PRAYER & FASTING WEEK
5th - 11th January 2025
WHAT IS
PRAYER & FASTING?
Prayer & fasting is a biblical principle. Throughout the Bible we read examples of God’s people praying & fasting as they sought God’s wisdom and guidance.
Prayer is talking with God. It’s that simple! It can be quiet and contemplative, as we spend quiet time in the Lord’s presence. Prayer can also be loud as we petition to God and intercede for others.
Fasting can take various forms, depending on God’s leading. Traditionally, it involves abstaining from food for a set time, such as fasting from certain foods like Daniel’s diet of vegetables and water, or skipping meals for a day or more.
Fasting isn’t limited to food - it can also include fasting from distractions like social media, TV, or other activities. The focus should be on replacing these with prayer, reading scripture, and seeking God’s presence.
Remember, fasting is not just about what you give up, but what you gain: a deeper connection with God. Use the time to pray, listen for His voice, and reflect on His Word.
WAYS TO FAST:
As we said before, fasting is not limited to food. You should always consult your doctor before abstaining from food completely, and should not abstain wholly if you are pregnant.
Fasting may look like skipping one meal a day. Consider what you will do in this time instead, for example choosing to pray or study The Bible.
Fasting may be abstaining from certain foods and maintaining a strict diet. One example of this is Daniel’s fast which is a vegan diet avoiding animal products, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Fasting may not include food at all. Perhaps you could fast television, social media or gaming consoles. Fasting is ultimately about saying no to our flesh and earthly desires to deepen our relationship with God and say yes to spiritual desires instead.
DAILY PRAYER FOCUS
See the prayer points below for each day.
DAY 1: SALVATION
01. Ask the Holy Spirit to minister truth and to soften hearts.
02. Ask God to open their eyes so they might see Jesus clearly.
03. Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom to see the opportunities before you.
DAY 2: HEALING
01. Ask God to heal you and those you love: mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
02. Ask the Holy Spirit to minister to the hearts of those suffering.
03. Ask God to bring good things out of every situation.
DAY 3: The next generation
01. Ask for God’s guidance and fresh grace for parents & children.
02. Ask God to give our youth boldness & courage.
03. Ask God to give favour to our Young Adults, for an increase in their intimacy with God.
DAY 4: OUR LEADERS
01. Ask God to give our leadership teams renewed vision, strength and wisdom.
02. Ask for continued favour, blessing and protection.
03. Ask God to direct those in positions of leadership in our community, country and world.
DAY 5: THE WORLD
01. Pray for your neighbours, street and community, that they may know God.
02. Ask God to bless our town & city.
03. Pray for those around the world suffering and those in conflict. Pray for peace.
DAY 6: FAMILIES
01. Ask God to watch over loved ones.
02. Ask God to help us as the people of God to build healthy marriages & families.
03. Ask God to be comfort those in grief.
DAY 7: FRESH OUTPOURING
01. Ask God to start with you! To give you fresh passion and zeal.
02. Ask God to pour out His Spirit on His people that it might overflow to the world around us.
Lord send revival!
24 HOUR PRAYER
We are inviting our church family into 24 hours of continuous prayer. This is an opportunity to set aside an hour to intentionally pray. Gather with friends and family or pray alone.
Sign up by filling in this form.