WHY FAST?
– Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast saying, “when you fast“, not if you fast.
– Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
– Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”
– Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
– Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
– Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life and make you a channel of revival to others.
POINTS OF FOCUS.
1. Pray for our community, specifically for those who do not know Christ. Pray that the uprising we are seeing of crime and violence throughout our communities would cease. Pray that the light of Jesus Christ would continue to push back darkness and set captives free. Pray that God would continue to draw those who do not know Him into a loving relationship with Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. (“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9)
2. Pray for our nation. Pray that God would bring revival. Pray that the Church, the people of God would stand up and be the ambassadors that the Lord has called us to be. Pray that the Church could lead the way in love, grace and unity amongst all people. Pray for our leaders at the local, state and national level. (“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
3. Pray for the surrounding churches in our area. Pray that God would continue to bless these expressions and grow their influence and efforts into their communities for the sake of the Gospel. Pray for our latest, church plant resident, Bill Vecchio, as he continues to gather and train up a launch team for his church plant, Ecclesia, which will be launched near the SWFL State College area. Pray for God to provide for the different needs of these works as they strive to bring the Gospel to every man, woman and child. (“…and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21)
4. Pray for our mission partnerships and missionaries around the world. Pray that God would work in mighty ways in and through these different organizations that are striving to bring the Gospel to every man, woman and child. (A list of these partners can be found on our website www.summitlife.com/missions/) (“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20)
5. Pray for our Life Group Ministry that will be getting ramped up again this fall. Pray that in this season God would raise up leaders who would serve in this crucial area of our ministry. Pray that as a church we may see a greater number of people living in biblical community and intentional discipleship. (“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42)