A Week of Prayer and Fasting is is how we have started our year of ministry at St Mark’s in recent times. A dedicated period of prayer is pretty straightforward, especially as we commit our plans and desires to God before sinking our energy into making it all happen. Clearly, unless he blesses our efforts, they won’t come to much (Psalm 127:1-2).
But it is a Week of Prayer and Fasting, so I attach a detailed list of prayer points for the week and a background paper about the spiritual practice of fasting.
We will launch the Week of Prayer and Fasting in our services on Sunday 4 February, but the week itself will run mid-week from Monday 5 to Friday 9 February. Each day there will be at least a couple of prayer meetings to come to, at church and online, as follows:
Monday 5 February
Morning prayer (7.30-8.00am): In church; with special focus on healing, caring for ageing parents, children, etc
Lunchtime prayer (1:00-1:30pm): Online; with special focus on healing, caring for ageing parents, children, etc
Meeting ID: 4430355970, Passcode: Prayer24
Tuesday 6 February
Lunchtime prayer (1.00-1:30pm): Online
Meeting ID: 4430355970, Passcode: Prayer24
Evening (7:30-9:00pm): In church, Alpha training and prayer
Wednesday 7 February
Lunchtime prayer (1.00-1.30pm): Online
Meeting ID: 4430355970, Passcode: Prayer24
Evening (7.30-8.30pm): In hall, Whole church prayer night, with special focus on wholeheartedly following Jesus, and our mission partners (get the mission partner prayer points)
Thursday 8 February
Morning prayer (7.30-8:00am): In church: special focus on family members not walking with the Lord
Lunchtime prayer (1.00-1.30pm): Online
Meeting ID: 4430355970, Passcode: Prayer24
Friday 9 February
Lunchtime prayer (1.00-1.30pm): Online, special focus on schools and young people
Meeting ID: 4430355970, Passcode: Prayer24
At Alive (Youth): for Alive members only
How should I be involved?
Some of us will be able to be involved more in the Week of Prayer and Fasting, and some less so. We don’t want you to feel guilty for what you can’t do, and want you to feel joy in what you can do. But for starters:
Give fasting a go in some form across the week. I personally plan to fast from all food across some days, and have one simple meal on other days, depending on the requirements of the day
Aim to join in for at least one of the corporate prayer meetings. If you can come to more, all the better!
Use the list of prayer points for focussed private prayers. You might also like to use the prayer points in your households, with housemates, spouses and/or children.