Fasting is a temporary renunciation (rejection) of something that is in itself good, like food, in order to intensify our expression of need for something greater, namely, God and his work in our lives. It is a spiritual discipline. Jesus did it. It draws us closer to God and makes us press into dependency upon the Spirit. Fasting brings us into a closer union with God. While our bodies are being deprived for the purpose of drawing near to God, He has promised in return to draw near to us. This is a spiritual certainty. As we decrease, the Spirit increases. As individuals we are strengthened and renewed. “...Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” 2 Corinthians 4:16. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:6-9
Pray with confidence: God expects, invites, and commands us to pray. Pray with confidence and know that God isn't just hearing you, but he is also sharing His heart’s desires with you. Share your hearts desires to Him for your friends, family or neighbors and listen and write down what God may be asking you to do for/with them as he prepares hearts and minds for a moment to share His love and grace with them.
Pray by name: Intercede for people by name and spend time asking God HOW to pray for them. Remember, God is the one who calls them to come and to be relieved of the burden of their sin Pray that they would hear His call and that they would respond to Him. (Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:6).
Pray to remove the enemy’s influence: Ask God to open their eyes, to give them sight - spiritual sight. Ask God what lies you need to pray against, what strongholds you need to tear down, and pray for truths to be revealed. Pray specific truths from his word. (Ephesians 1:4 & 2:10, 2 Corinthians 4:4)
Pray to become a person of influence: Ask God how you can become a person of influence in the peoples lives around you. Ask how you can be more intentional in your relationships with unbelievers. (Romans 10:14).
Pray for boldness & opportunity to speak: The Apostle Paul longed for boldness and confidence that he was speaking the right and best words. “[Pray] also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…” (Ephesians 6:19). Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind scriptures and truths that will help you boldly declare God’s love and pray them out loud.
Pray out loud: As you boldly begin to pray for those around you learn to pray out loud. Your words carry power and authority to change the atmosphere and situations you may be in. This may be awkward at first, but the more you pray out loud with confidence you will start to notice a difference.
Women’s Bible Study
Time: 6:30pm
6 Sessions:
-Feb 28th
-March 13th
-March 27th
-April 10th
-April 24th
-May 8th
Location: Church Two42
Join our women as we dive deep into what the word says about purpose and passion to fuel you forward this year.
Questions: Contact our Women’s Community Director Summer Shaw
