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Thank you so much for joining us for our Week of Prayer and Fasting, as we come together to ask God to bless our finances so we can continue His amazing work without holding back! You can find out more in our invitation to get involved. here.

We’ve created resources to help you pray and reflect on God’s Word – whether on your own, with others, with family, or as part of a group.

We’ll send a launch message after this Sunday’s service. Then, from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June, each day’s prayer points, scripture, and suggested activities will be emailed early each morning to everyone on our database as a helpful reminder to prepare for the day ahead.

Thank you for joining with us, trusting that God will release all the resources needed for the vision He has given us.

Why fast
Fasting helps us pray deeper, shows how much we want God’s will, and invites His power in tough times. If you’re new, start simple – try skipping one meal. It’s not about earning answers but opening your heart to God’s grace. Read more about what fasting is and how to do it safely here!
Sunday 1 June – Thank God for His grace and favour, and pray for the provision to continue this work.
Today we launch our week of prayer and fasting during both Sunday services, and we encourage you to take part in whatever way you can.

Things to do:
As we begin this week, take some time to talk with your family and church community about what prayer and fasting mean and why we practise them. Together, decide what you will give up this week and how you will set aside time to seek God’s guidance for our church family. Encourage one another and offer support throughout the week as you grow in faith together.
Monday 2 June – Aligning with God’s vision through prayer.
Begin aligning with God’s vision through prayer by expressing a heart that seeks His holiness, His kingdom, and His will above all else.

Today’s scripture: Matthew 6:9-10
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer focus:
Thank God for His favour and growth we’ve seen in our church.
Ask God for clarity of vision and continued alignment with His purposes.
Pray that our hearts and minds remain united in His vision and that His Will be done above all else.  

Things to do:
Why not take five minutes to journal your response to this question: ‘God, what part do You want me to play in your vision for our church?’ Write whatever comes to your heart – no filter, just honesty.

If you have children, encourage them to keep a journal too, or draw a picture. Help them to note anything they feel God is saying throughout the week.  
Tuesday 3 June – Recognising the battle and standing strong in the Lord.
Acknowledge the spiritual opposition we face and draw strength from God.

Today’s scripture: Ephesians 6:10–13
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Prayer focus:
Acknowledge the spiritual warfare affecting our financial flow.
Pray for discernment and spiritual authority over the enemy’s tactics.
Declare God’s power over every obstacle in Jesus’ name.

Things to do:
Pray through the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Take 2-3 minutes to intentionally ‘put on’ each piece – praying for strength, truth, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s Word to guard and guide you throughout the day. Remember, this isn’t just for this week. It’s a daily practice to help you stand firm and stay spiritually prepared for every challenge.

If you have children, encourage them to make a shield and declare that Jesus has victory over everything.  
Wednesday 4 June – Praying for breakthrough.
Pray for breakthrough in areas where progress has been hindered, especially financially.

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NIV)
18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.

Prayer focus:
Ask God to remove any spiritual blockages or obstacles that hinder our progress.
Pray for wisdom and clarity, and ask God to open doors of opportunity so that the resources we need may be released.
Ask for God’s favour and blessing on the funding bids we’re submitting and declare that the floodgates of provision will be opened with abundance.

Things to do:
Listen to a worship song such as ‘Here and Now’ by Taking Ground Music as a declaration that God is present and powerful in your battle. As you worship, pray: “Lord, I stand strong in Your presence – here and now – trusting in Your power over every opposition.”

This is a great activity to do with children too – so turn up the music and praise and worship God!
Thursday 5 June – Trusting in God’s provision.
Call on God as your provider, and place your full trust in His faithfulness.

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Prayer focus:
Pray for a supernatural release of resources for the work of the gospel.
Thank God for His promise to supply all our needs.
Ask for divine connections and financial favour.

Things to do:
We run some incredible community projects, such as Open Well and The Shack, which are making a real difference in some of our most disadvantaged communities. Why not find out a bit more about them or plan a visit to one of our community groceries in South Bank or Ragworth? They’d love to see you! You don’t need to do visit today, but try to make time over the next few weeks to visit, learn more, and pray for God’s provision and blessing on these ministries.

If you have children, why not help them write a short simple prayer about something they are thankful for.
Friday 6 June – Giving generously and growing in faith.
Pray that as we give, our faith will grow, and others will be inspired to do the same.

Today’s scripture: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Prayer focus:
Bless those who give – pray for their faith to be strengthened and rewarded.
Thank God for the spirit of generosity within our church, and ask that it continues to bear fruit.
Praise God that when we give, He gives back even more.

Things to do: Take a moment throughout the day to thank God for His blessings and the generous spirit within our church.

If you have children, why not encourage them to do something kind for someone else – make a card, help with housework, or share a toy. Talk about how loving others is a way to say ‘thank You’ to Jesus.
Saturday 7 June – Advancing the Gospel.
Focus on the mission – asking God to empower and resource us to continue spreading His Word.

Today’s scripture: Romans 10:13–15
13 for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Prayer focus:
Pray that financial provision would directly fuel gospel impact.
Lift up specific ministries, outreach efforts, and locations such as Open Well, the Shack, Stockton and Middlesbrough Connect, Easterside, and all the opportunities in and around Eaglescliffe.
Ask for doors to open in new communities and across the Tees Valley.

Things to do:
Why not take a prayer walk today – whether it’s a peaceful stroll outside, a longer walk with friends and family, or even a quiet time of prayer as you move about your home. Let your heart connect with the beauty around you, and pray for God to empower us and open new doors to share the gospel in our communities.

A prayer walk is a great way to share God’s wonder and splendour with children and young people, so why not invite friends and family to join you?
Sunday 8 June – Declaring victory and giving thanks.
We end the week of prayer and fasting in praise, declaring victory in faith and thanking God for His abundant favour.

Today’s scripture: Psalm 145:1-3
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and praise your name for ever and ever.Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Prayer focus:
Thank God for what He is doing and will do.
Declare that breakthrough will come.  
Pray for ongoing faith, obedience, and vision for the future.  

Things to do:
On this final day of our week of prayer and fasting, take a few moments to write down or speak aloud a declaration of victory and thanksgiving. Keep it somewhere safe so you can look back on it in the future! Praise God for the breakthroughs you’ve seen – or believe He is bringing – and commit to trusting Him with faith and obedience as you move forward.

If you have children, encourage them draw a thanksgiving picture.  

Here’s a printable version of of the prayer and fasting plan too.

Fasting

Fasting, according to the Bible, means voluntarily reducing or eliminating your intake of food for a specific time and purposeIt is a spiritual discipline that is taught throughout the Bible. During Jesus’s time on earth, fasting was a normal part of His rhythm of prayer.

Why Fast?

  • Fasting gives you more time for prayer.
    You can use the time you’d normally spend eating as time in prayer, seeking what God wants to do among us. In the Bible, fasting is always connected with prayer. In Acts 13:2–3, we read: “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (NIV)
  • Fasting demonstrates the depth of your desire when praying.
    It shows that you are serious enough about your prayer request to make a personal sacrifice. God honours sincere desire and prayers made in faith.
  • Fasting releases God’s supernatural power.
    It is a spiritual tool we can use when facing opposition to God’s will. Satan would like nothing more than to cause division, discouragement, defeat, depression, and doubt among us. United prayer and fasting has often been used by God to strike a decisive blow against the enemy.

Two Cautions

  • Fasting is not a way to “earn” an answer to prayer.
    God cannot be manipulated by human effort. He desires to answer our prayers and does so by His grace. Fasting simply prepares our hearts to receive His answer.
  • Fast only if your health allows it.
    If a complete fast is not suitable for you, consider a partial fast. Do what you can in faith, and God will honour your intention.

Types of Fasting

  • Partial Fast (recommended for most)
    Typically involves fasting for part of the day – such as the morning, afternoon, or evening – or abstaining from a one meal a day such as breakfast, lunch, or tea.
  • Complete Fast
    Abstaining from all food and drinking only water. (Note: If you are new to fasting, you may wish to begin with a partial or liquid fast.)
  • Liquid Fast
    Abstain from all solid food, but allow liquids such as smoothies, fresh juices, and puréed soups.

If fasting is new to you, we encourage you to give it a try—perhaps starting with a partial fast. Fasting is not a requirement, but it is a valuable spiritual discipline that can deepen your relationship with God.