Dear Grace,
Happy New Year! I trust and pray that no matter how you ended 2025, that the promises and presence of God are a source of hope and nourishment to you. Looking back on the week following Christmas Eve into New Year’s Day, I am so grateful for the numerous touchpoint we had as a church family. There were some sweet moments of worship, sharing, blessing, praying, and learning!
We are a few days into the first week of our annual 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. The journals we put together flew. Almost 2000 hard copies were taken by hungry and eager worshipers. Can you imagine how God will come in so many different ways and times as we individually and collectively make room for Him?
During seasons of fasting (21 Days, Lent, corporate fasts), a common way of connecting is to ask, “What are you fasting from?” I don’t think that’s a helpful question. It causes us to lose sight of the purpose of fasting – to get more of God. Fasting isn’t just about taking something away, but about taking something out, so that we can put something in: Word, prayer, fellowship. A better question might be, “How are you making room for God?” Then an answer can contain what you’re fasting from, and what practice you’re taking up.
By all means, don’t refrain from asking each other. The curiosity and attention we give to one another can be a great source of encouragement and accountability.
How is the week unfolding for you as you make room? If you’re feeling like “nothing’s happening”, don’t lose heart. It’s not necessarily that you’re doing something wrong. Remember, the fasting and prayer is not a religious formula we’re employing, but a way to pay more attention to God as He comes to us. That’s the part we can’t control – God has to come. It’s his move to make as we make room. Stay committed to making room and being present to His grace.
I remember what Nehu shared in her story we shared during the sermon. She noted that the first week was just normal. Reading the Word, praying…then something changed. Scales fell from her eyes. She stayed faithful to making room, waiting for, and in the longing. Then God came. It took time for her soul to acclimate to the pulses of God’s grace. Remember, we were created to commune with Him. He will come.
If you’re just coming around to waking up to the New Year and missed last Sunday’s launch, jump in today (18 Days of Prayer and Fasting is better than nothing)! You can download the journal here and start, then pick up a hard copy on Sunday. Remember, the prayer room is open and we have various prayer gatherings for accountability and community as the days progress.
New for this year is that we are coming together on the last Friday of the 21 Days (January 23, 7-9P in the Warehouse) to respond to the Lord in worship and praise. I think with all building spiritual fervor, it’s going to be an incredible time worshiping who has come.
In case you missed it, Re-Engage, one of our primary spaces to grow and deepen marriage, begins next Wednesday, January 14. Tonight and tomorrow are what we call Taste events. It will be a chance to come and see what the content is, who the leaders are, and get a sense of God’s invitation to you this semester. Sarah and I have the had the opportunity to teach a session, and we always come away with an appreciation for the community and the content. This semester, we’ll have a rotation of pastors, elders, and directors sharing about various topics. Go to the webpage for more information.
This Sunday we start a new series going through the book of Hebrews. As I was writing the sermon today, there were some moments where my heart just soared as words flew off the keyboard. I was captivated by the idea that God has revealed his glory and his nature to us in the person, life, and work of Jesus. Mind-blowing, and I can’t wait to behold it together this weekend. Hebrews 1 is just so perfect to continue to ignite our longings and desires for God as we pray and fast.
Let’s be in prayer for Melissa, who had a bad fall and is recovering. Let’s ask God for full recovery. Amanda has a pretty significant surgery next week, and it requires a long fast. Pray for endurance and provision. (One day I’ll talk about the fasts we don’t choose.) Dave is coming upon the first anniversary of June’s passing, and several others are grieving unexpected losses. May God come near to the brokenhearted as He promises.
As you get back into the swing of things, be kind to yourself. Go at the pace of God (if you’re not sure what that is, it’s probably a few clicks slower than your pace now).
See you Sunday (or sooner)!