DAY 1: ENCOUNTERING JESUS
Preparing to Fast
As we begin the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we are seeking the Lord for specific things (which will be shared more in the coming days). Certainly, you have things you are asking the Lord to do in your life, or you may not be sure why fasting matters.
If anything, fasting has a way of centering our lives around the things of God. As we minimize our physical need for food or set aside the things that consume our hearts, God will meet us in this time, and we’ll experience his presence, power, and blessing in new and amazing ways.
During this fast, the most important thing we can ask is to know God in a deeper and greater way. Our prayer is that during these next few weeks, we will encounter Jesus, understand His plan and purpose for us, and that the Holy Spirit would overflow in our lives to those around us.
Why Fast?
It’s not a requirement, but it can be helpful to have something during this time of prayer and fasting that you’re focused on. While this isn’t an extensive list, here are seven biblical examples of why people fasted:
Preparation for Ministry –– Matthew 4:1-17
To Seek God’s Wisdom –– Acts 14:23
To Work Through Grief –– Nehemiah 1:1-4
For Healing –– 2 Samuel 12:14-16
For Repentance –– Jonah 3:10
To Worship God –– Luke 2:37
Day One Devotion
In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
Encountering Jesus
The greatest thing we can take from this time of prayer and fasting isn’t just answered prayers (although we do hope to experience those!) but having a real encounter with Jesus, getting to know Him and who He is–not just what we think or have been told. This passage teaches us at least three things about Jesus:
Jesus is God (Read John 1 for full context)
Jesus created everything
Jesus is our source of eternal life
Hear From God
Pull out a journal or your notes app, and take a few minutes to reflect on these verses.
Highlight –– Write down part of the Scripture that stood out to you
Explain –– Answer the question, “What is the Bible teaching?” Ask the Holy Spirit for insight, and use the resources below to help.
Apply –– How can you apply this in real life?
Respond –– Use what you’ve learned to pray, write out a next step, or consider who you can share this with.
Resources
How can we help?
If we can pray, support, resource, or help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ps. Bryson or Sarah.
Email: bryson@wearerockcity.church