Lent 40-Day Prayer and Fasting

 

Additional Prayer and Fasting Guidelines will be available on the church website

on March 1, 2025, and are available on Sundays from the ushers.

 

First Baptist Church will move into a Lent 40-Day Prayer and Fasting action in which we abstain from social media, junk food, and fried foods. It’s voluntarily going without food to focus on God. It gives God control of your heart, mind, body, and soul in order to pray, read, and meditate on the Word of God in a new and powerful way.

 

The Prayer and Fast Hours Include:

Between the hours of Sunrise (5:50 AM) to Sunset (7:50 PM)

from March 10 – April 18, 2025.

 

We Ask That You

 

Abstain from Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn): Unless it is job-related, fast from social media to:

·         improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety,

·         enhance focus and productivity by minimizing distractions,

·         fosters better relationships by being more present with friends and loved ones.

 

Avoid Junk Food: Fasting from eating junk food can significantly improve your overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases leading to better energy levels, clearer skin, improved mood, and better cognitive function. 

 

Avoid Fried Food: Fasting from fried food can significantly improve your overall health by potentially leading to weight loss, better heart health, reduced inflammation, improved blood sugar control, and a decreased risk of chronic diseases.

 

Instead, Do This

 

Read/Listen to the Word of God at Least 30 Minutes a Day. Reading or listening to the Word of God can significantly improve your spiritual focus and allow you to experience a heightened sense of connection with the Lord.

 

Pray at Least 30 minutes a Day. Praying more improves your focus and deepens your connection with God, by creating a heightened sense of devotion and allowing for more focused reflection on your spiritual needs. 

 

Walk a Mile (~2000 steps) Each Day.  Walking can help improve your focus, mental clarity, and overall spiritual connection by providing a physical movement that complements inward reflection.

 

Engage in Acts of Service, Reaching Out to Others in Need. When we hear God's voice, it often points towards serving others. Reach out to those in your circle who are in need.

 

A Recommended Prayer to Start

Lord, help me to joyfully give up earthly pleasures and the desires of the flesh so that my prayers may be more powerful and effective. In Jesus’ name I pray. Gaining God’s vision and wisdom becomes clear only when the church is engaged in spiritual practice.