Preparing for the Corporate Fast

Dear Church Family,

I’m thrilled to invite you to join me in a two-week corporate prayer and fast—a special time for our congregation to draw nearer to God, seek His direction, and experience His power in a fresh way. Fasting and prayer are life-changing disciplines when practiced individually, but they can be even more impactful when we come together in unity.

We will begin praying and seeking God on what kind of fast and the "why" of our fast Jan 12th through Jan 19th. The on Jan 19th our two week fast will begin through Feb 3rd. 

Below, you’ll find key points to help each of us prepare our hearts, minds, and bodies for this season of prayerful dedication.

1. Understand the Purpose
Before beginning any fast, let’s clarify our “why.” Are we seeking God’s direction for our church, ministry, family, or personal life? Longing for revival or breakthrough? Having a clear purpose keeps us focused, especially when the fast becomes challenging.

For transparency and accountability, my “why” is two-fold. First, I am seeking God to get closer to Him and to crucify my flesh. To lean into Him to give me strength and courage to apply spiritual disciplines that will help me become more holy and righteous in His eyes. Which will allow me to be a better husband and father so that my family can be the image of Christ.

Second, corporately, I will be praying our church remains unified in all things God and scripture. That we will seek God’s holiness and righteousness so that Ignite Church can be the light in the darkness in our community. So that ignite will be seen as the image of Christ that will draw people to Him.  

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33

Pastoral Tip: I encourage you to write down your fasting goals or prayer points and post them somewhere visible (Bible, Mirror, Fridge, Prayer Journal etc). Let this serve as a daily reminder of the higher purpose behind your sacrifice.

2. Choose the Right Kind of Fast

Not everyone can fast in the same way:
•Some may do a traditional fast (water only).
•Others may practice a partial fast (abstaining from certain foods or meals).
•Others might give up non-food items, such as social media or entertainment.

Whatever method you choose, please consider your health and consult a professional if you have any medical concerns. Let’s also prayerfully decide (Jan 12-19th) which fast is most spiritually meaningful for us, individually.

Pastoral Tip: It’s often helpful to share your fasting plan with a trusted friend or small group for accountability. We’re in this together!

3. Prepare Your Heart

Spiritual preparation is as critical as physical preparation. Take time to invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, revealing areas needing repentance, forgiveness, or healing.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” —Psalm 139:23

Pastoral Tip: Even before our fast begins, start praying for unity in our church and asking God to move powerfully over these two weeks. Let’s ask the Lord to shape our character and renew our minds for His glory.

4. Adjust Your Schedule

Fasting frees up moments you would typically spend cooking, eating, or doing other daily activities. Use this extra space to:

•Pray and worship: Lift up personal and church-wide needs.
•Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on verses that realign your heart with God’s truth.
•Rest and reflect: Recognize that fasting may affect your energy, so plan for rest where needed.

Pastoral Tip: We’ll be providing a 14- day devotional and prayer prompts throughout these two weeks. Keep an eye on our church app for ways to stay connected and encouraged.

5. Gather Resources

Preparation involves having the right tools ready. You might want:

•A Bible reading plan or devotional for daily Scripture intake.
•A prayer journal to record insights, verses, and answered prayers.
•Worship playlists to foster an atmosphere of praise wherever you are. Check the app for worship playlist.

Pastoral Tip: Follow the two-week devotional that we will provide Jan 19th. Let’s go through this journey united in spirit and focus.

6. Communicate and Encourage One Another

One of the greatest blessings of a corporate fast is mutual support. Check in regularly with one another—through the app. Share:

•Testimonies of what God is doing
•Prayer requests for specific needs
•Words of encouragement from Scripture

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” —1 Thessalonians 5:11

Pastoral Tip: Download the app and share on the “Ignite Message Board” scripture, a prayer need, or just encourage your church family.

7. Anticipate Challenges

Fasting often exposes hidden attitudes or temptations and may bring about spiritual warfare. Be prepared for:

•Physical discomfort (headaches, fatigue, irritability)
•Spiritual battles (distractions, discouragement, doubt)

When these arise, remember the purpose behind your fast and lean on God’s strength.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

Pastoral Tip: Stay hydrated, prioritize rest, and show yourself grace. A short walk, quick prayer break, or worship song can help refocus your heart when challenges come. Don’t feel guilty if you break your fast. It’s not a competition; it’s between you and God. We are here to help, not judge!

8. Expect God to Move

We serve a God who hears our prayers and responds to our faith. You may see immediate results or notice gradual shifts but rest assured—God is at work. Approach this fast with an expectant heart.

This reminds me of a story I heard once. One summer, the fields lay cracked and dusty under a relentless sun, desperately needing rain. Determined not to lose hope, the old farmer knelt in prayer each morning, trusting that God would send the showers they so urgently required. When the church in town held a special gathering to pray for rain, the farmer arrived wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella—his neighbors chuckled at the sight, but he simply smiled. He believed wholeheartedly that if he was going to ask for rain, he should also be prepared to receive it. That very evening, dark clouds rolled in, and droplets began to patter on the tin roofs. The farmer’s raincoat and umbrella were no longer out of place, proving that bold faith and expectant hearts can often meet with timely blessings.

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” —Jeremiah 33:3

Pastoral Tip: Keep track of answered prayers and testimonies. Celebrate God’s goodness and share these stories with our church community to spur one another on in faith. Let’s watch God show up and show off!

Church family, this two-week corporate prayer and fast is more than a ritual—it’s an opportunity to grow together, strengthen our unity, and seek God’s presence in a deeper way. Please remember it’s not about perfection or trying to impress God with our sacrifice. It’s about aligning our hearts with His will, humbling ourselves, and expecting Him to move.

Let’s enter this season with faith, humility, and excitement for what the Lord will do among us. I’m believing for breakthroughs, renewed visions, and life-changing encounters with God.

Get ready—this is going to be powerful!

With expectant heart,
Pastor Jody