Kickoff Sunday, Prayer & Fasting, and a Night of Worship
Kickoff Sunday
On Sunday, August 3, we will return to our regular schedule, including worship services at 8:30, 9:40, and 11:00 a.m. All age-graded programming will resume, and children and students will move up to their new grade.
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
The Bible says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1). Similarly, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As we begin a new year of ministry, it’s important that we acknowledge our complete dependence on the Lord, asking for his favor in order that we might accomplish all that he wants us to do.
To that end, we will have a church-wide season of prayer and fasting August 4-24. Anyone who currently receives our weekly e-newsletter will receive a daily email from me which will include the prayer topic for each day. Those who do not receive our e-newsletter can sign up to receive the daily email by texting the word PRAY to 22828.
We will end our 21 days with An Ingleside Night of Worship on Sunday, August 24. We will gather in the Worship Center at 6:30 p.m. for a time of singing, prayer, and Scripture reading.
Why Fast?
The Lord assumed that we would fast. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, “When you fast…” Our Lord indicates that fasting is a good practice that will be part of life for his followers. It is a way of saying, “There is something more important in life than food. I need food, but I need the Lord even more.” That is why fasting includes focused prayer, often for a specific need.
As our church fasts and prays, we are acknowledging our need for the Lord. We are dependent upon him, even more than our physical bodies are dependent upon food. And because of our need, we are asking him for his grace in the days ahead. As great things continue to happen, we will rejoice and give him all the credit and all the glory.
How to Fast
F – Focus on God. Fasting is between you and God. We don’t fast so that others think we are spiritual, but so that we can focus our hearts and minds on God.
A – Abstain from Something. You may choose to abstain from a single meal or not eat for an entire day. You may also choose to abstain from certain foods for a period of time. You can choose what to abstain from and for how long based on your individual situation. Consider contacting your healthcare provider if you have a condition or take medication that could be affected by fasting. If your situation does not allow you to abstain from food, you may abstain from something else you typically consume, such as social media or television.
S – Substitute Prayer. Fasting is not just about not eating. Rather, as we abstain from a physical need (food), it encourages us to focus more on our spiritual need. Fasting, then, is meant to be an occasion for concentrated prayer, typically related to a specific need.
T – Taste the Lord’s Goodness. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” As you abstain from food and spend additional time in prayer, plan to experience the Lord’s goodness and provision. As good as food is, He is better!
What to Pray
We will have a specific prayer topic each day. You can pray alone, with friends, or with your group/class. Prayer topics can be found in the worship folder each Sunday, in the daily email from me, and on the church’s social media pages.
With the affection of Christ,
