We all have someone we are praying for as Revival Nights approach.
A son or daughter. A friend who has walked away from God. A marriage that needs healing. Someone who looks fine but is quietly losing hope.
We are asking God to meet them—to save, restore, heal and bring them home.
But before we ask God to move in someone else’s heart, we are placing our own hearts before Him.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Joel 2:12 NIV
God’s invitation is not to perform for Him. It is to return to Him.
That is why we are setting aside time to pray and fast together.
WHY DO WE FAST?
Biblical fasting is intentionally going without food for a period of time so we can seek God through prayer.
Fasting does not earn God’s attention or make Him more willing to answer us. It changes our posture, not His character.
Most of us rarely allow ourselves to feel empty. When we feel hungry, uncomfortable or restless, we quickly reach for food, our phones or another distraction. Fasting interrupts that habit. It allows our physical hunger to remind us of a deeper truth:
I need Jesus more than I need this.
The goal is not simply to go without food.
The goal is to turn our attention toward God.
HOW DO I FAST?
If fasting is new to you, keep it simple.
Choose a specific meal or period of time to go without food. You might skip lunch, fast from sunrise to sunset or choose another food-based fast that is appropriate for you.
Then decide how you will use the space you are creating.
- Spend the time you would normally use for a meal in prayer.
- Read a passage of Scripture slowly.
- Turn off your phone and sit quietly with God.
- Write down what He brings to your attention.
- Pray by name for someone who needs Jesus.
When hunger comes, let it become a call to prayer:
Jesus, I need You. Speak to me. Change me. Help me hear You.
If fasting from food is not medically safe for you, seek appropriate medical guidance and set aside another regular comfort or distraction so you can devote that time to God.
WHAT SHOULD I PRAY?
Begin with your own heart.
Ask God:
- What do I need to surrender?
- Where have I become distracted or spiritually tired?
- Is there sin I need to confess?
- Is there someone I need to forgive?
- What is my next yes to Jesus?
Then pray for the person you are carrying. Say their name. Ask God to meet them wherever they are and soften their heart toward Him.
Pray for The Creek, for everyone who will walk through our doors and for God to move throughout London, Somerset, Williamsburg and communities across Kentucky.
WHAT IF I MESS UP?
You may forget and eat something. You may struggle more than you expected. Do not turn fasting into a scorecard.
The goal is not a perfect fast. The goal is a heart that keeps returning to God.
When you struggle, simply begin again. Even your weakness can become a reminder that you need Him.
BEGIN WITH ME
We are asking God to prepare us for His purpose.
God, bring home the people we love.
Restore what is broken.
Bring hope to those who are barely holding on.
But while we wait for You to move in them, begin Your work in us.
Search our hearts.
Awaken what has grown tired.
And give us the courage to say yes to whatever You ask.
We are making room for God.
And we are asking Him to begin with us.
