Church Wide Prayer, Fast, and Bible Reading Plan
September 1st-7th (Join anytime)
Each day, we will praying & fasting over a different initiatives. Our prayer & fasting will include a bible reading plan.
Types of Fasting
Here are some popular types of fasting:
Daniel Fast
A plant-based fast that excludes meat, dairy, sweets, and caffeine. It typically involves consuming whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Intermittent Fasting
This method involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. A common approach is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window.
Liquid Fast
A fast where you consume only liquids, such as water, clear broths, and fruit juice. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting this type of fast.
Selective Fast
This involves abstaining from specific foods or food groups, such as meat, sugar, or carbohydrates.
PRAYER PROMPTS
&
BIBLE READING PLAN
DAY 1
OUR HOPE IS FOUND IN GOD
Colossians 1:15-23; Romans 5
Prayer Focus: That those who do not know Christ in the Tampa region would come to understand that true hope is found only in Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the image of the invisible God and the anchor of my soul. Thank You for reconciling me to the Father through Your blood and giving me hope that will never fade. Help me to rest in the truth that my future is secure in You alone. I also ask that those in my city who are searching for hope would see You as the only true source of life and peace.
DAY 2
God gives us AN UNWAVERING AND JOY-FILLED HOPE
Hebrews 6:13-20; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalm 146; Isaiah 40:28-31
Prayer Focus: That believers and seekers alike would have their faith strengthened to trust in God’s beautiful promises without wavering.
Prayer:
Father, I trust the promises You have spoken over my life, knowing You are faithful to fulfill them. Strengthen my heart to believe in the hope set before me and to wait on You with courage. Let my soul find its rest in Your unchanging character. Strengthen also the hearts of my brothers and sisters, that together we may encourage one another to trust Your promises with joy and endurance.
DAY 3
Hope that leads to REPENTANCE AND TRANSFORMATION
1 John 3:1-10; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 12:1-2
Prayer Focus: That those bound by sin would encounter the transforming power of Christ and be made new.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling me Your child and giving me the grace to live differently. Purify my heart, renew my mind, and shape my life to reflect the hope I have in You. May my transformation be a testimony of Your saving power. I pray also for those still bound by sin; that they would encounter Your grace, turn to You, and experience the same freedom and renewal You have given me.
DAY 4
Hope IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY
Lamentations 3:19-33; Romans 8:18-30; Psalm 25:1-5
Prayer Focus: That people struggling with addictions, mental health battles, grief, or hardship would persevere by seeing and receiving the hope found in Jesus.
Prayer:
God, when trials press in, remind me that my present suffering is not worth comparing to the glory to come. Teach me to wait quietly and trust in Your steadfast love. Fill my heart with peace that rises above my circumstances. I lift up all who are burdened by grief, addiction, or despair. May they experience Your comfort, strength, and the unshakable hope of Christ.
DAY 5
Hope TOGETHER
Hebrews 10:19-25; Romans 12:9-13; Romans 15:1-9
Prayer Focus: That Grace City Tampa would be unified, encouraging one another in love, and sharing the hope of Christ with the world.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for placing me in a family of faith to share this hope together. Help me to encourage others, serve with love, and build one another up as we fix our eyes on You. Unite us in purpose so the world sees Your hope through us. Bless my church family with unity and courage, and help us to shine brightly as a community that embodies the love and hope of Jesus.
DAY 6
Hope in ETERNAL SALVATION
Psalm 62:1-8; 2 Corinthians 4; John 3:16-17
Prayer Focus: That those far from God would come to know the salvation offered through Jesus Christ and receive eternal life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my salvation and my rock, thank You for rescuing me from sin and death. Even when life feels fragile, help me to keep my eyes fixed on the eternal glory that awaits. Let the joy of my salvation overflow to others. I pray especially for those who are far from You, that you would open their hearts to receive the gift of eternal life and the hope only You can give.
DAY 7
This is a LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Prayer Focus: That believers would live daily in the power of the resurrection, shining as lights to a world in need of hope.
Prayer:
Risen Savior, thank You for giving me a living hope through Your resurrection. Help me to stay awake, clothed in faith and love, as I look forward to Your return. Today and always, let my life declare that my hope is alive in You. Strengthen the church to walk in resurrection power, and let us together be a light that draws the world to Your living hope.
JOURNALING
&
BIBLE READING METHODS
How to Practice S.O.A.P. Journaling and Bible Reading
SOAP journaling is a simple yet powerful method for studying the Bible. It involves four steps: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Scripture:
Choose a passage: Select a short passage from the Bible that interests you.
Read slowly: Read the passage slowly and carefully, paying attention to the words and phrases.
Write it down: Transcribe the passage into your journal.
Observation:
What do you notice? Look for key words, phrases, or themes.
Who is the audience? Identify the people to whom the passage is addressed.
What is the main point? Summarize the central message of the passage.
Application:
How does this apply to my life? Think about how the passage relates to your current situation.
What action should I take? Consider how you can apply the passage's teachings to your daily life.
Prayer:
Thank God: Express gratitude for the revelation you've received.
Ask for help: Pray for strength to apply the passage to your life.
Confess: Admit any sins or shortcomings revealed by the passage.
Intercede: Pray for others based on the passage.
Tips for Effective SOAP Journaling:
Choose a quiet time and place: Find a peaceful environment where you can focus on God's Word.
Use a Bible journal: A dedicated journal can help you stay organized and track your progress.
Be patient: Don't rush through the process. Take your time to reflect on the passage.
Be honest and open: Share your thoughts and feelings with God.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: Seek answers from the Bible, a commentary, or a trusted friend.
Additional Tips for Bible Reading:
Listen to audio Bibles: Audio Bibles can be a great way to multitask while still engaging with God's Word.
Use Bible study tools: Commentaries, concordances, and Bible software can enhance your understanding.
By combining SOAP journaling with regular Bible reading, you can deepen your relationship with God and grow in your faith.
How to Practice Lectio Divina Bible Reading
Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice that involves slow, meditative reading of Scripture. It's a way to deepen your relationship with God through prayerful reflection on His Word. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Lectio (Reading):
Choose a passage: Select a short passage from the Bible that resonates with you.
Read slowly: Read the passage slowly, paying attention to each word and phrase.
Highlight: Mark any words or phrases that stand out to you.
2. Meditatio (Meditation):
Reflect: Ponder the highlighted words or phrases. What do they mean to you? How do they relate to your life?
Imagine: Try to visualize the scene described in the passage. What do you see, hear, and feel?
Dialogue: Talk to God about what you're experiencing. Share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with Him.
3. Oratio (Prayer):
Respond: Respond to God's Word through prayer. Thank Him for the revelation, ask for guidance, or express your love for Him.
Pray: Pray using the words of the passage or your own words.
4. Contemplatio (Contemplation):
Silence: Sit in silence and allow God to speak to your heart.
Listen: Be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Rest: Rest in God's presence.
Tips for Practicing Lectio Divina:
Find a quiet place: Choose a peaceful environment where you won't be interrupted.
Use a Bible: A physical Bible can be helpful for marking passages and reflecting on the text.
Journal: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and insights.
Be patient: Lectio Divina is a practice that takes time. Don't get discouraged.
Be open to God's guidance: Trust that the Holy Spirit will lead you.
Remember, Lectio Divina is a personal experience. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to be open to God's Word and to allow it to transform your life.
