It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by. As I write this article Christmas is just a few days away and our Christmas program a couple of days away. The church is full of activity as the play is being rehearsed and work is continuing on the kitchen. Special thanks to Rob Taylor and Ben Clark for their hard work. What is nice is that after the Christmas play things are usually very quiet here at the church. It gives me a chance to catch up on some things before the New Year kicks in.

The Lord has laid on my heart for this New Year to call the church to a time of prayer and fasting. It will start on Monday January 4th until Sunday January 24th. This may be new or overwhelming to you but I believe if you will bear with me I can make it possible for all of us.

First of all, let’s examine the issue of prayer. I will be asking all of us to place on a sheet of paper two needs you have in your life right now where you would like to see change this year. These will be collected and made into a master list. Then I am asking that everyone take this list and pray for as much of it as you can everyday for 21 days. (Now if you miss a day just pick it up the next day and keep going.) Some days you may only have 10 minutes other days more but let’s all covenant to pray for these items during the 21 days. As we read in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Secondly, let’s look at fasting. To be honest, I used to fast quite a lot when I was first in the Lord. Over the years I have continued to do so at times but not as often. (I hope you still respect me.) Fasting can take many forms. You can fast one meal a day. You can fast TV. It is important that we do not fast with a “works mentality” but with an understanding it helps us to hear more clearly from the Lord and also scripture commends it. During the time of fasting from food or something else, take the time to pray through the list of needs of your church family and for your own situation.

I do not want this time of Prayer and Fasting to feel like works or a burden. It should be joyful because we are expecting “God to arise and our enemies scattered.” I believe the Lord to move “suddenly” on our behalf this New Year. Praise God!!!

Pastor Phil