Greetings,
"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17:21
We have set before SBC life to join us in a day of prayer. This was a call to SBC churches and pastors to pray specifically for SBC life on February 23, 2025. This was a time to set aside to be intentional about coming before the Lord in prayer on behalf of SBC life. There are many spiritual disciplines that are languishing among SBC life. Always grateful to hear of those that are doing them and continue to do them for years and decades. God bless them! But they are only a remnant. Prayer is only one discipline that we are called to do and be. Fasting is another spiritual discipline that is often forgotten, left untouched and not practiced among the church today. "but this kind can come forth but nothing by prayer and fasting."
We are in the season of Lent. Largely SBC churches and members do not fast, nor particiapte in Lent. But it a preparation for some among the churches for 40 days in getting ready for EAster. They give up, fast from something during this time period, as there preparation for Easter. The act of fasting is mentioned numerous times in SCripture. The act of 40 days is repeated over and over in Christ life and other saints. But Lent is not found in Scripture, only the act of denying self in order to walk more closely and obedient. The denial of self and the things of this world we must cut away and depart from. For it is often these things that do hinder our "drawing near unto HIm" that He may draw near unto us."
There is a moving of the Spirit now among college campuses. Among SBC over these last 18 months, an increase of baptisms is being rejoiced in and reported. This is a work of God. but it is also being reported that attendance in church faithful has decreased. a percentage that seems to be around 15% of our population in the US (330 million). Thus, leaving 85% of our population outside the church and disobedient to the call of "forsake not the assembly of yourselves together." Men have talked about prayer. Prayer has been offered. But a concerted prayer with fasting has not been employed as it should be.
Consider that our situation is not good in our nation and in the state of the church. There is a need to be met to rescue our nation, our future, our families and our current state of unfaithfulness, unregenerated and unholy practices. We live in a society of Epidemics. Judgements that are upon our land and families and cities even now. Judgements that 25 years ago at the turn of the century were not many, or even known at all. But now just 25 years later we are at Epidemic status with drug death and overdoses; children being preyed upon, neglected and abused; LGBTQ advances in the minds and hearts of 1000's; great evil of homicides, suicides and murder-suicides; diseases leading to death and our economy. There is a remedy for all these things, it is found in Christ Jesus.
It is time to seek the Lord. Let us set aside one day per month that is given to prayer and fasting for a real revival of God's glory and Presence to fall upon the church. Let us pray secondly for a spiritual awakening that turns that 15 % in church and 85 % out of church, to 85 % in church. Let us give ourselves to learn how to pray and fast. Not simply being pious or religious but being broken and contrite for what our nation, cities, churches and homes have become. Some one asked me, "what comes after these judgements that have reached Epidemic status?" My reply, "Final judgement." Time is an issue brethren.
WE are setting the 1st Thursday of each month to fast and pray. Our local pastors and churches are fasting each Thursday. There is an association in GA, that those pastors fast the first Friday of each month. Wonderful news to hear! It matters not really which day, but it does matter that it is being done. Remember God loves unity among the brethren. Set aside time to specifically pray for these two things. And fast from food and/or drink for that day. There are numerous teachings and books that address how to fast. We are fasting to deny ourselves from that which we so commonly take for granted. Setting aside time, interest and pursuit that God may hear and answer us. We know God hears our prayers as His church. But I am not satisfied with Him hearing me; I want Him to answer us. Let us pray in agreement for revival and awakening to come upon us.
WHAT: PRAYER & FASTING
WHEN: the 1st Thursday of each month;
HOW: do set aside specific times for prayer alone with God; set aside times of prayer with other Christians; to give up food and/or drink for that day;
You are being asked do join us. Would please consider contacting others in your groups to join. Across SBC we are seeking to contact each state convention, each association, each SBC entity and each seminary. We hope to reach the pastors and churches to hear of this and join.
Blessings,
Until,
Dan Biser
rdbiser@live.com
What if the fate of our nation, families, and churches depended on our willingness to humble ourselves in prayer and fasting? The time for passive faith is over. The time for bold, decisive action is now.
We have set before SBC Life a call to join us in a day of prayer. This invitation is for SBC churches and pastors to come together and pray specifically for SBC Life on February 23, 2025. It is a designated time to intentionally come before the Lord on behalf of our community.
Every day, we witness the heartbreaking consequences of spiritual neglect—families torn apart by addiction, children suffering from neglect, churches growing quieter, and a nation drifting away from God. These aren’t merely statistics; they are our neighbors, our loved ones, and our future. While many spiritual disciplines are languishing among us, we are always grateful for those who remain faithful in practicing prayer and fasting. Yet, they are but a remnant. As Scripture reminds us, "but this kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting."
We are in the season of Lent, a time that, though not explicitly detailed in Scripture, points us toward the biblical principle of self-denial. While most SBC churches and members do not traditionally observe Lent or fast, there is a powerful precedent in the Bible—the repeated mention of 40 days of fasting in the lives of Christ and the saints. Fasting is more than a ritual; it is a way to cut away the distractions that hinder our ability to "draw near to Him, that He may draw near to us."
Hope shines through even in challenging times. Over the past 18 months, college campuses and SBC churches have celebrated an increase in baptisms—a clear sign of God’s moving Spirit. Yet, church attendance remains low, with only about 15% of our nation (330 million people) faithfully attending church, leaving 85% outside the fold. Imagine the transformation if we united in prayer and fasting: the 15% could become 85%, families restored and churches revived.
We are faced with dire challenges—a nation plagued by epidemics of drug deaths, abuse, and a surge in social ills that mark our times with final judgments. Twenty-five years ago, such issues were rare or even unknown. Today, they are epidemic. But there is hope. Revival in history has always begun with a small, faithful remnant willing to seek God. Think of the Great Awakening, the Welsh Revival, and the early church: all ignited by a passionate, united call to repentance and renewal.
The question before us is not whether revival is needed, but whether we are willing to pay the price for it. Will you be one who stands in the gap? Will you set aside one day a month to pray and fast, trusting that God will hear—and answer—our heartfelt plea? This is not just an opportunity; it is a divine calling.
We are designating the first Thursday of each month for prayer and fasting. Our local pastors and churches are already joining in this initiative, and in Georgia, an association of pastors fasts on the first Friday of each month. While the specific day matters less than the commitment, unity in purpose is vital. Let us commit ourselves to pray alone with God, with fellow believers, and to fast from food and/or drink as an act of spiritual discipline.
We cannot afford to wait. We cannot afford to be passive. The time is now. Let us rise as a church united in prayer and fasting, believing that God will answer us and bring revival to our homes, cities, and nation.
WHAT: Prayer & Fasting
WHEN: The 1st Thursday of each month
HOW:
- Set aside specific times for personal prayer with God
- Gather with fellow Christians for group prayer
- Fast from food and/or drink for that day
We invite you to join us in this movement. Please consider reaching out to your groups and networks. Across SBC, we are working to contact every state convention, association, SBC entity, and seminary to spread this call. The future of our church and nation may very well depend on our unified response.
Will you join us?
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