Encouraged Fasting

Biblical fasting is the intentional refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. The goal is to enter into deeper communion with God in our withdrawal from food. Pastor Jon Tyson once wrote, "Fasting is designed to shift our focus from our bodies to our spirits and from our flesh to our Father." 

There are two types of recommended and biblical fasts:

  1. Normal Fast: Still take in liquids, but you stop eating to turn your energy and attention to prayer, Scripture reading, and other spiritual activities. 

  2. Partial Fast: Refrain from certain categories of foods or specific meals. In this model, one is still receiving sustenance but rejecting food that brings joy (Daniel 10:3, for example). 

So how should you fast this week? First: consider your lifestyle. Although fasting for short periods of time is generally considered safe, you should consider any medical conditions you might have before fasting. Also consider your workload and remember that fasting from food will result in less physical energy. Second: commit. Whether you choose a normal fast or a partial fast, the most important part is that you commit to it. Normal and partial fasts are both biblical and effective means in leaning closer into the Lord and seeing breakthrough in your life, in our church, and in our city. 

Daily Prayer & Devotional Rhythms 

  1. Devotional Resources: Every Nation has created devotional resources to help guide you through the Week of Prayer, Fasting, & Consecration. We will be handing out devotional guides this Sunday (Jan. 5th) for you to use during the week, but this guide is also available on the Every Nation App. There are also some family guides from Every Nation available this Sunday as well to help get everyone in the home involved. Additionally, you will also receive a daily email from the church with a link to a devotional video from an Every Nation leader. 

  2. Midday Prayer at GCHQ: We encourage you to join us for midday prayer at our office space (GCHQ) located at 250 Country Club Rd., Eugene, OR 97401. Prayer will go from 12-12:40 PM and will cover a variety of local, national, and global topics and needs. 

  3. Evening Prayer at GCHQ: Our second, daily prayer gathering will happen at 7 PM at GCHQ. During this time, we will sing a couple of songs and pray through topics and focuses like at our noon gatherings. GCHQ is located at 250 Country Club Rd., Eugene, OR 97401.

Prayer & Worship Night

We will conclude our week and break our fast together with communion at a night of prayer and worship on Friday, January 10th at 5:30 PM. This night will include a full band leading us in worship, ministry moments, and continued prayer opportunities. Childcare is provided through the form of a movie with oversight. 

This year’s gathering will take place at the church building at 2533 Crescent Ave, Eugene, OR 97408. After the gathering, we encourage you to go out to dinner with another church member or family for an extended time of fellowship.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to hello@gracecityeugene.com!