Week of prayer & fasting!

So the week of prayer & fasting at our church starts on Sunday.  Noah's already on his knees in prayer.  No, he's actually sleeping, but his pose reminded me being on your knees before the Lord- laying everything bare before Him.  Pouring out our heart to Him.  Daily.  But there is something unique about taking a week to deny the physical to seek the spiritual.  I love that we do this at the beginning of the new year.  Every day can be a fresh, clean start in God's economy, but it just feels so healthy to start the new year off setting a big chuck of time & distractions aside to talk to the Lord & praise Him more than I otherwise would.  Everyone's fast can look different, and, really, its just between that person & the Lord.  I just want to send out a little invite if anyone wants to join us for however long works for you.  There are people all over Corvallis, Oregon, across the country & even in Brazil participating.  Could you fast from watching your favorite show for a day or week to spend time in prayer, in His word, or in praise?  Perhaps you could do a food fast for a day?  Whatever the Lord leads you to do, He will bless.  It could be a time of personal revival or refining.  I decided to make a list of specific things I want to pray for.  One day will be my family, another day will be a family friend who is not doing well, another day will be for my church leadership, another day might be for my personal weaknesses, sin & struggles, etc.  

"Our city is in desperate need of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Souls are oppressed by sin. Families are broken by divorce and suicide. Lives are smashed by addiction. People are “under the influence” of the god of this world, Satan. Some have been swayed by the dope of materialism, greed and ego. Others have been duped by the instant gratification of sin, iniquity and idolatry. We are a city under bondage. The prison cell is locked and barred. But the time has come to break the chains, to cry out to God for revival and to watch the “Son” rise on our dreary city and flood our souls with the warm light of Hope."  -- Calvary Corvallis

Here's a link to some more info on fasting.  (If you've never done a food fast before or have special medical conditions, consult your doctor first!)

Remember, the whole point of this is prayer.  We live in a spiritual world & we need to be protected with His armor.

^"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—"  - Ephesians 6:10-18