Why Fast?

The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Day 1: The Lord's Majesty

Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9

1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers the moon and the stars you set in place
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority
7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR JORDAN HANSEN:

How amazing is it to be out in God's Creation! A few summers ago, my family had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park. I was not prepared for the experience waiting for me as we drove through the famous tunnel entrance. Immediately the Yosemite Valley sprawled out before us and we parked to get a good photo. As I stood there, taking it all in, the beauty of the "Cathedral of the Great Outdoors," hit me in waves. "God made all of this. WOW!" The final wave was the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, "Just wait until you are standing face to face with the one who made it." His Creation preaches the clearest message. Are we listening?

Prayer Focus: Reflect on God’s greatness displayed in creation. Praise Him for His power and care.

Prayer: Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens, yet You care for me. I praise You for Your power, love, and faithfulness.

Day 2: God’s Holiness

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-5

1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.
2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR JOSH BONZELAAR:

Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in this passage reveals a powerful encounter with the holiness of God, a moment that reshapes his entire understanding of who God is and who he is as a servant of God. In these verses, we witness the awe and overwhelming majesty of God, and Isaiah’s immediate response to His holiness. I pray that during this fast that we will be in awe of what God is doing in our lives during the fast and that are attention would be solely focused on Him. I am reminded of a song that we sing in church many weekends called “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin which talks about one day those of us who call ourselves believers will be singing with the angels in Heaven “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” BUT while were here on this earth God desires to hear our praises! If we have breath in our lungs God desires to hear us sing!  

Prayer Focus: Worship God for His holiness and purity, acknowledging His worthiness.

Prayer: Lord, You are holy, holy, holy! Your glory fills the heavens and the earth. You alone are worthy of all worship and praise. May my life honor You today. Amen.

Day 3: The Good Shepherd

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR CHRIS PINKSTON:

You normally hear Psalms 23 at a funeral when a loved one has gone on to be with the Lord. My grandmother had a blanket with Psalms 23 on it and she could quote this chapter until her last days. It brought her comfort and joy. I think of, and how she knew the truth of what these verses held. 

I love how David the author of this Psalms, thought about his relationship with God. God was like a shepherd to David and David was like a sheep to God. The first mention of the Lord being called a shepherd was by Jacob in Genesis 49:24. Other Biblical authors like Isaiah, Micah, and Zachariah also refer to the Lord as being a shepherd. David references the Lord as a Shepherd several other times throughout his writing and all of these authors point to a Messiah figure who would come to our world.

In John 10 we see that Jesus clearly speaks of himself as the good shepherd who would give his life up for his sheep. It’s remarkable that the Lord has chosen to be our shepherd. The great God of the universe has stooped to take care of you and me!

This reminds me of Pastor Jordan Hansen’s very first message. He said, “I am so grateful for our Good Shepherd who knows me and has been with me....and we follow Jesus, not opportunity or weather, we follow our Shepherd.”

Will you allow Jesus, our good shepherd to lead you? Jesus is with us in the highs and the lows, the good and the hard. He is the God who protects, guides and provides. When we call him Lord, we are saying that we trust Him to be the leader of our life. There is no greater leader than Jesus! Jesus is Lord, and He is the leader of my life and our church. He is our Good Shepherd; will you allow Him to lead you today and throughout this fast?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for being the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects.

Prayer: Lord, You are my Shepherd; I have everything I need. I praise You for Your faithful guidance and unending love. Help me trust Your leading.

Day 4: The Eternal King

Scripture: Revelation 4:8-11

8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before himwho sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.”

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR MARY THOMAS:

We are blessed when we read the book of Revelation. This passage fills me with JOY when I see Jesus throughout it. He is holy, set apart, and He  exisited before creation, now and forever. All the service that we accomplish for the kingdom can't be compared to his presence, which is what we will experience. I remember the day I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit like it was yesterday. At the age of 12, I envisioned the heavens open and a bright light sitting on the throne. You can experience His glory, you can experience His presence today, and I guarantee you will never be the same. The same Holy Spirit that participated in creation, came upon mankind in the Old Testament, and revealed himself to the church in the book of Acts, is the same Holy Spirit that dwells in us and came upon Jesus Christ at His baptism. He is the lamb of God. He is the one who came and took away our sins. He is the one that we will worship when He comes again! "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

Prayer Focus: Praise Jesus as the eternal King who reigns over all creation.

Prayer: Lord, You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power! You created all things, and by Your will, they exist. I worship You as the eternal King.

Day 5: The God Who Sees

Scripture: Genesis 16:13

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR LIBBY MARTIN:

I remember very well a day when I was in 6th grade. It was springtime in WV, and because of heavy rains the previous weeks, farmers were very late getting their fields ready for planting. After school and before the bus arrived to take us home, my friends and I decided to run to my aunt’s house and get some of her famous cookies. The quickest way to her house was crossing a HUGE cornfield, and  this would allow us to be back in time for the bus pick up. We made it halfway through the field, when the four of us could no longer move our feet!!!!  We were completely immobilized, completely stuck in the thick, sticky mud!!! Actually, we were so stuck we have to take our feet out of shoes and run back to the school, leaving our shoes in the mud!!!!  Once the principal saw four little girls with VERY muddy shoeless feet, he was not a happy man!!!  We didn’t have permission to leave the school ground, AND we had missed the bus. He drove us home in his brand-new shiny car without saying one word . . . Needless to say, our parents were not happy either. I will never forget being  “stuck in the mud” and feeling so hopeless. Like the mud, sometimes life experiences/expectations cause us to feel stuck or immobilized  in our spiritual life. It may seem as if we cannot move forward at all, and our life has not turned out the way we had hoped. The great news is God sees us!!!! He understands and loves you so much. No matter what has you "stuck" in life, God Sees You! He is ready to help and bring you hope.

Prayer Focus: Praise God as the One who sees you and meets you in every circumstance.

Prayer: Lord, You are El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank You for knowing my every need and walking with me through life. I worship You for Your care and presence. Amen.

Day 6: A Clean Heart

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-12

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.

2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.

3 For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.

4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.

5 For I was born a sinner—
yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

6 But you desire honesty from the womb,
teaching me wisdom even there.

7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.

9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.

11 Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.

DEVOTIONAL PASTOR PHIL ELMORE:

It is a matter of heart! Our identity, the way we see people and treat people, the way we see ourselves, our relationships and most importantly our relationship with God, is ALL a matter of the heart (Proverbs 4:23). Issues such as anger, bitterness, pride, and jealousy can leave devastating scars deep within. In this classic scripture King David is in the throes of personal failure. He cries onto the Lord, “Create in me a clean heart.” Like David, we are also suffering from a heart condition. David did not ask God to fix, repair or restore his heart. His heart was so damaged by sin that he needed the Creator of the universe to create a clean heart in him. As we continue in our time of prayer and fasting, may we petition our God to forgive our sins and to create a clean heart in us. A heart that will put God first, by loving Him with every ounce of our being and by loving our neighbors.

Prayer Focus: Confess sin and ask God for a new heart.

Prayer: Lord, I confess my sins to You and ask for mercy. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

Day 7: Forgive Us Our Debts

Scripture: Matthew 6:12

"and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us."

DEVOTIONAL ALLEIGHA BOTNER:

In the beginning, Adam and Eve had a choice. They could choose to trust God’s good plan or rebel against it. Sadly, they chose to sin, and in doing so, humanity faced a brokenness that continues today. But in that moment of failure, God displayed a profound truth: He is MERCY… Even when we make our own selfish desires greater than our pursuit for the treasure that He is… Even when we want to make a better God out of the things of this world… or even make a God out of ourselves, like Eve… He STILL forgives.

Before Adam and Eve asked for forgiveness, God offered it. His mercy was already extended, waiting to heal and restore. This act of grace reminds us of one of the greatest truths in Scripture — our Heavenly Father forgives us even when we don’t deserve it. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) 

It's important to be aware that each day, we face a spiritual battle between good and evil. This is spiritual warfare and is happening at all times. The enemy will try to lead us away from God's will, tempting us to fall into sin. But we are not left defenseless. God has given us His armor — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word — to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). We must intentionally "put on" this armor each day, preparing ourselves for the fight.

When we do fall short, as all of us will, we are called to go before the Lord in humility and ask for forgiveness. The Bible makes it clear: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). His forgiveness is never earned.. it is a gift and a reflection of His boundless mercy. And as we receive that mercy, we are also called to extend it to others. Jesus commands us to forgive as He forgives us and to love as He loves us (Matthew 6:14-15, John 13:34). I am speaking to myself. To be vulnerable with you all - I am in the process of forgiving someone I haven’t fully yet. It’s a hard and long process but this scripture speaks to me and encourages me to forgive like He always has. It’s not a suggestion, but a commandment from the Lord to do so. Freedom is found in forgiveness. 

As you face the struggles and challenges of this day, remember that the battle is not yours to fight alone. The armor of God is available to you, and His mercy is always present, ready to cover you. Fight against evil and flesh, but be quick to repent when you do fall short. Walk in forgiveness and love, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all of us. Let’s follow His example TOGETHER and come before the Lord with full humility and repentance as we fast and pray this month!

Prayer Focus: Acknowledge your need for God’s forgiveness and grace.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve fallen short of Your standards. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. May my heart reflect Your grace. Amen.

Day 8: Search My Heart

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

DEVOTIONAL: SYDNEY TAYLOR

“Search me and know my heart.” This prayer is an invitation of our heart to becoming refined. Both a bold and humble request.

God’s whole essence is love. It’s not just a characteristic of His—it is who He is. God is love. When we show others the best parts of ourselves such as our passions, strengths, and the good qualities we value, it is much easier to be loved in return. BUT, when we reveal the parts of ourselves that are more hidden such as areas of sin, fear, or weakness, how much more challenging may it be to accept those things and continue to be loved? It speaks more to the character of the lover to continue to see both the good and bad and continue to love. The greatest representation of love is not what is beautiful and surface level but the choice to love even when knowing what is hidden. 

God knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. He sees the hidden places and the things we may not even love about ourselves. And yet, He still chooses to love. But He waits for the invitation to enter the deeper parts of our hearts. 

David’s prayer in Psalm 139 is not only a request to be known, but to be refined. It’s a prayer of surrender and is the process of sanctification: the journey of aligning our hearts with God’s, revealing the areas where we don’t yet reflect Jesus, and inviting God to mold us into His image.

How often do we truly allow God to search us in this way? Full surrender can be difficult, because it forces us to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves. God’s search is not to condemn us, but to heal, restore, and purify. God allows us to go through the refining process to make us pure – aligning our hearts with His that we may more intimately know Him. 

Prayer Focus: Invite God to search your heart and reveal anything that displeases Him.
Prayer: Lord, search me and know my heart. Test me and reveal any offensive way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting, and cleanse me from sin. Amen.

Day 9: Humble Yourselves

Scripture: James 4:8-10

8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

DEVOTIONAL: PASTOR JORDAN MOORE

Humility is a vital value for followers of Jesus because it is clearly reflected in the character of God throughout the Old Testament and exemplified in the life of Jesus in the New Testament. As we take time to “draw near to God” during this fast, a significant action step we can take in His presence is to humble ourselves before Him.

Nothing in all creation compares to the goodness, greatness, or majesty of God. Yet, He is humble enough to take note of each of us exactly where we are. In our messes, pain, joys, and even the mundane moments of life, God is present and available to you. One of the greatest privileges we have as Christians is to approach the God of the universe with humility, to be known by Him, and to be blessed by Him.

Prayer Focus: Confess pride and draw near to God with humility.
Prayer: Lord, I humble myself before You, recognizing my need for Your grace. Draw me close as I repent of my sins. Thank You for lifting me up in Your love. Amen.

Day 10: Confession in Community

Scripture: James 5:16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

DEVOTIONAL: CORY FAIRER

Community is so very important for us as believers. God created us to be in community with one another. One of the most important functions of a community is accountability. 

We all make mistakes and sin. It’s important to confess our struggles to others in our community so they can help hold us accountable. When we do this, our community can support us, pray with us, and help us grow stronger. This accountability process leads to healing and helps us stay focused on doing what is right. By sharing our struggles, we allow God’s grace to work through us and bring transformation. Through the process of confession and accountability, we are able complete the healing process within our hearts. 

In closing, as we reflect during this time of prayer and fasting, ask yourself, are you a part of a community that will hold you accountable for your sins and walk with you through the healing process? If the answer to this question is no, ask God to help you find that community because we all need a community. If the answer is yes, ask God to help you learn to rely on the community he created so you may have better relationship with him. 

Prayer Focus: Commit to confessing and praying with others for spiritual growth.
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to confess my struggles to trusted believers. May we pray for one another and experience Your healing power. Amen.

Day 11: His Faithful Love

Scripture: Psalm 136:1-9

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.

5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.

6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.

7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.

8 The sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.

9 And the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever.

DEVOTIONAL: HOLLEE STANTON

Our family has a parrot as one of our pets. Sometimes he can be a real nuisance; like when he beeps like a smoke detector or like a trash truck backing up. Usually, though, he is a lot of fun. He speaks in words and phrases that he has learned through repetition - things he hears regularly around our house. Occasionally, I hear him talking and it is great accountability for things we have been repeating. Today’s scripture verses have some great repetition - something I need to commit to muscle memory; words I should repeat to myself when things are hard or outcomes are different than I expected, prayed for, or want. Give thanks . . . His faithfulness, His love, His lovingkindness . . . it is eternal, it endures forever. Now to teach my parrot those words.

Prayer Focus: Thank God for His steadfast love that endures forever.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your faithful love that never ends. Your kindness and mercy sustain me daily. I give You thanks for Your goodness. Amen.

Day 12: Every Good Gift

Scripture: James 1:17

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

DEVOTIONAL: DONNA LACHANCE

It’s easy to be grateful when life is going well. But when you are in a season where you are experiencing pain, disappointment, uncertainty, and weariness, giving thanks is not always an automatic response. I know this because I am there. Yet, I realize that when I take the time to acknowledge all the blessings I have received, and continue to receive despite my situation, my attitude changes. God is always good, even when our circumstances are not. He sees us and understands what we are facing. He is trustworthy and faithful to be with us through it all. That is a good and perfect gift worthy of my gratitude each day. What blessings are you thankful for today?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the blessings He has given you.
Prayer: Lord, every good and perfect gift comes from You. I thank You for Your provision, grace, and countless blessings. May I never take them for granted. Amen.

Day 13: Gratitude in Trials

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

DEVOTIONAL: NATHAN CREGAR

As I sat in a little café tucked away from the busy streets of Athens, Greece, I picked up my cup of warm Greek coffee, smelled the aroma of coffee beans, and took one small sip. It was this moment that I felt so much gratitude to God for His amazing gift of coffee. “Give thanks in all circumstances”. Despite our circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for, whether something small like a cup of coffee or something more exciting like a job promotion. We as Christians are called to practice gratitude every day.  Why is practicing gratitude so important? Gratitude glorifies God, gratitude brings peace and contentment in our life, and most importantly, gratitude helps us remember that God is the reason for every good thing in our life. How can you express gratitude to God today?

Prayer Focus: Give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God’s purpose.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being with me in every season of life. Even in trials, I trust that You are working for my good. I choose gratitude today. Amen.

Day 14: The Gift of Salvation

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

DEVOTIONAL: DEDELE OTASANYA
As a firstborn, perfectionism was a habit I struggled with daily. In the house I grew up in, my papa and mama constantly reminded me of my position and my inherited responsibility to set a good example. I had younger siblings who were watching and would follow in my footsteps. The expectations were high, not just from my family but also from the community around me. 

In my Congolese culture, firstborns carry a mantle of leadership. They are expected to lead in every aspect, inspiring those around them to strive for greatness. They are held in high regard because their performance reflects not only on their family but also on their community. This pressure to excel often felt overwhelming. As a result, I masked my imperfections whenever possible, making decisions out of fear of those who were watching.

When I gave my heart to Christ at the age of 15, I was a chronic perfectionist. However, I came to understand the truth about a God who is perfect in every way. A God who took on human form to bear our shortcomings and offer us the free gift of salvation. This is a God who lavishes His rich grace through His Son—a Son who became the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

In Christ, I found freedom. I no longer needed to boast in my own efforts but instead in what He has done for me—the perfect example. The pressure was lifted.

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of grace and salvation through Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me by grace through faith. I could never earn this gift, and I am forever grateful for Your mercy. Amen.

Day 15: God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

DEVOTIONAL: TERRY CORRELL

I cherish the Old Testament tradition of recounting God's blessings across generations. "Great is Your faithfulness, Lord!" This profound truth anchors my soul. Intentionally remembering how God always comes through supercharges my confidence in Him! Regardless of the storms I face, I can always rely on Him. His love is unwavering, His mercies are refreshed each dawn, and His presence is my constant companion. Contemplating His enduring love and unwavering provision is the most potent faith-builder I possess.

Prayer Focus: Thank God for His mercies that are new every morning.
Prayer: Lord, great is Your faithfulness! Your mercies are new every day, and Your love never fails. Thank You for being my constant hope and strength. Amen.

Day 16: Daily Bread

Scripture: Matthew 6:11
Give us today the food we need.

DEVOTIONAL: MARS HUTCHESON
Have you ever gone a day without praying and realized how crabby you felt because of it? I know I have! Notice that Matthew 6:11 says “Give us today our DAILY bread.” God wants us to seek Him daily. He calls us to ask Him to provide what He knows we need, not what we think we want. Isn’t it amazing that His plans are so much greater than ours (Ephesians 3:20)? As a planner, this has always been tough for me to surrender. At age 25 I thought I would’ve been married, living in Florida, and on my way to having kids, but I’m learning that God’s plan for me is greater and His timing is perfect. This verse is a reminder that He will provide when we seek Him first. We don’t have to worry about our needs being met because He meets every need (Luke 12:29-31). He uses us in every season, even if we didn’t see the season we are in coming. Surrender your will and trade it for God’s (Matthew 26:39). Trust that He will provide and has so much more for you than you could ever imagine. I pray you feel God’s peace as you see Him provide for you today.

Prayer Focus: Ask God for daily provision and trust Him for your needs.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing for me. I ask for Your provision today, and I trust You to meet every need according to Your riches in glory. Amen.

Day 17: Wisdom in Decisions

Scripture: James 1:5
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

DEVOTIONAL: ELIZABETH ROBINSON
In my 37 years on this earth I have traveled, been surrounded by leadership giants, had jobs that challenge me to grow, relationships that force me to reflect, and many (what I lovingly refer to as) “fruitful failures”. There is opportunity in each of these experiences to obtain wisdom. If we are willing to dig and sift through our lives most of us could say that our experiences produced a wiser version of ourselves. 

A few years ago, my family endured a hardship, addiction being the culprit. I spent a significant amount of time applying my hard-earned wisdom to each hurdle we faced and attempted to reason my way through. I read every book, blog, and article, carefully analyzing each situation and attempting to apply all my horizontally obtained wisdom. I sought wise counselor from professionals and my pastors and I took all logical action steps, but nothing was changing. Something was missing. 

In James 1:5 God promises that if we ask, he will give wisdom “liberally and without reproach”. I was missing the vertically obtained wisdom from Heaven. Isaiah 55:9 says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”  When I threw out my good intentions and got intentional with what I was asking God for, is when I saw transformation. Taking him at his word and trusting him to lead me in my life, that is where I experienced breakthrough. 

Prayer Focus: Ask for wisdom in a specific area where you need guidance.
Prayer: Lord, I ask for wisdom in the decisions I face today. Guide me with Your Spirit and help me to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

Day 18: Strength in Weakness

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

DEVOTIONAL: WALT DOLINSKI

 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Lord Jesus, teach me to rest in your Holy Spirit, that I may trust in You and Your plans for me. Looking for Your guidance when my mind, body and spirit are weary. I will praise Your name and proclaim Your glory and goodness in my time of trouble and need, knowing that Your strength is perfect in my imperfect life. 

Prayer Focus: Ask for God’s strength to be made perfect in your weakness.
Prayer: Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me. In my weakness, show Your strength. Help me depend on You fully today. Amen.

Day 19: Interceding for Others

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

DEVOTIONAL: SUSAN OBI
I have definitely experienced boredom with prayer, even as a “seasoned Christian”. It wasn’t until I chose to intentionally seek out and understand the significance of prayer, and actually spent prolonged time doing it — that’s when everything changed. Now I see it as an invitation. We are invited into what God is already doing. We are invited into His good, pleasing and perfect will. As we communicate with Him, He responds to our hearts. Through His response, our perspective is changed and our hearts become aligned with His purpose (2 Kings 6:15-17, Hab. 2:1-4). Prayer is an invitation into the secret place -- a supernatural resource and powerful gift that changes everything. Prayer has the power to transform not just our own hearts, but also the hearts of others (Proverbs 21:1).

In this passage, Paul gives a charge regarding the church in Ephesus. He urges Timothy to spend time praying for all people, including those who sit in high positions. James 5:16 says that the heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man avails much, “…it is powerful and effective...” Through Jesus, we are made right with God, and we can approach His throne with boldness. Let’s commit to praying for our friends, family and leaders - knowing that our prayers are EFFECTIVE. I love what Revelation 8 tells us: 

“and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”

How incredible. 

God sees us, He hears us, He responds to us, and He cares.

Prayer Focus: Pray for leaders and others who need God’s intervention.
Prayer: Lord, I lift up our leaders, family, and friends to You. Guide them in Your wisdom and bring peace and restoration where needed. Amen.

Day 20: Peace and Protection

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

DEVOTIONAL: TARA HANSEN
Peace doesn’t always come naturally to us does it? It’s so easy to worry . . . to let anxious thoughts consume our minds. During my tenure as a Pediatric ER Nurse, I saw some pretty horrible and heartbreaking cases involving children. This experience has led me to allow worry for my kids to take over my mind. It’s easy for me to play out the worst case scenario in my head, and let me tell you, the worry train is really hard to stop once it is started down the tracks. Oh so quickly I can forget who is in control. But Paul makes it so clear in this passage, “Do not be anxious about anything!” Okay, Paul. How then, do we experience peace from the anxiety and worry that can consume us? By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presenting our requests to God! His peace, which is beyond our understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. What an amazing promise! When I find myself in a state of worry, I intentionally stop that thought and begin praying! Pouring my heart out to God. Petitioning my requests before the Lord. Thanking Him for who He is and the promises He has made to me, His child! Today, talk to the Lord, bring your worries to the one in control, and experience His peace.

Prayer Focus: Ask for God’s peace to guard your heart and mind.
Prayer: Lord, I bring my anxieties to You. Grant me Your peace that surpasses all understanding and protect my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Day 21: Spirit-Filled Living

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

DEVOTIONAL: JERRY MCGOWAN

Have you ever been in a church service, listening to a sermon and said “ preach it to them brother” when in fact it was to you! That is the way many of us read today’s scripture versus. I’m sure we all, at some time have said, “ that guy needs to be more patient”, or “ they are always grumpy”, as we point the finger away from us. What if, as we come to the end of our fast, we look in the mirror and identify the areas in ourselves that we need the Holy Spirit to help US grow and improve in? How would that affect your family, work place, and our Church?

I think it’s funny that I was assigned this scripture to comment on! My wife will be glad to know, that I’m heading to the mirror right now to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me my areas of need.

Will you join me and do the same?

Prayer Focus: Ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in your life.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your Spirit. Let love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit overflow in my life as I live for You. Amen.