Prayer and fasting are not religious obligations; they are relational practices. They slow us down. They quiet competing voices. They help us say, in both word and action, “Lord, we need You.”

As a church family, I want to encourage and challenge each of us to dedicate extra time and attention to prayer and fasting during the first week of the new year. This doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it may mean skipping a meal. For others, simplifying food choices, fasting from media, or setting aside intentional moments of silence and prayer throughout the day. What matters most is not the method, but the posture of our hearts.

Fasting doesn’t make God more willing to speak—it makes us more willing to listen.

Prayer doesn’t change God’s character—it changes us.

When we pray and fast together, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and create space for Him to lead us as individuals and as a church. As part of this focus, I want to invite you—along with your family, friends, and loved ones—to join us on Monday night, January 5th at 6:00pm for a special time devoted entirely to prayer and worship.

This gathering will be outside of our regular worship schedule, intentionally set apart so we can slow down, seek the Lord, and listen for His voice together. There will be no pressure, no agenda beyond creating room for God to speak and move. It will be a time to worship, to pray, to intercede, and to simply be in His presence.

I encourage you not only to attend, but to invite someone to come with you—a friend, a family member, a neighbor—anyone who may be hungry for hope, direction, or renewal as the year begins.

As your pastor, my prayer is that we would not rush into this year relying on our own strength, plans, or assumptions—but that we would begin by saying, “Lord, lead us.” When we seek Him first, He faithfully orders what follows.

Let’s begin this year together—praying, fasting, listening, and trusting God for what He wants to do in us and through us. I’m looking forward to seeking the Lord with you.