The goal of fasting is to draw near to God and Biblical fasting focuses on eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. During this time, we encourage you to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Ironically, fasting can slow us down in our "hurry-up world." Fasting doesn't have to be food, as some people fast caffeine, sugar, social media, or activities they enjoy. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but should not put your health and safety at risk. With that in mind, position yourself to hear from God. Each day, take a few moments to still your heart, quiet your mind, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak.
We've provided several resources below to help you learn more about fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 9:14-15 (NIV) Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV) To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Acts 27:33-37 (NIV) Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board.
Nehemiah 9:1-3 (NIV) On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.
7 Basic Steps of Prayer and Fasting
by Dr. Bill Bright
Guide To Prayer and Fasting
by Dr. Bill Bright
This reading guide was created for you. It is a collection of thoughts and scriptures to help you know God, find family, live in freedom, and discover purpose. Use these devotionals as prompts to dig deeper - to slow down, listen and lean in.
Each day there will be questions giving you an opportunity to think and reflect on God's Word and then a set of questions giving you a chance to respond. We encourage you to use a personal journal for daily reflection and response!
God’s original design for His people is to have a relationship with Him.
On January 20, 2025, just three days away, our new President will stand before the country,
In Luke 10:2, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord
We are ready and expectant for our time of prayer and fasting as a church family. Join us as we worship in community with one another!
We will spend our time in worship, thanking God for who He is and what He has done in and through our church. You won’t want to miss it!
Bayshore Gardens Campus | 6:30 p.m.
Bee Ridge Campus | 6:30 p.m.
Fruitville Campus | 6:30 p.m.
*Hardee County Campus | 6:30 p.m.
*Lakewood Ranch Campus (main auditorium) | 6:30 p.m.
*North River Campus | 6:30 p.m.
West Bradenton Campus | 6:30 p.m.
Bayside Online | 6:30 p.m.
*Campuses who regularly have Wednesday Morning Prayer Services will still have Wednesday Morning Prayer on January 15th in addition to the Worship Nights.
During all campus Worship Nights we will provide childcare for children nursery age through Pre-K. Youth are encouraged to join in the auditorium during each of the Worship Nights!