
As the Lenten season begins on Wednesday, February 18, we invite everyone to unite in fasting and prayer, seeking God's guidance as we work to live out and share the Gospel effectively. While these are already spiritual disciplines with which we should be accustomed, doing them intentionally together as a church family carries great potential for our congregation.
Fasting and prayer regularly accompany God moving in powerful ways in and among His people throughout Scripture. Check out our guide below to get started, which includes a Scripture reading plan, fasting ideas, and more!
We'd love for you to let us know below if you will join this fast. Our prayer is that this will be a unifying and deeply meaningful spiritual experience for our entire congregation.
Lent is a spiritual path of fasting, prayer, scripture, and focus leading up to Resurrection Sunday. For 40 days (minus Sundays) it is an opportunity to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls, just as Jesus did in the 40 days in the wilderness prior to the start of His ministry. From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, we encourage you to set aside intentional space to be with God during this season as we look forward to celebrating the resurrection.
Fast. Fasting in Scripture refers to going without food for a period of time to be reminded that our lives ultimately rest on God who is the author and sustainer of life. With each hunger pang, we're reminded to focus on abiding with God. For Lent, consider a fast that will help you to be reminded of God's presence. Here's a list of suggestions for fasting during this time (feel free to come up with your own):
A meal during the day.
Sugar.
Fast food.
Unnecessary purchases.
Secular entertainment.
Secular music.
The news.
Alcohol.
Social media.
Phone time.
Busyness.
Pray. Whatever you decide to fast from, use the urge for that thing as a "notification" to pray. With the distraction of that item out of the way, we're given the opportunity to focus on what matters most in our lives: God. Prayer is two-way communication: talking with God and listening to God.
Scripture. Join us as we read through this year's Lenten Bible reading plan. While this plan is designed to be daily, we will use it weekly each Wednesday to center our focus on that week’s emphasis. Devote the time that you would normally spend on your fasting choice to read through the devotional. Use this method for engaging with each Scripture passage:
Read: Read the passage.
Think: Consider the meaning of the passage in context.
Live: Apply the passage to your life.
Pray: Ask God for wisdom in understanding and living out His word through the Holy Spirit.
Worship with us on Resurrection Sunday
April 5 at Velocity Church