Prayer, Fasting, and Freedom
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In 2020, we started off the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting as we asked God to do His work and have His will done "In LA as in Heaven." We were amazed by how He worked (in spite of coronavirus and quarantine) to draw many to Himself.
Well, let's do it again and see what God will do in 2021! Join us starting Monday for 21 days of prayer and fasting. (See below for our recommendations for how to fast)
To encourage and help you along the way, I would like to invite you to join me in a Bible reading devotional plan and discussion through the You Version Bible app. Click the button below to join the conversation.
Prayer for strengthening and unity
Throughout the last 10 months, our church family has been unable to all come together due to concerns related to COVID-19. This is understandable given the information we were provided. However, although we have been separated physically, we must strive to stay unified and strengthen our ties to one another.
We resumed in-person services in June, and have enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and corporate worship together - while maintaining safety protocols to protect one another. Even though the church gathering is essential and emphasized in Scripture as necessary for our spiritual health, some may have had concerns about the legality of our gathering. Here is some good news: the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled against the state of California (and the county of Los Angeles in particular) in their efforts to stop religious gatherings. This is a constitutionally protected freedom that the state cannot revoke.
For more information on the high court's ruling, click this link.
21 Days of Fasting
Ideas
Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
While fasting is typically associated with abstaining from food, there are other ways to fast. We have compiled a list of ways for you to consider and implement during our 21 days of fasting and prayer.
From January 4-24, pick at least one of these each day or choose to switch things around from week to week based on God’s leading in your life. The goal is to bring our bodies into subjection to the Spirit of God and to realize our dependence upon Him by saying no to certain things and focusing on prayer.
Ways to Fast
- No food if it’s okay with your doctor- definitely drink plenty of water during that time (*important* This type of fast is not recommended for more than three days at a time if you have not fasted recently)
- “Daniel” Fast (basically plant products)
• No meat, fish, or other animal products, including dairy and eggs
• No bread, pastries, chips, cookies, or anything that contains yeast or other leavening agents
• No fried foods
• Do not drink any beverages other than water. No coffee, tea, or alcohol. Some say fruit juice is okay as long as it is free from preservatives and added sugar, but those should be limited as well.
- No social media
- No video games
- No media of any kind including movies/news
- No sugar
- No coffee
- Spend money only on true needs
If you feel a craving coming on, start praying and spending time with God. He will give you strength! We want to grow through this discipline to the point that we will be naturally spending time with Jesus and focus so much on Him that temporary pleasures are not attractive or desirable to us.
Since we are doing this together, feel free to call on a brother or sister to pray with you and to help you stay encouraged and focused on Jesus as we deny ourselves for the glory of God. Remember, we are praying for you!