21 DAYS OF PRAYER

January 5-25, 2025
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For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer

Details below are for Marion Campus ONLY.

January 5-25, 2025
Weekday Prayer Meetings . 6:00am
Saturday Prayer Services . 9:00am
Live services can be watched each day at your convenience starting at the times above. Videos are available on YouTube for viewing later.

The River Prayer Wall provides resources and information surrounding this event on TheRiver.cc website.
 
The Pray First App is an excellent guide for your prayer, and an essential tool during the next 21 days.

WATCH LIVE EACH DAY

Watch the day's devotional right here on repeat for the entire day. All weekday devotionals can be seen on our YouTube Channel after the "LIVE" watch period has ended. Join us Sunday on the Church Online page to watch Sunday at The River.
(Daily notes, prayer targets, and more resources available in The River App)

Get the App

It’s simply talking with God.

While there is no art to prayer, there are some ways that can help us better connect. Pray First walks you through guided prayer plans. This app is a year-round resource for your prayer walk in addition to the 21 Days of Prayer event.

Get the Guide

Need more information and an in-depth guide? Check out this booklet to further build your prayer life.

Kids Guide

Get the Kids Kreek Prayer Guide and Activity Book today and work through 21 Days of Prayer with your child.

Fasting Overview

Executive Pastor Amy Biegel provides an overview on fasting, and what exactly that entails with our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.

Fasting: Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we fast?

Quite simply, if we are to model the life and lifestyle of Jesus, then we will fast and pray in certain seasons because Jesus did the same. See Matthew 4. The Bible teaches us that praying, fasting and giving are three essential responses to God in our relationship with Him. This is taught in the Old Testament, the New Testament and in the direct words of Jesus. We can fast for many reasons: to humble ourselves and repent of a sin that we need freedom from, to seek God’s direction in a serious situation, to concentrate on specific prayers at a deeper level. Jesus said that some things can only be changed by prayer and fasting. See Matthew 17:20-21

What is the goal of the fast?

Less of me and more of God. That’s the quick summary. We find a way to say no to our natural desires and interrupt our daily rhythms on purpose by choosing something to let go of for a time. This is what we are fasting from. We then intentionally add more connection with God during that season of fasting (additional prayer time, worship time, listening to sermons/podasts, etc.). This is essential so it’s not just a diet or a time of self-restriction. It is exchanging the wants/needs of our physical body for those of the spiritual.

Can you give me some scripture to read about fasting?

Exodus 34:28, 2 Samuel 1:12, Daniel 9:3-5, Daniel 10:3,  Esther 4, Jonah 3:5-9, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 1:4, Isaiah 58:3-7, Joel 2:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 17:20-21, Luke 2:25-40, Luke 18:1-14, Acts 13:3-4, Acts 14:2, Acts 14:23,

Should my fast be kept private?

Jesus instructs us to not make it obvious to others when we are fasting, as to draw human attention and admiration for our fast. Instead, we should be careful to do it for the purpose of more deeply connecting with God, not to impress people. See Matthew 6:16-18

How do I help my kids understand my fast?

Explain to them that you are choosing to stop doing something for a time so you can focus more on God. Help them see how your fast has created the extra space for more time with God.  It’s like putting down something good so you can experience something better.

What should I expect during my time of fasting?

Spiritually: Expect God to speak to you. Be intentional to put yourself more into His Word and in moments of quiet. Set aside specific times for God. Be listening close and expect Him to speak. Remember His voice always lines up with Scripture. The Holy Spirit will never tell you something that contradicts the Bible. You should also expect the enemy to come your way during your fast offering you lots of distraction, lies and deception. See Matthew 4 when this happened to Jesus.

Physically: You will notice withdrawals. It could come in the way of headaches, stomach aches or feeling cold or mildly achy. It won’t last the entire fast, but it is likely to happen in the first few days. You may also be more tired and need extra sleep.

Emotionally: You might ride a roller coaster of emotions during your fast. Sometimes you will feel so eager to hear from God and energized from a moment of spiritual depth with God.  But you also will likely experience frustration when you crave whatever you gave up for the fast. Be patient with yourself and ask God to help you regulate your emotions during your fast.

What are some beginner ideas for my first fast?

Here are some options. You should choose something that creates a loss, something that feels very different to live without, something that stretches you. As Pastor Matthew has said, “If you don’t feel it, God won’t either.” This is meant to be a sacrifice and a void that God can fill up for you! Ideas: fast from caffeine, fast from all sweets, fast from one meal a day, fast from two meals a day. Non-food related fasting ideas: fast from social media, fast from using your phone at all after 5pm, fast from TV, fast from any spending except necessities. Pray about it. Ask God to show you what you could fast from.

What are some good resources to learn more about fasting?

Use the Pray First app and scroll down to the bottom of page one for articles/links for fasting.

Visit cru.org (enter “fasting” in the search bar) for multiple articles/links on fasting. 

Consider reading a book on fasting such as “Fasting” by Jentzen Franklin

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sunday Services

- Marion 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am
- Chesterton 10:30am
Office Hours
- Marion Mon-Thu, 9:00-4:00pm

Does The River help with bills, etc?
We have an application for assistance available in our office, connection to a ton of community resources, and events all-year round for the community.

When is The Big Give (food giveaway)?
The Big Give is Saturday, December 14! REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18. To access everything "Big Give" CLICK HERE.

How do I register for the Men's Conference?
The Men's Conference with Brian Bradford is on Saturday, November 2 from 4:00-8:00pm. For more information and to register click here... Men's Conference 2024

If you still have questions or need to connect please fill out the form below, and we are excited to hear from you.

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