FIRST SEEK

From January 5-18 we will pray and fast together.

When we began our journey together as Sanctuary Church 8 years ago, we started with a season of fasting and prayer. Prayer and fasting are not our last resort, they are always our first response. #FirstSeek is designed to prioritize that which matters most as we cultivate greater hunger for God and seek His wisdom, strength, and direction for our lives, church, and city.

Whether you can’t imagine your life without prayer or you can’t imagine where to begin, the power of prayer isn’t determined by the presentation. It’s not the strength of our faith, it’s the object of our faith that changes things.

Throughout history incredible seasons of prayer and fasting have been recorded. Of course, in the eyes of those who prayed they may not have been remarkable at all. They sought God in simple and honest ways. They touched the heart of God in one way or another and changed environments, cities, nations and history itself.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. – 1 John 5:14

What if the greater Providence area continued to be transformed by the good news of Jesus and became known as a place where God is alive and at work? God placed us in one of the least churched cities in America, and through us the God of the miraculous is on the move. Our prayers aren’t as ordinary or unremarkable as we think.

Prayer and fasting touches the heart of God and reorders our values.

Prayer and fasting are critical disciplines in joining God in the renewal of all things.

“History is the story of God giving away power. After entrusting the human species with the gift of free choice, God invited its representatives to act as partners, even to argue and wrestle with the One who created them. Yet, virtually everyone God picked to lead a new venture – Adam, Abraham, Moses, David – proved disappointing in part. Apparently God committed to work with human partners no matter how inept. Jesus stayed on earth barely long enough to assemble a dozen followers (no less flawed), to whom he handed the keys of the kingdom of God. Against all odds the movement took off, and the human partnership has not stopped since. We are “God’s fellow workers,” the apostle Paul said. We collaborate with God’s actions in the world. And as God’s coworkers we are encouraged to submit our requests, our desires, and our petitions in prayer.” + Yancey

ALTAR | Wednesday, Jan 8 at 7pm – 244 Weybosset St

A focused prayer and worship gathering over looking the city.

HEART | Wednesday, January 22, 7pm – 15 Hayes St

Our first church-wide worship night of the year where we are seeking God for revival.

RESOURCES

WHY AND HOW TO FAST
PRAYER AND FASTING, a talk by Greg Johnson
READ THE BIBLE IN A YEAR, a free Bible reading app with commentary
ONE YEAR BIBLE PLAN, another helpful version of a Bible reading plan

There will be a different prayer focus everyday. Follow us on instagram at @sanctuaryri for daily reminders and inspiration.

RESOURCES:

WHY AND HOW TO FAST

In addition to this time of prayer, we would love for you to join us in fasting over the next 14 days. Whether you decide to give up a certain type of food or take a break from social media, this form of self-denial, when used to focus on prayer, will align your heart with the heart of God.

Please remember that every person is different and you should only choose what is a healthy and safe choice for you.

Below we have provided a few suggestions of fasts:

14 Day Liquid Fast – Give up solid foods
14 Day Daniel Fast – Fruits and vegetables only
14 Day Media Fast – Give up media
7 Day Fast – Fast with us for 7 days
Lunch Fast – Fast with us over lunch each day

Homegroups will fast the day before they meet. Pray when they gather and then break the fast together around the table.

There is a place to post thoughts, requests, and most importantly – how you have seen God at work, at the bottom of this page. Please share and check back, it encourages us all.

If you are on twitter or instagram – take pictures or share scripture and use the hashtag – #firstseek