Fast and Implore our God
Fast and Implore our God
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. - Ezra 8:21-23
Finally, the bags are packed, everyone has used the restroom and gotten in the car with everything we think we will need on our trip. We're leaving well passed our pre-determined departure time, but that's normal. The moment after the huffing, and hauling, and Tetris-like suitcase packing is golden, before we start the engine and pull away. Now, in this moment, we pray. We pray for God's protection on the journey. We pray for his provision. We pray that all would go well and that we would arrive safely at the place where he will take us.
For RIC, we want to do the same. The journey of 2026 is held by our sovereign God. He has a great plan for his church, his bride. She will be washed with the water of the word, sanctified, made ready for the marriage of the Lamb. He will love her through challenges and bless her with all that she needs to enjoy Jesus more and more.
From now until January 31, I invite you to join me in seeking the Lord's favor for our journey this year. Through fasting and praying, will you seek the Lord with me?
Fasting: consciously deny yourself something as a reminder that it is God who sustains you, who cares for you, who holds your life, and who supplies all your needs. This can be a meal, a certain food, or a drink. Or it can be a change to your regular rhythms. Replace an hour of TV in the evening with an hour of prayer; power down your phone for an hour to focus on prayer and God's Word. Some even choose to sleep on the floor rather than on their bed to remind them to be in prayer.
Prayer: Pray the Word of God with others. You are part of a church family. Who will you pray with? Tuesday evenings at 8:00, we will gather on Zoom to pray. Join us there to pray with your church. Sunday mornings, 10:00-10:15, join in person to pray.
Together, let's seek our God and re-dedicate ourselves to trusting him with the year ahead.
- Pastor Loren
Join us in prayer:
Tuesdays, Jan 13, 20, 27 @ 8:00 on Zoom
Sundays at church 10:00-10:15
get in touch for more details
