Prayer and Fasting Devotional

How to use the devotional and prayer guide

This devotional and prayer guide is for you to use over the 7 days. It includes some bible verses that have been selected to best assist you while you pray and fast, a short devotional to encourage you and some reflection questions for you to consider. It finishes with a prayer.

It is a guide only, so feel free to use it how you like, for each day of your fast, click on the corresponding buttons below and it will take you to the day's devotion.

Day 1: Reaching Our Community

Theme:

Praying for the church’s mission to impact and serve the local community.

Scriptures:

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV):

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Acts 1:8 (NIV):

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Devotional:

Lara is more than where we live; it’s where God has placed us to shine His light. At Lifeway, we’re called to show the love of Jesus in tangible ways, through kindness, service, and sharing the hope of the gospel. Think about the families in our neighbourhood, the workers in our shops, and the students in our schools—how many of them are waiting for someone to introduce them to the love of Christ? Today, let’s ask God to give us hearts that break for the lost and boldness to take action.

Reflective Questions:

What are some practical ways I can let my light shine in my local community this week?
Who in my neighbourhood or workplace is God calling me to reach out to with love and kindness?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for placing Lifeway Christian Church in the heart of Lara. Open our eyes to see the needs of our neighbours and give us courage to step out in love. Help us to be a light in our community, showing Your goodness through our words and actions. Stir in us a passion for the lost and a heart for those who don’t yet know You. Use us to make an eternal impact, so that Your name is glorified in Lara. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Something practical:

Distribute your Alpha flyers within your neighbourhood, and pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to coming along.

Day 2: Spiritual Renewal and Personal Repentance

Theme:

Seeking personal and collective spiritual renewal through repentance.

Scriptures:

Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV):

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me willing spirit, to sustain me.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV):

“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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Devotional:

At Lifeway, we want to be a church that’s alive in Christ, but this starts with each of us. Renewal happens when we come before God with open hearts, acknowledging the areas where we’ve fallen short and asking Him to transform us. It’s not about guilt but about grace—the kind of grace that cleanses and empowers us to walk in newness of life. Today, let’s invite God to do a fresh work in us. Imagine how our church would look if every one of us carried the joy and freedom of a renewed heart!

Reflective Questions:

Are there areas of my life where I need to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration?
How can I invite the Holy Spirit to renew my heart and mind daily?

Prayer:

Gracious God, we come to You with humble hearts, asking for Your forgiveness and renewal. Cleanse us from anything that hinders our relationship with You. Restore our joy and strengthen our faith. Lord, make us vessels of Your grace, filled with Your Spirit and ready to follow Your will. Revive Lifeway as a church, that we may shine with the beauty of Your holiness. Thank You for the gift of new beginnings and the power of Your transforming love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 3: Unity in the Church

Theme:

Praying for a spirit of unity and love within the church body.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 4:3 (NIV):

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

John 17:23 (NIV):

“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Devotional:

Lifeway is a family, and like any family, we sometimes face challenges. But when we live in unity, loving one another despite our differences, the world takes notice. Jesus prayed for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that our unity would reflect His glory. Let’s pray for a spirit of love, humility, and understanding within our church. Imagine the impact if every person who walked into Lifeway felt the unshakeable bond of Christ’s love among us!

Reflective Questions:

How can I actively contribute to unity and peace within the church?
Are there any relationships in the church that I need to mend or nurture?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You prayed that we would be one as You and the Father are one. Unite our hearts as Lifeway, so that the world may see Your love in us. Help us to be patient and kind with one another, bearing with each other in love. Strengthen our relationships and remind us that we are one body, called to one hope. May our unity glorify You and draw others to Your Kingdom. Thank You for the gift of fellowship and the bond of peace we share in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4: Strength for Leaders and Servants

Theme:

Lifting up church leaders, volunteers, and servants for strength and guidance.

Scriptures:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Hebrews 13:17 (NIV):

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Devotional:

Lifeway’s leaders are a gift from God, tirelessly serving so that our church can thrive. They carry a massive weight of responsibility yet they face challenges just like you and me. These can range from relational pressures, financial struggles, and to spiritual battles and to just feeling physically exhausted. As we pray today, let’s lift up our Pastors, Elders, Business team, Life group Leaders, Ministry leaders, and every person who serves in the church. Let’s ask God to refresh and sustain them, giving them wisdom and joy in their roles. When our leaders are strengthened, the whole church benefits.

Reflective Questions:

How can I support and encourage the leaders and servants in our church?
Am I willing to step into serving where there is a need in our church community?

Something practical:

Send a message (email/SMS) to a leader to encourage them.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for the leaders and volunteers at Lifeway who serve faithfully and with love. As I pray, would you bring each to my mind so I may lift them up to you today. Strengthen them with Your power, refresh their spirits, and fill them with wisdom and joy. Protect them from evil and discouragement and guide them as they lead us in Your ways. Lord, raise up more people in our church and send to us those who can partner with us in the work of Your Kingdom. We trust that You will equip each of us for the tasks You’ve called us to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 5: Intercession for Families and Relationships

Theme:

Praying for the strengthening of families and restoration of relationships.

Scriptures:

Joshua 24:15 (NIV):

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV):

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Devotional:

The families at Lifeway are precious to God, but we know that relationships can face struggles. As we intercede today, let’s pray for healing where there’s hurt, for communication where there’s silence, provision where there is a lack, healing where there is a need and for God’s peace to reign in every household. Let’s also pray for parents and children in Lara, asking God to strengthen family units and help them reflect His love to the community.

Reflective Questions:

Are there any relationships in my life that need God’s healing or restoration?
How can I intentionally pray for and support my family to grow closer to God?

Prayer:

Lord, we lift up the families of Lara and our Lifeway community to You. Strengthen marriages, restore broken relationships, and bring peace to every household. Help parents to lead their children in Your ways and give children hearts of love and respect for their parents. Where there is hurt, bring healing; where there is division, bring unity. We trust You to work miracles in our relationships and to help us reflect Your love in our homes. Thank You for being the foundation of our families. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 6: Breakthroughs and Miracles

Theme:

Asking God for breakthroughs in health, provision, and personal challenges.

Scriptures:

Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV):

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

Mark 11:24 (NIV):

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Devotional:

At Lifeway, we’ve seen God do incredible things. Today, let’s come before Him boldly, asking for breakthroughs in areas that seem impossible. Whether it’s healing, financial provision, or a spiritual revival, nothing is too hard for Him. Let’s also pray for miracles in Lara—healing for the sick, hope for the hopeless, and salvation for the lost. Our God is faithful and able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!

Reflective Questions:

What breakthrough am I trusting God for during this season of prayer and fasting?
Do I fully trust God’s power and timing in answering my prayers?

Prayer:

Mighty God, we thank You that nothing is impossible for You. We come before You today with faith, asking for breakthroughs and miracles. Bring healing to those who are sick, provision to those in need, and hope to those who feel lost. Lord, move powerfully in Lara and in our church. Show us Your glory and let Your works be a testimony of Your power and love. Thank You for being our refuge and strength, a God who answers prayer. We trust in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 7: Vision for the Future

Theme:

Seeking God’s vision and direction for the church in the coming year.

Scriptures:

Proverbs 29:18 (NIV):

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV):

“Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.’”

Devotional:

As we close this week of prayer and fasting, let’s focus on the future. God has incredible plans for Lifeway and for Lara, but we must seek His guidance to walk in His will. What is He calling us to in 2025? How can we make room for more people to encounter Jesus? Let’s pray for clarity, courage, God's provision and faith as we step into the new year, trusting that His plans for us are good.

Reflective Questions:

What vision has God placed on my heart for my personal life and for our church?
How can I be faithful in taking steps toward that vision, trusting God with the outcome?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for all You’ve done at Lifeway and in Lara. As we look to the future, we seek Your guidance and wisdom. Show us the plans You have for us, and give us faith to follow wherever You lead. Help us to dream big for Your Kingdom and to walk in step with Your Spirit. Lord, we surrender our plans to You and trust in Your faithfulness. Bless Lifeway as we step into 2025, continue to grow us, provide for us and draw us closer to you and may everything we do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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