As we begin our 21 days of prayer and fasting, our heart is that we would come into Easter with the best posture possible - ready to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and expectant for what He will do. We hope that through this time we, both individually and as a church body, would hear from God and walk with Him more intentionally than ever before.
We choose to view fasting with an abstain to obtain mindset. We believe that fasting is so much more than just giving something up; fasting is also about gaining something, namely, deeper intimacy with God.
Fasting is more about satisfaction than sacrifice. In it, we choose to prioritize our souls’ desires above our other desires in order to get more of what satisfies most deeply - God Himself. Fasting produces feelings of physical hunger and desire, reminding us of our deep need for God. It intensifies our awareness of our bend towards self-sufficiency and thus also intensifies our prayers as we seek the Father’s sufficiency instead.
When Scripture calls Jesus the “bread of life”, it shows that nearness to Him is what truly satisfies our souls; this satisfaction is what we want to obtain through this time of abstaining.
As you begin your fast, consider these reasons for fasting:
Moreover, Jesus fasted (Matthew 4:1-2) and taught with the assumption that his followers would fast (Matthew 6:16-18) as an essential practice of the Christian experience. Thus, through fasting, we pursue Christ-likeness and closeness to Him by living His ways.
There are a number of ways you can fast during this time:
Our hope through prayer and fasting is not that we would simply ‘complete a challenge’, but rather that we would seek God in our longing. Through any time we gain in these 21 days, we want to turn it over to God, using our newfound time to pursue a closer relationship with Him in prayer and time in the Word. As we experience longing for whatever we have given up, we want to turn that too over to God, asking that our longing and satisfaction would be in Him alone.
Thank you for joining us for these 21 days. We believe it will be a transformational experience for you and our church leading up to Easter. We cannot wait to see what the Lord will do - may it be more than all we could ask or imagine.
We choose to view fasting with an abstain to obtain mindset. We believe that fasting is so much more than just giving something up; fasting is also about gaining something, namely, deeper intimacy with God.
Fasting is more about satisfaction than sacrifice. In it, we choose to prioritize our souls’ desires above our other desires in order to get more of what satisfies most deeply - God Himself. Fasting produces feelings of physical hunger and desire, reminding us of our deep need for God. It intensifies our awareness of our bend towards self-sufficiency and thus also intensifies our prayers as we seek the Father’s sufficiency instead.
When Scripture calls Jesus the “bread of life”, it shows that nearness to Him is what truly satisfies our souls; this satisfaction is what we want to obtain through this time of abstaining.
As you begin your fast, consider these reasons for fasting:
To intensify your prayers (Daniel 9:3)
To seek clarity from God (Acts 14:23)
To express repentance for sin (Jonah 3:5-8)
To lament or grieve (2 Samuel 1:12)
To ask God to move (Nehemiah 1:3-4)
To overcome fear or persecution (2 Chronicles 20:2-4)
To resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
To worship and love God (Luke 2:37)
Moreover, Jesus fasted (Matthew 4:1-2) and taught with the assumption that his followers would fast (Matthew 6:16-18) as an essential practice of the Christian experience. Thus, through fasting, we pursue Christ-likeness and closeness to Him by living His ways.
There are a number of ways you can fast during this time:
A normal fast is abstinence from eating all food (everything except water) for a predetermined amount of time and for a spiritual purpose (Matthew 4:1-11).
A partial fast is abstinence from eating some foods for a predetermined amount of time and for a spiritual purpose. This could include things like soda, coffee, meat, sugar, etc. (Daniel 1:8-16).
An alternative fast is abstinence from something other than food for a predetermined amount of time and a spiritual purpose. This could include abstaining from things like social media or other types of entertainment or activities.
Our hope through prayer and fasting is not that we would simply ‘complete a challenge’, but rather that we would seek God in our longing. Through any time we gain in these 21 days, we want to turn it over to God, using our newfound time to pursue a closer relationship with Him in prayer and time in the Word. As we experience longing for whatever we have given up, we want to turn that too over to God, asking that our longing and satisfaction would be in Him alone.
Thank you for joining us for these 21 days. We believe it will be a transformational experience for you and our church leading up to Easter. We cannot wait to see what the Lord will do - may it be more than all we could ask or imagine.
DAY 1
READ: Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
PRAY
- As we begin our 21 Days of Prayer, surrender your life in a fresh way to the Lord. Ask Him to be the foundation of all that you do in this season.
- Confess any areas of your life where you are trusting in your own strength rather than God's.
- That the Lord would build and watch over Grace this year – that the good hand of our God would be upon us for His glory and our good.
DAY 2
READ: Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
PRAY
- For God to help us know that He can do far more than we could ever ask or even think, both in us and through us.
- That God would help us understand that the power of the Holy Spirit of God dwells in us and therefore we have everything we need to walk in His power and accomplish anything He desires.
DAY 3
READ: Galatians 5:13-18
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
PRAY
- That we would use the freedom to which Christ has called us to serve one another humbly in love and live out loving our neighbor as ourselves.
- That we would walk by the Spirit and not the flesh in all we say and do.
DAY 4
READ: Acts 4:32-35
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his posessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his posessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
PRAY
- For unity at Grace - for us to be a people who are of one heart and one soul.
- For Grace to be filled with people who make sacrifices to care for others.
- For a spirit of grateful generosity in our body.
DAY 5
READ: Psalm 78:1-7
O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel which he commeanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.
O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel which he commeanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.
PRAY
- That we would continue to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.
- That we would teach the next generation about the Lord so they and their children will know and put their trust in Him.
- For GraceKids, Grace Youth, and Unified College
DAY 6
READ: Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
PRAY
- That the Lord would help us to see the people of our communities like He sees them and love them like He loves them.
- For opportunities and courage to share the Gospel and minister to people.
- Pray by name for those who will be recieving an Easter invitation.
DAY 7
READ: Habbakuk 2:14
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
PRAY
- For the 4.3 billion people alive today that live among unreached people groups.
- For the Lord to be worshipped in places He is currently not worshiped.
- For a country that God lays on your heart.
DAY 8
READ: Ephesians 2:19-21
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.
PRAY
- That the Chief Cornerstone of our church would always be Jesus.
- For the leaders of our church to willingly submit to Him.
- That with Jesus as the true cornerstone, all the members of Grace Community Church would be joined together in deep unity.
DAY 9
READ: Psalm 84:4
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Selah
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Selah
PRAY
- That we would fully embrace Psalm 84:4.
- For our church to continue becoming a House of Prayer and Worship.
- That we would give our time, talents, and gifts generously to God as an expression of our Hallelujah.
DAY 10
READ: 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
PRAY
- For those in our church struggling with the chains of anxiety.
- For freedom to be found by simply casting all our worries on a good Father who cares for us.
DAY 11
READ: Ephesians 4:2-6
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
PRAY
- That the Chief Shepherd of our church would always be Jesus.
- For the leaders of our church to gladly submit to Him.
- That with Jesus as the true cornerstone, all the members of Grace Community would be joined together in deep unity.
DAY 12
READ: Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.
PRAY
- That this generation would boldly go after the next generation with the Gospel of Jesus.
- That God's power would come down again and result in a revival breaking out on the campuses of ASU, GCU, and other Arizona colleges.
- For mighty wonders to happen in the elementary, middle, and high schools that you live closest to - that the students would experience a move of God and come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- For the students, families, and staff at Grace Christian Academy.
DAY 13
READ: Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
PRAY
- For the flourishing of Tempe in all areas.
- For our public servants and those that God has placed in authority above us.
- That God would send a revival and awakening that would transform the city.
DAY 14
READ: Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
PRAY
- That every member of Grace would own their part of the Great Commission of Jesus.
- For God to strengthen and sustain our Global Outreach workers, and that the gospel of Jesus would be shared and proclaimed in the places where they live and serve.
DAY 15
READ: Isaiah 33:5-6
The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
PRAY
- That we would continue to place the Lord as our foundation.
- That we would grow in the fear of the Lord and look to Him for salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.
- For our upcoming Easter services- Encounter the Cross experience, Good Friday service, and all three of our Sunday services.
DAY 16
READ:Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
PRAY
- That God would help us truly know and understand that He wants absolute good for us.
- That the Lord would help us trust His goodness even when our circumstances may make us think otherwise.
- That God would allow Grace to see more people saved and baptized this year than ever before.
DAY 17
READ: Acts 13:38-39
Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
PRAY
- That we would know, receive, and share the forgiveness of sins that only Jesus can give.
- That people would be set free from every sin, something that cannot happen apart from Christ.
DAY 18
READ: John 17:22-23
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
PRAY
- That the Lord would reveal His glory in our church this year.
- That God would build in us an affection for one another where family is how people describe us as a church.
- That God would grow in us a love for people and a love for Him that would grow more and more each day as we follow Jesus.
DAY 19
READ: Psalm 145:3-4
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.
PRAY
- That more Grace members would engage in the work of discipling the next generation.
- For our Next Generation ministries.
- For the parents in our community – that God would fill them with wisdom and courage as they seek to lead their children and grandchildren towards Christ.
DAY 20
READ: 1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
PRAY
- That the Gospel of Jesus and love of God would go forth in the specific city in Arizona where you live and work.
- For God’s providence and presence over our local partnerships like Holdeman, Gracie’s, and I-Help.
DAY 21
READ: Acts 28:30-31
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAY
- That God would allow us to proclaim and teach about the goodness of Jesus with all confidence and openness until our last breath.
- That God would allow us to live our lives completely unhindered, so that the Gospel of Jesus would be on full display all the days of our lives.