 pattern, which they also abandoned in the 40s. Seems that God’s pattern works best for our mental, physical and spiritual health (gee I wonder why?). God did not need to rest because He was tired, He needed rest much in the same way Jesus needed to wash the disciples feet-for us as an example. We would be foolish to think that we can operate apart from God’s ordained pattern of rest. When you look even closer you see God was foreshadowing the rest we would all receive from our works when we enter into salvation by faith. That the work is done, it is finished (Christ declared from the cross!) and now we need to rest (Hebrews 4:10). There is no striving. There is no work. No burden. Just rest. Enter that rest today and enjoy the presence of God, the ultimate reward of seeking Him.
Lord we try too often and fail. Let us put aside the weight and burdens of sin which easily entangles us and simply rest in Your presence today. Your nearness is our goodness. Amen.