A Call to Prayer & Fasting: Rooted & Flourishing in God
MARCH 5TH - APRIL 16TH
Church family, this is our time to seek the Lord like never before! Across generations, we are standing together, recognizing that in times of uncertainty—whether in our homes, our communities, or around the world—God remains in control.
Biblical Foundations for Corporate Prayer & Fasting
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Esther's Example
Esther called for a fast before approaching the king to intercede for her people (Esther 4:16).
2
The Ninevites' Repentance
The Ninevites repented and fasted after hearing Jonah's warning, and God showed them mercy (Jonah 3:5-10).
3
Paul's Request
Paul urged the early churches to pray for his ministry as he carried the Gospel to the nations (Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:19; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25).
In light of all that is happening in the world today—the economy, government policies, wars, and even unusual weather patterns—Bishop Oliver is calling our entire congregation to a period of prayer and fasting from Wednesday, March 5, through Wednesday April 16th.
Rooted & Flourishing: A Multi-Generational Journey
Growing Deeper
At the start of 2025, Bishop Oliver challenged us to be "Rooted & Flourishing in God." This fast is an opportunity for every generation—elders, adults, young adults, teens, and children—to grow deeper in Christ and flourish in faith.
Connected to God
Prayer connects us to God. As we come together each day in prayer, we are strengthening our spiritual roots.
Removing Distractions
Fasting disconnects us from distractions. By sacrificing a meal, certain foods, or an entire day without food, we create space for God to work in our lives.
Finding Direction
Seeking God's direction will help you understand how He is calling you to serve and grow.
How You Can Participate
Corporately
- Follow the daily devotion to stay spiritually engaged.
- Join us live every morning at 7:14 AM for prayer (605-475-4700, passcode 688548#)
- Attend Wednesday Night Prayer Services at 7:00 PM in person and online for deeper periods of corporate and individual prayer and reflection.
Personally
- Choose a fast that is meaningful and sustainable for you.
- Identify your choice of fast to surrender.
- Be intentional in seeking God through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
We're in This Together!
For Everyone
It doesn't matter if you're new to prayer and fasting or if you've done it many times before—this is for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting your journey, we will walk alongside you and equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
United in Faith
Let's stand in unity, grow deeper in our faith, and trust God for breakthroughs in our lives, our families, and our church.
Watching God Move
Let's seek God together and watch Him move! #RootedAndFlourishing #PrayFastGrow #EBCFast2025
Most of us initiate prayers with OUR goals in mind. What do WE want out of this? When we start off in such a way, we have already blocked out possibly 90% of what God has to say or give to us, because our desire is to hear and receive what WE want. Limiting the blessings far beyond our imaginations because we refuse to let God reign over our vessels. The message from God that appears the smallest to you, may indeed become much bigger than you can presently understand.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL IN PRAYER IS LISTENING FOR GOD'S DIRECTIONS FOR OUR LIVES!
Building Your Relationship with God
God has unique relationships with all of us and therefore our prayer lives are unique as well. Some of us put unnecessary pressures on ourselves to pray like someone we have heard, when the most important thing that God wants from us, is for us to Seek His Face (Psalm 27:8), to look for Him, the All Knowing for guidance, to love on Him, and continuously build a relationship with Him (John 15:14-15). A relationship with God is similar in one way to relationships with others, the more we communicate the stronger the relationship becomes; the communication is in fact our relationship. Prayer IS our relationship with God.
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No prayer
No relationship with God
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Some prayer
Growing relationship with God
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More prayer
BIGGER relationship with God
A humble heart and a mind open to Jesus is what He expects, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest (Romans 8:26,27).
WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?
Prayer is our direct connection to God, allowing us to express our love, worship, gratitude, and needs. Through prayer, we develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and fulfill our calling to communicate with Him.
- We pray because we love God.
- We pray to worship God for who He is.
- We pray to say thanks to our Father.
- We pray to God to praise Him.
- We pray to petition God.
- We pray to confess our sins.
- We pray to intercede for others.
- We pray against the enemies of God.
- We pray to listen to God.
- We pray to resist temptation.
- We pray because He directs us to pray.
Why Should I Fast?
1
Transformation
Fasting and Prayer combined can bring about a transformational revival in you, the nation, the world… it can be a very powerful tool in seeking God.
2
True Purpose
The ultimate purpose of the fast is not you and what you seek, but God.
3
Humility
Fasting is a true way to sacrifice for God and humble oneself to Him (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21).
4
Worship
Fasting is an act of worship and honoring.
What is a fast?
A fast is a period of abstaining from something, denying self from a desire. There are multiple types of fasts, which we will address.
How Should We Prepare for a Fast?
1
Spiritual Preparation
- Pray before you fast. Ensure that you communicate with God and seek His guidance regarding your fast.
- Ask God to help you to examine your heart, detect and repent any unconfessed sins.
2
Physical Preparation
- Schedule a medical consultation at least 2-3 weeks before beginning your fast to discuss your plans and get a thorough health assessment.
- Inform your doctor about the type and duration of fast you plan to undertake, especially if you have any chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or are taking medications.
- If you have any underlying health conditions, work with your healthcare provider to develop a modified fasting plan that ensures both your spiritual and physical well-being.
- Decrease the amount of food that you eat a couple of days prior to the fast starting in order to prepare your mind, stomach, and appetite for less food.
Types of Fasts
The best way to choose the appropriate fast is to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Pray purposefully in identifying God's purpose and direction in your fast. His direction is the only thing that will make the fast meaningful and significant.
Lent Fast
Give up any food items (ex. bread, sweets, fried foods, snack foods, etc.) for the 40 days of Lent.
Partial Fast
Abstain from food for a set time; eat a simple meal of bread & water; sacrifice a certain food.
Daniel Fast
Abstains from delicacies, meats, and wines and focus on fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables
No Food Fast
Abstains from all food, including milk (protein) and only drinks liquids and water
Water Only Fast
Abstains from everything except water
Absolute/Supernatural Fast
This fast involves abstaining from any food or liquids, including water (the fast of Moses and Jesus)
It is important to focus on God, rather than food. The spiritual focus and growth will replace the normal presence of food during the fast.
It is EBC's Prayer that the Lord's most wonderful love and blessings will be poured out on you as you take this exciting step of faith.
The Model Prayer
Adoration & Thanksgiving
"Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name" — The prayer principles of adoration (praise for who God is) and thanksgiving (praise for what He has done).
Affirmation
"Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" — The principle of affirmation, that is, agreeing with God's will and submitting to it.
Supplication
"Give us this day our daily bread" — The principle of supplication, in which we make requests both for ourselves (petition) and for others (intercession).
Confession
"And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors" — The principle of confession in view of our need for forgiveness of sins.
Renewal
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" — The necessity of renewal as we face the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Closing Honor
"For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever" — A closing prayer that honors the Lord and completes our thoughts.
Pray for:
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Leadership Prayer
Support Bishop Craig L. Oliver, Sr. and Family
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Community Prayer
Join corporate worship
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Personal Prayer
Your individual commitment
This season of prayer and fasting is both personal and corporate. We encourage you to approach it with this dual lens. Corporately, during this time, we encourage you to follow the daily devotion, join us live at 7:14am every morning for prayer (605-475-4700, passcode 688548#) and every Wednesday night live or online at 7:00pm for corporate prayer. Personally, seek God's guidance and direction, then chose or design a fast you will follow.
Remember, we are all at different places in our walk with God and our spirituality should never be a cause for comparison or competition. The Prayer and Fasting Schedule is a guide. How you fast and what you sacrifice is a personal decision and commitment between you and God. It is a time when we intentionally seek God even the more.
Daily Prayer & Scripture Guide
Follow this daily prayer schedule to guide your fasting journey. Each day builds upon the previous, creating a comprehensive spiritual journey that encompasses personal growth, church unity, and community impact.
March 5
Prayer Focus: Faithful obedience and love for God in every aspect of life.
Scriptures: Numbers 4:1–5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Psalms 48:1-14; Proverbs 10:26
March 6
Prayer Focus: Devotion, humility, and trust in God's eternal promises.
Scriptures: Numbers 6:1–7:89; Mark 12:38–13:13; Psalms 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28
March 7
Prayer Focus: Faithful vigilance and worshipful obedience in response to God's presence and promises.
Scriptures: Numbers 8:1–9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalms 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30
March 8
Prayer Focus: Trust in God's provision, heartfelt repentance, and a life of faithful devotion.
Scriptures: Numbers 10:1–11:23; Mark 14:1-21; Psalms 51:1-19; Proverbs 10:31-32
March 9
Prayer Focus: Faith over fear, devotion to Christ, trust in God's justice, and walking in integrity.
Scriptures: Numbers 11:24–13:33; Mark 14:22-52; Psalms 52:1-9; Proverbs 11:1-3
March 10
Prayer Focus: Trust in God's plans, remain faithful during hardships, seek Him with our whole hearts.
Scriptures: Numbers 14:1–15:16; Mark 14:53-72; Psalms 53:1-6; Proverbs 11:4
March 11
Prayer Focus: Humility before God, gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, trusting in God's deliverance, and walking in righteousness.
Scriptures: Numbers 15:17–16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalms 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6
March 12
Prayer Focus: Faithful trust in God's power, holiness, and eternal promises.
Scriptures: Numbers 16:41–18:32; Mark 16:1-20; Psalms 55:1-23; Proverbs 11:7
March 13
Prayer Focus: Trusting in God's faithfulness, guidance, and protection.
Scriptures: Numbers 19:1–20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalms 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8
March 14
Prayer Focus: Faith, obedience, trust, and living a life that glorifies God in all circumstances.
Scriptures: Numbers 21:1–22:20; Luke 1:26-56; Psalms 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11
March 15
Prayer Focus: Trusting in God's sovereignty, justice, salvation, and using our words to reflect His truth.
Scriptures: Numbers 22:21–23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalms 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13
March 16
Prayer Focus: Trusting in God's plans, rejoicing in Christ's salvation, relying on His protection, and seeking wisdom in all things.
Scriptures: Numbers 24:1–25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalms 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14
March 17
Prayer Focus: God's faithfulness, wisdom, and guidance through all seasons of life.
Scriptures: Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Psalms 60:1-12; Proverbs 11:15
March 18
Prayer Focus: God's provision, renewal, and the call to righteousness.
Scriptures: Numbers 26:52–28:15; Luke 3:1-22; Psalms 61:1-8; Proverbs 11:16-17
March 19
Prayer Focus: God's faithfulness, salvation, and the call to righteousness.
Scriptures: Numbers 28:16–29:40; Luke 3:23-38; Psalms 62:1-12; Proverbs 11:18-19
March 20
Prayer Focus: Faithfulness, spiritual strength, and trusting in God's justice.
Scriptures: Numbers 30:1–31:54; Luke 4:1-30; Psalms 63:1-11; Proverbs 11:20-21
March 21
Prayer Focus: Trusting in God's guidance, power, and righteousness.
Scriptures: Numbers 32:1–33:39; Luke 4:31–5:11; Psalms 64:1-10; Proverbs 11:22
March 22
Prayer Focus: God's provision, mercy, and justice.
Scriptures: Numbers 33:40–35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalms 65:1-13; Proverbs 11:23
March 23
Prayer Focus: Obedience, discernment, and trust in God's faithfulness.
Scriptures: Numbers 36:1–Deuteronomy 1:46; Luke 5:29–6:11; Psalms 66:1-20; Proverbs 11:24-26
March 24
Prayer Focus: Courage, humility, and seeking God's blessings.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 2:1–3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Psalms 67:1-7; Proverbs 11:27
March 25
Prayer Focus: Wisdom, faith, and trust in God's promises.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39–7:10; Psalms 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28
March 26
Prayer Focus: Devotion, strength, and reliance on God's truth.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:1–6:25; Luke 7:11-35; Psalms 68:19-35; Proverbs 11:29-31
March 27
Prayer Focus: Faithfulness, gratitude, and seeking God's righteousness.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 7:1–8:20; Luke 7:36–8:3; Psalms 69:1-18; Proverbs 12:1
March 28
Prayer Focus: Humility, perseverance, and trust in God's mercy.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 9:1–10:22; Luke 8:4-21; Psalms 69:19-36; Proverbs 12:2-3
March 29
Prayer Focus: Obedience, strength, and deliverance from fear.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 11:1–12:32; Luke 8:22-39; Psalms 70:1-5; Proverbs 12:4
March 30
Prayer Focus: Discernment, guidance, and reliance on God's provision.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 13:1–15:23; Luke 8:40–9:6; Psalms 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7
March 31
Prayer Focus: Justice, wisdom, and confidence in God's sovereignty.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 16:1–17:20; Luke 9:7-27; Psalms 72:1-20; Proverbs 12:8-9
April Prayer Journey
Follow along with our daily prayer guide and scripture readings for April 2025.
April 1
A prayer for guidance, obedience, and trust in God's chosen leadership.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:1–20:20; Luke 9:28-50; Psalms 73:1-28; Proverbs 12:10
April 2
A prayer for justice, hospitality, and faithfulness to God's laws.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 21:1–22:30; Luke 9:51–10:12; Psalms 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11
April 3
A prayer for integrity, compassion, and reliance on God's righteousness.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalms 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14
April 4
A prayer for gratitude, devotion, and seeking God's wisdom in daily life.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 26:1–27:26; Luke 10:38–11:13; Psalms 76:1-12; Proverbs 12:15-17
April 5
A prayer for obedience, humility, and deliverance from hardship.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalms 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18
April 6
A prayer for renewal, repentance, and confidence in God's promises.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 29:1–30:20; Luke 11:37–12:7; Psalms 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20
April 7
A prayer for courage, faith, and trust in God's provision.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 31:1–32:27; Luke 12:8-34; Psalms 78:32-55; Proverbs 12:21-23
April 8
A prayer for wisdom, vigilance, and readiness for God's coming judgment.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalms 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24
April 9
A prayer of blessing, hope, and trust in God's faithfulness.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalms 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25
April 10
A prayer for boldness, perseverance, and victory in God's name.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 34:1–Joshua 2:24; Luke 13:22–14:6; Psalms 79:1-13; Proverbs 12:26
April 11
A prayer for spiritual renewal, guidance, and dependence on God's strength.
Scriptures: Joshua 3:1–4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalms 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28
April 12
A prayer for repentance, restoration, and joy in God's mercy.
Scriptures: Joshua 5:1–7:15; Luke 15:1-32; Psalms 81:1-16; Proverbs 13:1
April 13
A prayer for faithfulness, stewardship, and discernment in all things.
Scriptures: Joshua 7:16–9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalms 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3
April 14
A prayer for humility, patience, and confidence in God's justice.
Scriptures: Joshua 9:3–10:43; Luke 16:19–17:10; Psalms 83:1-18; Proverbs 13:4
April 15
A prayer for perseverance, wisdom, and refuge in God's presence.
Scriptures: Joshua 11:1–12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Psalms 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6
April 16
A prayer for strength, humility, and trust in God's provision.
Scriptures: Joshua 13:1–14:15; Luke 18:1-17; Psalms 85:1-13; Proverbs 13:7-8
April 17
A prayer for devotion, faith, and seeking God's light in darkness.
Scriptures: Joshua 15:1-63; Luke 18:18-43; Psalms 86:1-17; Proverbs 13:9-10
April 18
A prayer for transformation, generosity, and faith in Christ's redemption.
Scriptures: Joshua 16:1–18:28; Luke 19:1-27; Psalms 87:1-7; Proverbs 13:11
April 19
A prayer for courage, perseverance, and confidence in God's deliverance.
Scriptures: Joshua 19:1–20:9; Luke 19:28-48; Psalms 88:1-18; Proverbs 13:12-14
April 20
A prayer for unity, obedience, and reverence for God's authority.
Scriptures: Joshua 21:1–22:20; Luke 20:1-26; Psalms 89:1-13; Proverbs 13:15-16
Foods to INCLUDE in your Daniel Fast
One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.
Fruits
All fresh, frozen, or dried fruits are permitted
Vegetables
Fresh, frozen, or dried vegetables
Whole Grains
Brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat
Nuts & Seeds
All nuts, seeds, and legumes
Healthy Oils
Quality oils like olive and canola
Pure Water
Water and natural seasonings
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices are also permitted.
Foods to AVOID on the Daniel Fast
Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.