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As a church body Fellowship takes the first Monday of every month to fast and pray. Fasting has long been a discipline that Christians have participated in to remind them they are not slaves to their appetites. We do it in a really simple way- just skip lunch today, and use that time to pray. One meal, one time as month isn't a lot to ask, but it serves as a rhythm to keep us focused on God as our Sustainer, and the pain and need of the world around us. Join with us today in this small, joyful sacrifice!
Last week began the church season of Lent. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this is a season that the church has used to prepare itself for Resurrection Sunday. It is a time to narrow the focus of the Church to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to turn from our sin and trust in His atoning work. It is a time for fasting and self-denial, though not for the sake of denial itself. It is a period to empty ourselves of lesser things so that we might be filled with the greater things of the gospel.
Here are some ways you can join with the spirit of Lent as you fast and pray:
- Read Luke 4:1-13. This passage describes the 40 days of fasting, prayer, and temptation that Jesus underwent in the wilderness. Spend some time thanking Jesus for his willingness to suffer for us.
- Ask the Lord to reveal ways that you have focused too much on gratifying your own desires. Joyfully repent and ask God for the strength to change.
- Intercede for those around the globe that are suffering. Empathize with those living with the pain of homelessness, malnutrition, illness, war, and abuse. Allow your heart to ache for those that don’t know Jesus.
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When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. -Matthew 6:16
Adoration
Pray this scripture back to the Lord “
The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?- Psalm 89:5-6
Confession
As we’ve seen in Judges our hearts are prone to wander. Take a moment to ask the Lord in what ways the idols of our culture have taken root in your life and confess them.
Prayer for the Church
Thank the Lord by faith for the provision to come in a new facility. Pray that all would know that He has done it. ( Psalm 109:27)
Turn to Ephesians 1:18-20 and pray this prayer for our body.
Turn to Ephesians 3:16-18 and pray this prayer for our body.
Prayer for the World
Please pray for Caroline Damron, our missionary to refugees in Germany
- She is getting married in April to Joel. Pray for our hearts to be knit together and our significance be found in Christ…not in ministry, not in one another and not in other people.
- Pray for Americans’ hearts to be open to Muslims. Pray for compassion and openness to make friends and learn about someone else’s culture.
- Pray for Muslims around the world, but specifically refugees to be open to the hope of Christ...our boarders might not be open at this time to refugees, BUT WE CAN PRAY FOR OPEN HEARTS TO THE GOSPEL no matter where they may be!
- Pray for our nations' leaders' hearts to be softened and opened they make laws and decisions concerning refugees from many Muslim countries.
