Prayer & Fasting Guide

Progression Church exists to help people move forward in their relationship with Jesus. So, the single most important way to accomplish this comes through PRAYER. A praying church is a powerful church! We can plan, strategize, and invite, but God is ultimately the One who makes a difference in your life and other people’s life. That’s why we’ve created this prayer plan: to lead you through some of the important things we can pray for together as a church family.

If prayer leads to progress, then FASTING is the accelerant. It’s one of the ways we recalibrate our lives to God’s will for you and others. Fasting is temporarily setting aside something in your life in order realign your will with God’s will. While praying through this guide, decide on something you will fast from (it could be a meal, the amount of time you spend on your phone, etc.) and replace it with prayer.

Today’s Reading

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. (John 1:1-3)

For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Today’s Quote

“There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice.” – John Calvin

Today’s Questions

1. Take a moment and ponder that Jesus helped create the universe. What does this tell us about Him?

2. How does Christ being creator affect your views of His ministry on earth?

3. How does Christ being creator affect your faith in Him to move in your life?

Today’s Prayer

Spend time thanking God for His creation that you especially love. Ask God to use His creation to move you towards worshipping Him and for Him to do the same in others lives as well. (Bonus points if you pray outside today. )

Today’s Reading

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:3-4)

He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)

Today’s Quote

“If you had a thousand crowns you should put them all on the head of Christ! And if you had a thousand tongues they should all sing his praise, for he is worthy!"- William Tiptaft

Today’s Questions

1. Jesus is the Son of God; co-equal with the Father and Spirit. What stands out to you today from our passages?

2. Verse 3 mentions that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Take a moment and ponder Jesus as King on a throne for all of eternity. Does this help you pray with more confidence?

3. Both of our passages mention that Jesus is holding (or sustaining) the universe together RIGHT NOW. He is in control RIGHT NOW. How does this make you feel?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God today that Jesus is holding things together right now. Thank Him that through Christ we have a great picture of who God is and how He wants us to live. Ask God to help you become more like Jesus; that you might reflect His character to the world today.

Today’s Reading

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2).

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites, and you must listen to that prophet...‘I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will tell that prophet what to say, and he will tell the people everything I command him.’” (Deuteronomy 18:15; 18)

Today’s Quote

“I have a great need for Christ: I have a great Christ for my need.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Today’s Questions

1. Jesus is the Messiah; the anointed on that was prophesied to come from the Old Testament for thousands of years. Isaiah prophesies about what kind of ministry the Messiah would have. What does Isaiah 9:6 tell us about Jesus’ ministry?

2. A lot of what Jesus did was prophesied hundreds (or thousands) of years before He came; including where He was to be born (Micah 5:2). Why is it important to ponder that Jesus was predicted to come and actually did?

3. Moses prophesied one would come that would tell the people everything God wanted Him to say. What are some of your favorite truths that Jesus has taught you?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God for Jesus today and thank Him for what He has taught you. Ask God to help you to not only understand His Word but also to be a doer of the Word.

Today’s Reading

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Today’s Quote

“When the Eternal stooped from Heaven, and assumed the nature of His own creature who had rebelled against Him, the deed could mean no harm to man. God in our nature is not God against us, but God with us.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Today’s Questions

1. Theologians say Jesus is “God incarnate.” Growing up I heard this said but didn’t know what “incarnate” meant. Incarnation (theologically) means "embodied in flesh; given a bodily, especially a human, form." So Jesus was “God in flesh.” Why do you believe this is important?

2. What stands out the most to you from today’s scripture?

3. How does the passage from Philippians help inform how you should live today?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God for the sacrifice of Christ becoming man for our behalf. Ask God to help you cherish Him today and also live a life of humility like Christ.

Today’s Reading

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Quote

“Every Christian is a missionary or an imposter.”- C.H. Spurgeon

Today’s Questions

1. Light in Jesus’ day had connotations of “healing” and “truth”. How did Jesus live this out while on earth? How is He doing it today?

2. Jesus, the light of the world, told His followers that “they were the light of the world.” They were continuing His ministry; doing what He did. How can you be light to the world around you today?

3. Every Christian is called to be light and a missionary. One easy way to do this is to invite people to come with you to church. Make a list of people you can invite and try to make sure you have at least three people on your list.

Today’s Prayer

Thank God that Jesus came and was the true light of the world. Ask God to help you to be light to those around you and pray for your list of people you can invite to Easter.

Today’s Reading

Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. (John 10:7-10)

Today’s Quote

“Jesus is the only way because the Bible says it to be true. Why? Because only He can bridge the gap between God and man; there's no other way.” – Norman Geisler

Today’s Questions

1. Why is Jesus the only way to salvation?

2. What kind of abundant life does Jesus offer?

3. If Jesus is the only way, how should that inform the way we talk to our friends about faith?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God that He made a way for you to be saved through Jesus. Thank Him for inviting you to be saved and for those in your life who don’t know Christ yet.

Today’s Reading

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:11-14)

Today’s Quote

“He never abandons anyone on whom he has set his love; nor does Christ, the good shepherd, ever lose track of his sheep.” – J.I. Packer

Today’s Questions

1. What stands out to you from today’s scripture?

2. How does Jesus, our Good Shepherd, still protect us today?

3. When you consider how Jesus laid his life down for you, how does that make you want to live? How can you live sacrificially today?

Today’s Prayer

Ask God to help you to trust Him more. He is good and trustworthy. Ask Him to help you live a sacrificial life like Jesus today.

Today’s Reading

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment, and who considered his fate? For he was cut off from the land of the living; he was struck because of my people’s rebellion. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully. (Isaiah 53:3-9)

Today’s Quote

“Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came in the flesh to suffer and die and by that suffering and death to save undeserving sinners like you and me.” - John Piper

Today’s Questions

1. This passage in Isaiah is estimated to have been written about 700 years before Jesus would take the cross. What is the significance of this?

2. Isaiah 53 is prophesying about Jesus. What are some of the specific parallels to Jesus you can find in this passage?

3. Though He was innocent, Jesus served you by suffering in your place. What does this type of sacrifice demand of your life?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God for the amazing work of our Suffering Servant, Jesus. Express gratitude for the reality that He bore our pain and punishment on the cross. Ask God to give you the courage and willingness to suffering for His name.

Today’s Reading

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)

Today’s Quote

“The centerpiece of worship in heaven will be the display of the glory of God’s grace in the slaughtered Lamb.” -John Piper

Today’s Questions

1. John refers to Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” What is the significance of Jesus being referred to as the Lamb of God?

2. What all was accomplished for us by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

3. What did His sacrifice do for us that the Old Testament sacrificial system could not?

Today’s Prayer

Take a moment to thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. Consider and celebrate the permanent nature of our forgiveness of sins through Jesus, our Lamb of God.

Today’s Reading

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘55 ‘Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?’ 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:54-56)

Today’s Quote

“Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ has already wrought a great victory upon death so that he has delivered us from lifelong bondage through its fear.” - CH Spurgeon

Today’s Questions

1. Why is Jesus the only one who can truly defeat death and sin?

2. Because of Jesus, how has our relationship with sin changed?

3. Because of Jesus, how has our relationship with death changed?

Today’s Prayer

Thank God, that through the victory of Jesus, you are no longer enslaved to sin. Express to Him your gratitude that you no longer have to fear death!

Easter Reminder

Did you know Easter is the Sunday most people are likely to accept an invitation to church? Who is that family member, friend, coworker or neighbor you can invite? Share this page with them!

Today’s Reading

“So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11)

Today’s Quote

“The Kingdom of God is the permanent reality, while the kingdom of this world will eventually fade away.” -Timothy Keller

Today’s Questions

1. What is the primary means by which Jesus will build his kingdom? (Hint: see Matt. 16:18)

2. The disciples we distracted by their own idea about the coming kingdom. What are some areas in your life where you’re tempted to building your own kingdom?

3. What are some roles you can personally play in building the Kingdom of Heaven?

Today’s Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Pray that He would empower you to engage the people in your life with the gospel!

Easter Reminder

Did you know Easter is the Sunday most people are likely to accept an invitation to church? Who is that family member, friend, coworker or neighbor you can invite? Share this page with them!

Today’s Reading

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18)

“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” (Acts 9:31)

Today’s Quote

“The true Church can never fail. For it is based upon a rock.” -T.S. Elliot

Today’s Questions

1. Jesus says He will build His church “on this rock.” What rock is He talking about? (Hint: see Romans 1:16)

2. Notice the unstoppable nature of Jesus claim in the second part of Matt16:18. Why can we be confident that the Church will persevere throughout time?

3. Where does our strength and resolve of the Church come from according to Acts 9:31? How does that affect the way you engage the world?

Today’s Prayer

Spend some time praising God for the unstoppable nature of His Church! Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your resolve and empower you to reach people with gospel.

Today’s Reading

“He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.” (Col. 1:18)

Today’s Quote

“Who could be head but he to whom such praise can be awarded? He has washed us in his blood — he must be Head. He has loved us from before the foundation of the world, he must be chief. His right hand and his holy arm hath gotten him the victory — let him be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords.” -CH Spurgeon

Today’s Questions

1. Jesus is described as the head of the church. Why should this, above all things, bring you comfort?

2. What are the spiritual blessings you enjoy as a result of Jesus’ headship over the body of Christ? (Hint: see Eph. 1:3-14)

3. As a follower of Jesus, how should His headship inform the decisions you make and the way you live you life?

Today’s Prayer

Spend time thanking Jesus for his headship in your life, and thank Him for the spiritual blessings you’ve received though Him. Wrap up by asking the Holy Spirit to help you submit every part of your life to His leadership.

Today’s Reading

“Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work.” (Rev. 22:12)

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near.” (Luke 21:27-28)

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt. 25:13)

Today’s Quote

“Wouldn’t you live differently if you knew Jesus were coming back tonight? Wouldn’t it make you ask the question, Am I ready? Am I living today in a way that I’d be happy to see him tonight?” -JD Greear

Today’s Questions

1. Why is the return of Jesus relevant to your obedience right now as a believer? (Hint: see Rev. 22:12)

2. We’re told that Jesus will return soon. How should this affect the way you engage others with the gospel?

3. Because we don’t know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, we’re told to “keep watch.” What does this look like in your life?

Today’s Prayer

Spend time thanking God for the hope we have in Jesus’ return. Pray that the Spirit will help you to live a life of urgency and obedience to the things He has called you to do.