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At the beginning of each year, we as a church set aside time for prayer and fasting. We believe God deserves our full attention and our best, and we consider this a sacred time. Before filling our calendars for the year, we want to pause and listen carefully to what the Spirit is saying.
The goal of fasting is to draw near to God. And fasting doesn’t have to be food—some people fast caffeine, sugar, social media, or activities they enjoy. Your fast should be a challenge, but it should never put your health or safety at risk. Ask God in prayer to guide your fast and then follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Biblical fasting is about intentionally removing distractions so we can focus on God. Ironically, fasting slows us down—but that’s the point. In our fast-paced world, hurry is not a substitute for holiness. Too often, being rushed leads to missed opportunities to hear from God and even to unintended consequences.
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.
by Dr. Bill Bright
Guide To Prayer and Fasting
by Dr. Bill Bright
This year, our focus is “Come and Abide.” Jesus invites us relationally: Come to Him with our burdens, our hopes, and our hearts. Then, He calls us to abide: to remain, dwell, and stay close to Him daily. Abiding isn’t passive; it’s an active posture of intimacy, surrender, and dependence on Jesus that produces lasting fruit in our lives.
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 of this devotional will guide you to come to Him, reflect on His Word, respond to His voice, and pray intentionally. Some days you will be invited to step out in love, some days to rest deeply in His presence, and some days to abide in community with your church family.
The printed Prayer and Fasting devotional is available at each of our campus locations, and is also available digitally below.
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!
Each night we will spend our time in worship, thank God for all that he has done and hear an encouraging message to start off the new year. 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.
Palmetto 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 7th in addition to the Worship Nights.
During all campus Worship Nights we will provide childcare for children nursery age through Pre-K.
Elementary - Youth are encouraged to join in the auditorium during each of the Worship Nights!
*Worksheets for each day will be available at the auditorium doors for kids.
