Greater Things Start Here
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Title: Greater Things Ahead: Start Here
Date: 12 January 2025
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 6:5-9, 16-18
Title: Greater Things Ahead: Start Here
Date: 12 January 2025
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 6:5-9, 16-18
Sermon Quick Summary
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church. Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus. One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year. Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting. The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it. The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar. The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling. The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God. As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God. Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church.
Happy second Sunday of the 2025 New Year! Even though we’re only 12 days into this year, it already feels old. Some of you remember that old song from the seventies: “Time keeps on slipping, slipping’, slipping into the future.” It just keeps ticking. But with every passing second, minute, hour, and day, God keeps doing great things for each of us. As we enter our church’s 40th year, we thank God for many blessings and look forward to greater things. God is not through with us yet at South Bay Community Church!
The title of last Sunday’s message was Greater Things Ahead. You will hear the phrase “Greater Things” a lot this year. Greater Things is the big idea theme for this milestone year, drawn from John 14:12, where Jesus says: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus.
That believers would do greater things was a shocking thing for Jesus to say. Who can do greater things than Jesus? In following Jesus’ teaching, we noted we can do greater things because of Jesus’ journey to the Father. Jesus died, and then rose again, ascended to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are one with Jesus, just as Jesus is one with the Father. The greater things Jesus is referring to are great in the expanse, scope, and impact of Christ-followers who have continued Jesus’ mission for centuries. The greater things also apply to any good work, big or small, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus.
Believers who are part of Jesus’ promise in 2025 are eager for the greater things God wants to do in us and through us, both personally and as a church family. As we live into this promise, it is important to remember that these greater things have little to do with us. They are about the Holy Spirit at work within. The way we experience greater things is by aligning ourselves with God.
One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year.
Prayer and fasting are practices that position our hearts to hear from God, be transformed by God, and align with God’s plans and purposes. We see this often in Scripture. Elijah, Moses, Esther, and Jesus all fasted to seek God’s guidance, power, and presence to align with God’s unfolding plan. That’s exactly where we are today. As we begin our 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we too want to connect with God and align with God’s plan and purpose for ourselves and our church as we move into this New Year.
Jesus shows us how to do that. In Matthew 6:5-9, 16-18 (NIV), Jesus says: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
In Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), Jesus also says: "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Jesus’ teaching is very clear, giving us insight about prayer and fasting as practices for connecting with God and aligning our hearts with God. These practices are not optional; they are expected parts of the believer’s life. Jesus says, “When you pray” and “When you fast,” not “if.” This tells us these practices are fundamental to our relationship with God. Jesus also teaches that there is an effective way and an ineffective way toward prayer and fasting. In other words, there is a way that honors and pleases God and a way that does not honor God.
Effective prayer and fasting is fundamentally about seeking God and drawing near to God in authenticity and openness. When we approach prayer and fasting with humility, sincerity, and faith, we position ourselves to experience God’s presence and power to align our hearts with God’s heart. Jesus says that ineffective prayer and fasting is done for the wrong reasons if we center on external appearances or religious accolades. Those who pray and fast to be seen by others, seeking human recognition and self-glorification, miss the point. This approach turns sacred practices into empty rituals, driven by pride rather than a genuine desire for God. Jesus’ teaching is clear; the heart matters. Prayer and fasting are not about performance or personal accomplishments but about opening our hearts to hear from God and be shaped by God.
If we want to experience greater things, we must adopt the heart posture Jesus describes. The heart posture is sincere, humble, and focused on glorifying God. Motives and heart posture matter. We do this every year to connect with God afresh as we begin a new year, align our hearts with God, and seek God’s face for where God is leading us personally and corporately as a church family. We do it to rekindle our priorities, with God at the center, connecting with God in anticipation of greater things. Preparation is the key.
You may be wondering why it’s 28 Days this year. South Bay Community Church has been doing 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting for nearly 15 years. But during this past year, before Pastor Tammy Long went on sabbatical, she read several books and articles about gaining the most from her sabbatical. One consistent theme was the importance of preparation. Preparation means having a clear vision for what the sabbatical was about, determining in advance how to use the time, how to connect with God, connect with family, get rest, and so on. The encouragement was to prepare for time away in the sabbatical. The preparation for sabbatical also applies to us as a church family.
In the past, our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting would come so quickly after the New Year. We would still have unresolved questions involving preparation: “Okay, so what am I doing? How am I fasting this year? What menus do I need to prepare? What shopping do I need to do? What am I doing to connect with God?” Frankly, it was stressful to get it started! Accordingly, we added a week to our 21 Days, simply for us to seek God and prepare. Similar to Pastor Tammy preparing for her sabbatical, or when we prepare before going on a vacation or retreat, the additional week allows us to reflect and prepare intentionally. In fact, you could think of these 28 Days as a retreat with God.
For South Bay Community Church, the 28 Days of prayer and fasting officially begins today, a week earlier than in the past. The praying part is launched today, but the fasting part officially begins next week. This week gives us time to talk to God: get ready, get set, and then fast. This first week is also about preparing our hearts and minds for the journey ahead and checking our motives and heart posture. Preparation ensures we are intentional about this time with God. The truth is that we cannot approach prayer and fasting casually and expect any profound change.
We want to experience God in fresh ways. We want to grow, deepen, and be transformed in order to be more like Christ. We want a God encounter, a fresh anointing, and a sense of renewal or revival. But spiritual transformation doesn’t just happen. Transformation requires positioning ourselves and opening our hearts to connect with what God is doing and what God desires to do. During these 28 Days, we are not just “doing” prayer and fasting; we are entering into a space of intentional alignment with God. The goal is not simply to fast and pray better.
Each of us should catch a vision for these 28 Days that will motivate, encourage, and inspire us. Let’s not just go through the motions of prayer and fasting. That’s exactly what Jesus was seeking to correct and redirect. As we begin this journey, let us remember that effective prayer and fasting is not about us or our glory. Prayer and fasting is about God and God’s glory. It is about aligning us with God’s will and opening our hearts to God’s transforming power for greater things. These greater things start with preparation. How do we prepare as we begin our 28 Days this week?
Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting.
The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it.
The vision Jesus presents in Matthew 6 is not one of gloominess, deprivation, or public display, but a heartfelt and authentic connection with God. Jesus says, “When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen”(Matthew 6:17-18). Even though we may be praying and fasting corporately as a church, prayer and fasting is fundamentally a deeply personal and intimate experience with God.
The core purpose of prayer and fasting is to deepen our love and devotion to God, creating space to hear God’s voice, be with God, and grow closer to God. When we fast, we are saying, “Lord, I desire you more than anything else.” Our desire for God is more than food, more than those habits that bring us comfort or pleasure, and more than the things we rely on instead of God, such as caffeine or a nightcap.
Instead of focusing on what we are stepping away from for a season, fasting is meant to be a joyous experience, not a gloomy one. While it may not always be easy, it is an opportunity to enjoy God’s presence, not a task to endure. Christian writer Richard Foster says, “Fasting reveals the things that control us.” As we let go of these distractions, we are invited to reset and discover the joy of relying on God alone.
Prayer and fasting is meant to reflect what “we want to do,” not what we “have to do” or “should do.” Prayer and fasting are gifts that allow us to draw closer to God. Even if we aren’t quite sure we “want to,” there is no condemnation or guilt. We can ask God to help us in what we want to do.
As we begin these 28 Days, I encourage you to spend some time with God this week to discern your purpose for fasting. Do you want to draw closer to God? Do you want to experience God afresh in your life? Do you have a specific concern you need wisdom and guidance around? Do you want to align your heart and position yourself for greater things? Pray and ask God to give you your “why” for fasting this year, and write it down as a prayer to guide you throughout the 28 Days. Remembering and praying through your purpose will help sustain you when fasting gets hard.
The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar.
Jesus encourages intentionality when He says, “Put oil on your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6:17). This implies thoughtfulness and preparation. Talk to God about how your prayer and fasting time is going to work. As you consider and pray about your purpose for fasting this week, you should ask the Lord what type of fast to do.
You might feel led to do a Food Fast, where you skip a meal each day, fast from specific foods like desserts, chocolate, or junk food, or perhaps eliminate entire food groups like meat. You might even feel called to follow the Daniel Fast, which focuses on vegetables, fruits, and water. If that resonates with you, check out our church’s fasting resources online. Perhaps God is inviting you to do a Lifestyle Fast, abstaining from social media, entertainment, or other distractions that consume your time and focus. Or maybe it’s a Hybrid Fast, combining both food and lifestyle elements. Whatever God is leading you toward, choose a fast that challenges you but is sustainable and honors your current health and responsibilities. Ask the Spirit to guide you as you plan the type of fast you will take.
In addition to planning your type of fast, plan your daily rhythm for prayer and fasting. The point is to abstain from something and give that time to God to deepen your relationship with God. For example, if you choose to fast from lunch, use that time to be with God. Identify moments in your day, whether morning, midday, or evening, when you can intentionally connect with God. Some of you may prefer early mornings, while others may find evenings more conducive to uninterrupted time with God. If you rely heavily on a busy schedule, it might help to actually put this time with God on your calendar.
Intentional planning helps ensure these weeks of prayer and fasting become part of the rhythm of your life. As you talk to God this week and make a plan for the type of fast you will do and how you’ll organize your time, hold these plans with open hands. Things may change; God may have other plans. Greater things start with intention to plan in preparation. We can trust God to guide us from there.
The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling.
As you prepare this week, consider what prayer practices and spiritual exercises you will use to connect with God more deeply. Jesus instructs that prayer should be personal, heartfelt, and focused on God: “...when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father…” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer and fasting are directed to God, as an audience of one. Prepare by exploring practices that allow you to enjoy God, be with God, experience God’s presence, and deepen your love for God.
This might be a great time to take the “Discover Your Unique Way of Connecting with God” assessment available on our church website. It can help you meet with God in ways that resonate with how God created you. There are many ways to connect with God. The following highlights a few practices that can open your heart to God in fresh ways.
First, Scripture should always be central. God’s Word is God’s story and love letter to us. During these 28 Days, I invite you to join our church’s reading plan on You Version. This week’s plan, Victorious Fasting, focuses on preparing for the fast. You can access it through the Bible app or by scanning the QR code on our website.
Another practice to consider is Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading.” This involves reading a passage of Scripture slowly and repeatedly, noticing what stirs your heart and meditating on a word or phrase that stands out to you. Let God speak to you through His Word.
You might also try Imaginative Prayer, a practice that uses the imagination God has given you. Place yourself within a biblical passage and imagine the sights, sounds, and emotions of the story. Talk to God about what you notice and let it deepen your communion with God. These practices, while ancient, can bring the Bible alive and create fresh encounters with God as you feast on God’s Word during your fast.
Two additional prayer practices to consider are the Examen and Journaling. The Examen is a simple practice of reflecting on the highs and lows of your day, noticing moments where God was present, and praying about what you’ve observed. Journaling, on the other hand, is a way to write your thoughts, prayers, and reflections to God. If journaling feels daunting, start small. You can write a letter to God, sharing your desires, frustrations, or insights from God’s Word. Journaling helps us slow down, reflect, and hear from God in new ways.
The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:6, “Go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father…” While we know prayer can happen anywhere, there’s something meaningful about having a dedicated space to meet with God. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” As you prepare this week, consider where you can consistently meet with God during these 28 Days. Whether it’s a corner of your home, a quiet park, or even your car, create a space that is free from distractions and inviting for you to connect with God. Set up the environment with items like your Bible, a journal, or worship music to create a sacred and intentional atmosphere.
As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God.
For our journey over the next 28 days to be all God has in store for us: (1) prepare with a purpose to remind us why we are fasting when it gets difficult; (2) prepare a plan for the type of fast and how we’ll organize our days; (3) prepare the practices that allow the Spirit to refresh our souls; (4) prepare a sacred place to meet with God. These steps of preparation will help us align with God’s will and create space for God to work in our lives. You show up for God, because God will most definitely show up for you. God sees your desire to draw near. God will meet you where you are.
In Matthew 6, Jesus promises a reward for those who pray and fast with sincerity. While we can never put God in a box to dictate what God’s rewards will be, and we certainly do not fast or pray for rewards, God is always true to God’s Word. When we approach prayer and fasting authentically, God responds with blessings; that’s just who God is. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “...He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” God’s blessings might include spiritual strength, answered prayers, or a deeper understanding of God’s will. The greatest reward is God’s presence in our lives right now. John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
The reward of prayer and fasting is experiencing God in all God’s fullness. The goal is to prepare ourselves to experience greater things to see God move in ways that transform our hearts, hearts of our loved ones, our church, and even our community. God sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), fills us with unmatched joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11), and grants us peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). God provides wisdom, guidance, and the ability to hear God’s voice (James 1:5). Through prayer and fasting, our love for God deepens as we experience the depths of God’s love for us. Like the Psalmist, we can say, “Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25-26).
All of these blessings and many more are the rewards of prayer and fasting when we truly connect with God. The reward of prayer and fasting is not about what we give up but that we gain more of God. God’s joy, peace, wisdom, and love become ours as we seek God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-For further explanation of any statement in the Quick Summary, review that section and consider the questions for that section.
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church.
-What does it mean to you that Jesus said His followers would do "greater things" than He did?
Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that aligns you with God reflecting and pointing to Jesus.
-How does the promise of the Holy Spirit encourage you in your walk with God?
One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year.
-In what circumstances have you ever participated in a fast before? What was your purpose, and how did it impact your relationship with God?
Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting.
The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it.
- As you consider entering this 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting, what is your “why”? What do you hope to gain from this time with God?
-Describe the ways in your life that fasting centered you to honor and humble yourself before God, then into a more personal experience with God, enjoying God’s presence, and reminding you that God is the source of your strength and life?
The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar.
-What type of fast do you feel led to pursue (e.g., food fast, lifestyle fast, hybrid)?
-After you consult with your physician prior to beginning your fast, a non-food fast may be your best option.
-How can you intentionally structure your days to create space for God during this time of fasting? Which plan for structuring your days would work best for you?
The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling.
-Which prayer practices or spiritual exercises have been most meaningful to you in the past? Are there any new ones you’d like to try during this fast (for example, Lectio Divina, Imaginative Prayer, Journaling, creating art as prayer, prayerfully walk in God’s creations through nature, review your day to see where God was present and your response)?
- How does engaging in Scripture and other spiritual practices help align your heart with God’s heart?
The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God.
- Do you have a specific place where you feel closest to God? If not, what steps can you take to create a sacred space for your prayer and fasting journey?
- How does the idea of dedicating a space for meeting with God change the way you approach your prayer time?
As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God.
-What blessings or rewards have you experienced in the past through prayer and fasting?
-How can focusing on God’s presence rather than external outcomes transform your attitude toward prayer and fasting?
Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
-How do you hope this 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting will impact your relationship with God, your loved ones, and your church community?
-What steps can you take today to prepare your heart and mind for the journey ahead?
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church. Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus. One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year. Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting. The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it. The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar. The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling. The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God. As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God. Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church.
Happy second Sunday of the 2025 New Year! Even though we’re only 12 days into this year, it already feels old. Some of you remember that old song from the seventies: “Time keeps on slipping, slipping’, slipping into the future.” It just keeps ticking. But with every passing second, minute, hour, and day, God keeps doing great things for each of us. As we enter our church’s 40th year, we thank God for many blessings and look forward to greater things. God is not through with us yet at South Bay Community Church!
The title of last Sunday’s message was Greater Things Ahead. You will hear the phrase “Greater Things” a lot this year. Greater Things is the big idea theme for this milestone year, drawn from John 14:12, where Jesus says: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus.
That believers would do greater things was a shocking thing for Jesus to say. Who can do greater things than Jesus? In following Jesus’ teaching, we noted we can do greater things because of Jesus’ journey to the Father. Jesus died, and then rose again, ascended to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are one with Jesus, just as Jesus is one with the Father. The greater things Jesus is referring to are great in the expanse, scope, and impact of Christ-followers who have continued Jesus’ mission for centuries. The greater things also apply to any good work, big or small, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus.
Believers who are part of Jesus’ promise in 2025 are eager for the greater things God wants to do in us and through us, both personally and as a church family. As we live into this promise, it is important to remember that these greater things have little to do with us. They are about the Holy Spirit at work within. The way we experience greater things is by aligning ourselves with God.
One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year.
Prayer and fasting are practices that position our hearts to hear from God, be transformed by God, and align with God’s plans and purposes. We see this often in Scripture. Elijah, Moses, Esther, and Jesus all fasted to seek God’s guidance, power, and presence to align with God’s unfolding plan. That’s exactly where we are today. As we begin our 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we too want to connect with God and align with God’s plan and purpose for ourselves and our church as we move into this New Year.
Jesus shows us how to do that. In Matthew 6:5-9, 16-18 (NIV), Jesus says: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
In Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), Jesus also says: "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Jesus’ teaching is very clear, giving us insight about prayer and fasting as practices for connecting with God and aligning our hearts with God. These practices are not optional; they are expected parts of the believer’s life. Jesus says, “When you pray” and “When you fast,” not “if.” This tells us these practices are fundamental to our relationship with God. Jesus also teaches that there is an effective way and an ineffective way toward prayer and fasting. In other words, there is a way that honors and pleases God and a way that does not honor God.
Effective prayer and fasting is fundamentally about seeking God and drawing near to God in authenticity and openness. When we approach prayer and fasting with humility, sincerity, and faith, we position ourselves to experience God’s presence and power to align our hearts with God’s heart. Jesus says that ineffective prayer and fasting is done for the wrong reasons if we center on external appearances or religious accolades. Those who pray and fast to be seen by others, seeking human recognition and self-glorification, miss the point. This approach turns sacred practices into empty rituals, driven by pride rather than a genuine desire for God. Jesus’ teaching is clear; the heart matters. Prayer and fasting are not about performance or personal accomplishments but about opening our hearts to hear from God and be shaped by God.
If we want to experience greater things, we must adopt the heart posture Jesus describes. The heart posture is sincere, humble, and focused on glorifying God. Motives and heart posture matter. We do this every year to connect with God afresh as we begin a new year, align our hearts with God, and seek God’s face for where God is leading us personally and corporately as a church family. We do it to rekindle our priorities, with God at the center, connecting with God in anticipation of greater things. Preparation is the key.
You may be wondering why it’s 28 Days this year. South Bay Community Church has been doing 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting for nearly 15 years. But during this past year, before Pastor Tammy Long went on sabbatical, she read several books and articles about gaining the most from her sabbatical. One consistent theme was the importance of preparation. Preparation means having a clear vision for what the sabbatical was about, determining in advance how to use the time, how to connect with God, connect with family, get rest, and so on. The encouragement was to prepare for time away in the sabbatical. The preparation for sabbatical also applies to us as a church family.
In the past, our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting would come so quickly after the New Year. We would still have unresolved questions involving preparation: “Okay, so what am I doing? How am I fasting this year? What menus do I need to prepare? What shopping do I need to do? What am I doing to connect with God?” Frankly, it was stressful to get it started! Accordingly, we added a week to our 21 Days, simply for us to seek God and prepare. Similar to Pastor Tammy preparing for her sabbatical, or when we prepare before going on a vacation or retreat, the additional week allows us to reflect and prepare intentionally. In fact, you could think of these 28 Days as a retreat with God.
For South Bay Community Church, the 28 Days of prayer and fasting officially begins today, a week earlier than in the past. The praying part is launched today, but the fasting part officially begins next week. This week gives us time to talk to God: get ready, get set, and then fast. This first week is also about preparing our hearts and minds for the journey ahead and checking our motives and heart posture. Preparation ensures we are intentional about this time with God. The truth is that we cannot approach prayer and fasting casually and expect any profound change.
We want to experience God in fresh ways. We want to grow, deepen, and be transformed in order to be more like Christ. We want a God encounter, a fresh anointing, and a sense of renewal or revival. But spiritual transformation doesn’t just happen. Transformation requires positioning ourselves and opening our hearts to connect with what God is doing and what God desires to do. During these 28 Days, we are not just “doing” prayer and fasting; we are entering into a space of intentional alignment with God. The goal is not simply to fast and pray better.
Each of us should catch a vision for these 28 Days that will motivate, encourage, and inspire us. Let’s not just go through the motions of prayer and fasting. That’s exactly what Jesus was seeking to correct and redirect. As we begin this journey, let us remember that effective prayer and fasting is not about us or our glory. Prayer and fasting is about God and God’s glory. It is about aligning us with God’s will and opening our hearts to God’s transforming power for greater things. These greater things start with preparation. How do we prepare as we begin our 28 Days this week?
Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting.
The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it.
The vision Jesus presents in Matthew 6 is not one of gloominess, deprivation, or public display, but a heartfelt and authentic connection with God. Jesus says, “When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen”(Matthew 6:17-18). Even though we may be praying and fasting corporately as a church, prayer and fasting is fundamentally a deeply personal and intimate experience with God.
The core purpose of prayer and fasting is to deepen our love and devotion to God, creating space to hear God’s voice, be with God, and grow closer to God. When we fast, we are saying, “Lord, I desire you more than anything else.” Our desire for God is more than food, more than those habits that bring us comfort or pleasure, and more than the things we rely on instead of God, such as caffeine or a nightcap.
Instead of focusing on what we are stepping away from for a season, fasting is meant to be a joyous experience, not a gloomy one. While it may not always be easy, it is an opportunity to enjoy God’s presence, not a task to endure. Christian writer Richard Foster says, “Fasting reveals the things that control us.” As we let go of these distractions, we are invited to reset and discover the joy of relying on God alone.
Prayer and fasting is meant to reflect what “we want to do,” not what we “have to do” or “should do.” Prayer and fasting are gifts that allow us to draw closer to God. Even if we aren’t quite sure we “want to,” there is no condemnation or guilt. We can ask God to help us in what we want to do.
As we begin these 28 Days, I encourage you to spend some time with God this week to discern your purpose for fasting. Do you want to draw closer to God? Do you want to experience God afresh in your life? Do you have a specific concern you need wisdom and guidance around? Do you want to align your heart and position yourself for greater things? Pray and ask God to give you your “why” for fasting this year, and write it down as a prayer to guide you throughout the 28 Days. Remembering and praying through your purpose will help sustain you when fasting gets hard.
The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar.
Jesus encourages intentionality when He says, “Put oil on your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6:17). This implies thoughtfulness and preparation. Talk to God about how your prayer and fasting time is going to work. As you consider and pray about your purpose for fasting this week, you should ask the Lord what type of fast to do.
You might feel led to do a Food Fast, where you skip a meal each day, fast from specific foods like desserts, chocolate, or junk food, or perhaps eliminate entire food groups like meat. You might even feel called to follow the Daniel Fast, which focuses on vegetables, fruits, and water. If that resonates with you, check out our church’s fasting resources online. Perhaps God is inviting you to do a Lifestyle Fast, abstaining from social media, entertainment, or other distractions that consume your time and focus. Or maybe it’s a Hybrid Fast, combining both food and lifestyle elements. Whatever God is leading you toward, choose a fast that challenges you but is sustainable and honors your current health and responsibilities. Ask the Spirit to guide you as you plan the type of fast you will take.
In addition to planning your type of fast, plan your daily rhythm for prayer and fasting. The point is to abstain from something and give that time to God to deepen your relationship with God. For example, if you choose to fast from lunch, use that time to be with God. Identify moments in your day, whether morning, midday, or evening, when you can intentionally connect with God. Some of you may prefer early mornings, while others may find evenings more conducive to uninterrupted time with God. If you rely heavily on a busy schedule, it might help to actually put this time with God on your calendar.
Intentional planning helps ensure these weeks of prayer and fasting become part of the rhythm of your life. As you talk to God this week and make a plan for the type of fast you will do and how you’ll organize your time, hold these plans with open hands. Things may change; God may have other plans. Greater things start with intention to plan in preparation. We can trust God to guide us from there.
The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling.
As you prepare this week, consider what prayer practices and spiritual exercises you will use to connect with God more deeply. Jesus instructs that prayer should be personal, heartfelt, and focused on God: “...when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father…” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer and fasting are directed to God, as an audience of one. Prepare by exploring practices that allow you to enjoy God, be with God, experience God’s presence, and deepen your love for God.
This might be a great time to take the “Discover Your Unique Way of Connecting with God” assessment available on our church website. It can help you meet with God in ways that resonate with how God created you. There are many ways to connect with God. The following highlights a few practices that can open your heart to God in fresh ways.
First, Scripture should always be central. God’s Word is God’s story and love letter to us. During these 28 Days, I invite you to join our church’s reading plan on You Version. This week’s plan, Victorious Fasting, focuses on preparing for the fast. You can access it through the Bible app or by scanning the QR code on our website.
Another practice to consider is Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading.” This involves reading a passage of Scripture slowly and repeatedly, noticing what stirs your heart and meditating on a word or phrase that stands out to you. Let God speak to you through His Word.
You might also try Imaginative Prayer, a practice that uses the imagination God has given you. Place yourself within a biblical passage and imagine the sights, sounds, and emotions of the story. Talk to God about what you notice and let it deepen your communion with God. These practices, while ancient, can bring the Bible alive and create fresh encounters with God as you feast on God’s Word during your fast.
Two additional prayer practices to consider are the Examen and Journaling. The Examen is a simple practice of reflecting on the highs and lows of your day, noticing moments where God was present, and praying about what you’ve observed. Journaling, on the other hand, is a way to write your thoughts, prayers, and reflections to God. If journaling feels daunting, start small. You can write a letter to God, sharing your desires, frustrations, or insights from God’s Word. Journaling helps us slow down, reflect, and hear from God in new ways.
The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:6, “Go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father…” While we know prayer can happen anywhere, there’s something meaningful about having a dedicated space to meet with God. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” As you prepare this week, consider where you can consistently meet with God during these 28 Days. Whether it’s a corner of your home, a quiet park, or even your car, create a space that is free from distractions and inviting for you to connect with God. Set up the environment with items like your Bible, a journal, or worship music to create a sacred and intentional atmosphere.
As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God.
For our journey over the next 28 days to be all God has in store for us: (1) prepare with a purpose to remind us why we are fasting when it gets difficult; (2) prepare a plan for the type of fast and how we’ll organize our days; (3) prepare the practices that allow the Spirit to refresh our souls; (4) prepare a sacred place to meet with God. These steps of preparation will help us align with God’s will and create space for God to work in our lives. You show up for God, because God will most definitely show up for you. God sees your desire to draw near. God will meet you where you are.
In Matthew 6, Jesus promises a reward for those who pray and fast with sincerity. While we can never put God in a box to dictate what God’s rewards will be, and we certainly do not fast or pray for rewards, God is always true to God’s Word. When we approach prayer and fasting authentically, God responds with blessings; that’s just who God is. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “...He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” God’s blessings might include spiritual strength, answered prayers, or a deeper understanding of God’s will. The greatest reward is God’s presence in our lives right now. John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
The reward of prayer and fasting is experiencing God in all God’s fullness. The goal is to prepare ourselves to experience greater things to see God move in ways that transform our hearts, hearts of our loved ones, our church, and even our community. God sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), fills us with unmatched joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11), and grants us peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). God provides wisdom, guidance, and the ability to hear God’s voice (James 1:5). Through prayer and fasting, our love for God deepens as we experience the depths of God’s love for us. Like the Psalmist, we can say, “Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25-26).
All of these blessings and many more are the rewards of prayer and fasting when we truly connect with God. The reward of prayer and fasting is not about what we give up but that we gain more of God. God’s joy, peace, wisdom, and love become ours as we seek God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-For further explanation of any statement in the Quick Summary, review that section and consider the questions for that section.
Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church.
-What does it mean to you that Jesus said His followers would do "greater things" than He did?
Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that aligns you with God reflecting and pointing to Jesus.
-How does the promise of the Holy Spirit encourage you in your walk with God?
One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year.
-In what circumstances have you ever participated in a fast before? What was your purpose, and how did it impact your relationship with God?
Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting.
The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it.
- As you consider entering this 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting, what is your “why”? What do you hope to gain from this time with God?
-Describe the ways in your life that fasting centered you to honor and humble yourself before God, then into a more personal experience with God, enjoying God’s presence, and reminding you that God is the source of your strength and life?
The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar.
-What type of fast do you feel led to pursue (e.g., food fast, lifestyle fast, hybrid)?
-After you consult with your physician prior to beginning your fast, a non-food fast may be your best option.
-How can you intentionally structure your days to create space for God during this time of fasting? Which plan for structuring your days would work best for you?
The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling.
-Which prayer practices or spiritual exercises have been most meaningful to you in the past? Are there any new ones you’d like to try during this fast (for example, Lectio Divina, Imaginative Prayer, Journaling, creating art as prayer, prayerfully walk in God’s creations through nature, review your day to see where God was present and your response)?
- How does engaging in Scripture and other spiritual practices help align your heart with God’s heart?
The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God.
- Do you have a specific place where you feel closest to God? If not, what steps can you take to create a sacred space for your prayer and fasting journey?
- How does the idea of dedicating a space for meeting with God change the way you approach your prayer time?
As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God.
-What blessings or rewards have you experienced in the past through prayer and fasting?
-How can focusing on God’s presence rather than external outcomes transform your attitude toward prayer and fasting?
Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.
-How do you hope this 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting will impact your relationship with God, your loved ones, and your church community?
-What steps can you take today to prepare your heart and mind for the journey ahead?
Posted in Greater Things Ahead
Posted in Greater Things Ahead, Greater Thins Start Here, Matthew 6:5-9, Matthew 6:16-18, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spiritual practices, 28 days of prayer and fasting, Preparation for prayer and fasting, purpose for fasting, plan for fasting, Preparation spiritual practices, bible reading plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, review God\\\'s presence, journaling, preparing place to meet with God, intentional alignment with God, trusting God, John 14:12, Lectio Divina, Examen, Psalm 42:1-2, Proverbs 18:2-4, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, Psalm 73:25-26
Posted in Greater Things Ahead, Greater Thins Start Here, Matthew 6:5-9, Matthew 6:16-18, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spiritual practices, 28 days of prayer and fasting, Preparation for prayer and fasting, purpose for fasting, plan for fasting, Preparation spiritual practices, bible reading plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, review God\\\'s presence, journaling, preparing place to meet with God, intentional alignment with God, trusting God, John 14:12, Lectio Divina, Examen, Psalm 42:1-2, Proverbs 18:2-4, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, Psalm 73:25-26
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