In less than one week, 21 Days of Prayer begins. Tammy and I are looking so forward to it! We know the difference it’s made in our lives personally and we really want to encourage you to join us.
If you’re not familiar with 21 Days of Prayer, it is a time we set aside twice a year to prioritize prayer and fasting. We’ve done various prayer emphases over the years, but in 2020 we started physically gathering together each morning as a church. Monday through Friday we meet at 6:00 a.m. and on Saturdays we meet at 9:00 a.m. We’ll worship, hear a short devotional from one of our pastors, spend time in individual prayer, and close out in corporate prayer. You’ll be out by 7:00 a.m. on the weekdays and 10:00 a.m. on the weekends.
I cannot tell you all the God-stories that have come out of these seasons! There is something so special about getting up early and coming together in prayer before the day begins.
Our 21-day emphasis starts this Sunday. We’ll have a dedicated prayer time at the end of the service. Then, Monday morning will be our first 6:00 a.m. service. That means you have four days to prepare!
What do I mean when I say “prepare”? I’m glad you asked! First, I encourage you to fast from something for 21 days. Fasting is simply giving up something you love for Someone you love more. Start praying now about what you will fast. Maybe giving up social media would really help you focus on God. Maybe a food fast of some sort would help you prioritize prayer. Decide now what you will do so that you will be ready to start on Sunday.
Second, think about what you want to pray about. Do you have a specific need? Is there a family member that doesn’t know the Lord? Do you need wisdom on an upcoming decision? Maybe make a list, that way you’ll be able to be consistent, focused, and you’ll be able to recognize when God answers. Leave room for God to do the unexpected, to redirect your list, and to answer in ways you didn’t expect. Coming to Him asking Him what He wants to do through the 21 days is so much better than trying to tell Him what to do.
Third, think about your schedule. What is it going to take for you to participate? Do you need to adjust your work hours? Do you need to scale back on your evening plans so that you can go to bed at a decent time? Do you need to lay out clothes each night for your kids (or even yourself!)?
Choosing to make these 21 days a priority will require some planning! While you can “wing it,” I’ve seen from experience that those who make good plans are usually those who stay the most consistent throughout. As with a lot of things in life, you get out of it what you put in. You can do anything for 21 days! It will be so worth any sacrifice to experience God in a fresh way in your life.
For those who cannot physically meet each morning, the services are streamed live and will be left up online for 23 hours. If you can’t do 6:00 a.m., pick a time you can do. Find a space where you’ll be uninterrupted and where you can get alone with God and spend quality time with Him.
We all have needs, wants, hurts, and dry seasons. Praise God that He is our Provider, our good, good Father, our Healer, and our Living Water. He has over and abundant what we lack or desire. You will not regret setting aside these 21 days to join with your church family in seeking Him!
See you Sunday!