November 16–20
Many of us have been navigating the challenges of church, family, and work life while still having to “power through” and “get things done.” In the midst of everything happening around us, to us, and in us, it’s easy to forget that our singular focus and confidence should be on and in Jesus. Even when our hearts intend to be faithful to him, our eyes can easily be distracted by the responsibilities and circumstances that demand our attention.
So as individuals and as a local church body, we’re being intentional about setting aside time to pause our lives and look towards the living God. God has given us the discipline of prayer and fasting as a gift to help us refocus our attention and dependence on him.
Since God has called each of us to be part of his family together, we’re carving out time for corporate prayer and fasting. As we draw close to God, he will draw close to us. During this time, in obedience to Scripture, we’ll seek God together, believing that he will be faithful to provide help to us, our families, and our church in our time of need.
So as individuals and as a local church body, we’re being intentional about setting aside time to pause our lives and look towards the living God. God has given us the discipline of prayer and fasting as a gift to help us refocus our attention and dependence on him.
Since God has called each of us to be part of his family together, we’re carving out time for corporate prayer and fasting. As we draw close to God, he will draw close to us. During this time, in obedience to Scripture, we’ll seek God together, believing that he will be faithful to provide help to us, our families, and our church in our time of need.
Why We Fast
When we fast, we’re denying ourselves a real physical need—food—in pursuit of a greater spiritual need. Biblical fasting is not merely a break from eating. It involves replacing the time that would have been spent on eating and other activities with deliberate pursuit of God through prayer, praise, and the reading of Scripture.
Even if you can’t skip meals for medical reasons, you can still participate by giving up other activities—television, social media, etc.—in exchange for time in prayer and Scripture.
Even if you can’t skip meals for medical reasons, you can still participate by giving up other activities—television, social media, etc.—in exchange for time in prayer and Scripture.
Fast
Choose one, two, or all three fasting windows:
- Morning: 12 a.m.–11 a.m.
- Midday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Evening: 3 p.m.–12 a.m.
Gather
For five days, we’ll fast, pray, and gather in various ways:
If you're not in a Community Group, this is the perfect time to join one. Find a group and sign up in the Church Center app.
- Monday, November 16
- Gather as a family at home for prayer, singing, and Bible reading.
- Tuesday, November 17
- Gather in small groups across the region for prayer, singing, and Bible reading.
- Wednesday, November 18
- Gather as a congregation at the building for prayer, singing, and Bible reading.
- Thursday, November 19
- Gather at home or in a small group.
- Friday, November 20
- Gather in Community Groups to break the fast.
If you're not in a Community Group, this is the perfect time to join one. Find a group and sign up in the Church Center app.