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.
John 15:4
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
PRAY:
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
PRAY:
- As we begin our 21 days of Prayer & Fasting, ask God to use this time to help you abide with Jesus more intentionally. Pray that our church will enjoy deeper intimacy with him. Surrender your life in a fresh way to God. Ask Him to be the foundation of all that you do in this season.
- Confess any areas of your life where you are trusting 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.
Colossians 1:28
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
PRAY:
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
PRAY:
- For our Sunday gatherings. Ask the Lord to use the worship, fellowship, and teaching to further mature you into Christlikeness.
- 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.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
PRAY:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
PRAY:
- Thank God for the ability to enjoy life with fellow believers in Christ. Spend time reflecting on the joys of living in community.
- 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.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
PRAY:
God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
PRAY:
- Thank God for the gift of salvation. Ask the Lord to saturate your day with the truth of the gospel.
- 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.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
PRAY:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
PRAY:
- Pray for the salvation of non-believers in your life. Ask the Lord for specific opportunities to share the gospel today.
- 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
Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
PRAY:
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
PRAY:
- Pray for each member of your community group. Thank God for the role each person plays in your life and share the gratitude with them.
- 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 receiving an Easter invitation.
Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
PRAY:
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
PRAY:
- Spend extended time in prayer today to deepen your intimacy with Jesus. Ask God to grow your passion and excitement for prayer.
- 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.
Matthew 28:19-20
“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:
“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:
- Pray for the gospel to reach the nations. Consider what role God would have you play in praying for, giving, or going to the nations.
- 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.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
PRAY:
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
PRAY:
- Pray God will reveal any grievous ways in you. Confess to someone close to you and ask the Spirit to lead you in the way everlasting.
- 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 trust and oneness in God.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
PRAY:
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
PRAY:
- Sit quietly before God and enjoy his presence. Pray the Word will dwell richly in you and remind you of the fullness of joy in Christ.
- 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.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
PRAY:
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
PRAY:
- Pray for the next generation of disciples at Grace Community Church. Ask God to show you what your role is in helping disciple the next generation.
- That we would be marked by a humility that serves one another.
- That the Lord would give vision and direction to our Pastors & Elders for the future of our church.
- Against dissension and division within our church – that the Lord would protect His people and we would flee the schemes of the devil in this area.
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 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:
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 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:
- Pray for renewed commitment to your church/community group. Ask the Spirit to further unify the members of your community in Christ.
- 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 near you - that the students would experience a move of God and come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- For the students and staff at Grace Christian Academy (PS-8th grade).
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
PRAY:
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
PRAY:
- Pray for God to transform you into a more Bible-revering person. Reflect on how you can treasure the Word more intentionally.
- 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.
Colossians 4:3
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
PRAY:
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
PRAY:
- Pray for open doors to share the gospel with your friends/co-workers/neighbors. Ask the Spirit to lead you to the people whose hearts he’s been preparing.
- 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.
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
PRAY:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
PRAY:
- Ask God to give you excitement and desire for his Word. Pray Year of the Word is marked by growth and a greater love for Christ.
- 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 salvations, wisdom, and knowledge.
- For our upcoming Easter services- Encounter the Cross experience, Good Friday service, and all three of our Sunday services.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his 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:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his 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:
- Pray for neighboring churches in Tempe and beyond. Ask the Lord to bless their ministry, congregation, and witness in the city of Tempe.
- 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.
John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less.
PRAY:
He must become greater; I must become less.
PRAY:
- Ask the Spirit to identify opportunities for spiritual growth. Pray with gratitude for the ability to grow in intimacy with him.
- That we would know, receive, and share the forgiveness of sins that only Jesus can give.
- That we and all people would be set free from every sin, something that cannot happen apart from Christ.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
PRAY:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
PRAY:
- Pray with thanksgiving for the gift of our church body. Praise God for the privilege of being shepherded by church elders.
- 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 people would know we love Jesus because of the love that we have and display toward one another.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
PRAY:
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
PRAY:
- Ask the Spirit for discipline and perseverance for your time in the Word. Pray for renewed joy and delight towards the Word of God.
- That more Grace members would engage in the work of discipling the next generation.
- Encounter the Cross begins today. Pray for all of the people that attend, that they would encounter Jesus.
- 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.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
PRAY:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
PRAY:
- Pray members of Grace are known for making disciples that make disciples. Pray that multiplication is a marker of our church body.
- 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 Elementary School, Gracie’s, Grace Counseling & GCA.
- For Good Friday service tonight. Pray with a heart of gratitude.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
PRAY:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
PRAY:
- Thank God for how he worked through you over the past 21 days. Share with your friends/family/community group what he has revealed and thank him together. 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.
- Pray for the Easter services tomorrow. That Jesus will be magnified from his life, to death, to resurrection.