The RISE Fast
As we approach Commitment Sunday and the conclusion of the RISE series, we are setting aside time to press in and seek God together through a two-day fast. This is a moment to pray, reflect, and prepare our hearts as we step into all that God is calling us to. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your financial commitment to RISE or where He’s leading you to join Team Bay Hills, this fast is an opportunity to listen, trust, and respond in faith.
Why is Fasting Important?
Fasting is a way to draw closer to God, clear out distractions, and grow spiritually. It has been practiced by Christians throughout history as a way to seek God’s presence, guidance, and power. In both the Old and New Testaments, people fasted in times of decision-making, crisis, repentance, and spiritual renewal. It is an intentional act of humbling ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on Him rather than our own strength.
Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), and He taught that fasting should be a regular part of our spiritual lives (Matthew 6:16-18). When we fast, we set aside something physical—food—to focus on something greater—God. It helps us become more aware of His voice, deepens our prayer life, and aligns our hearts with His purposes.
As Jesus said, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, NLT). Fasting reminds us that we are sustained by God, not just from food, and it helps us shift our reliance from the temporary things of this world to the eternal power of God. This fast is an opportunity to press in, seek God with expectancy, and invite Him to move powerfully in our lives and in our church.
What Kind of Fast Are We Doing?
This will be a food fast for those who are able. That means abstaining from eating while spending extra time in prayer and the Bible. If you have medical concerns or are unable to fully fast from food, you can do a liquids-only fast, drinking fluids but not eating. Only those without medical concerns should participate.
The goal is not deprivation but devotion—letting go of something temporary to seek something eternal. If fasting from food isn’t possible for you, consider fasting from something else that is meaningful and helpful in drawing you closer to God—social media, entertainment, coffee, or anything that often competes for your attention. The heart of this fast is about making space for God to speak and move in our lives as we prepare for what’s ahead.
When Will We Fast?
Our fast will begin right after RISE Revival Night on Thursday and will end Sunday morning before church. It is our hope that this fast will be a way to surrender, listen, and step forward into More Life.
A Fast Over Valentine’s Day?
We’ll admit—it gave us pause too. A church-wide fast over a holiday that many look forward to? At first, it seemed like an odd choice. But as we prayed, we felt the significance of this moment called for it. As we conclude the RISE series and prepare for Commitment Sunday, we want to be fully focused on what God is doing in and through Bay Hills.
And honestly, if the goal of Valentine’s Day is to grow in intimacy, what better way for two people who love Jesus to draw closer to God—and to each other—than through prayer and fasting? But this fast isn’t just for couples—it’s for everyone. For those who are single, a day that can sometimes feel isolating now becomes an opportunity to press into Jesus, join in unity with our church, and seek His purpose for this next season.
Instead of being left out, we all get to participate in something powerful together.
As we approach Commitment Sunday and the conclusion of the RISE series, we are setting aside time to press in and seek God together through a two-day fast. This is a moment to pray, reflect, and prepare our hearts as we step into all that God is calling us to. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your financial commitment to RISE or where He’s leading you to join Team Bay Hills, this fast is an opportunity to listen, trust, and respond in faith.
Why is Fasting Important?
Fasting is a way to draw closer to God, clear out distractions, and grow spiritually. It has been practiced by Christians throughout history as a way to seek God’s presence, guidance, and power. In both the Old and New Testaments, people fasted in times of decision-making, crisis, repentance, and spiritual renewal. It is an intentional act of humbling ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on Him rather than our own strength.
Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), and He taught that fasting should be a regular part of our spiritual lives (Matthew 6:16-18). When we fast, we set aside something physical—food—to focus on something greater—God. It helps us become more aware of His voice, deepens our prayer life, and aligns our hearts with His purposes.
As Jesus said, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, NLT). Fasting reminds us that we are sustained by God, not just from food, and it helps us shift our reliance from the temporary things of this world to the eternal power of God. This fast is an opportunity to press in, seek God with expectancy, and invite Him to move powerfully in our lives and in our church.
What Kind of Fast Are We Doing?
This will be a food fast for those who are able. That means abstaining from eating while spending extra time in prayer and the Bible. If you have medical concerns or are unable to fully fast from food, you can do a liquids-only fast, drinking fluids but not eating. Only those without medical concerns should participate.
The goal is not deprivation but devotion—letting go of something temporary to seek something eternal. If fasting from food isn’t possible for you, consider fasting from something else that is meaningful and helpful in drawing you closer to God—social media, entertainment, coffee, or anything that often competes for your attention. The heart of this fast is about making space for God to speak and move in our lives as we prepare for what’s ahead.
When Will We Fast?
Our fast will begin right after RISE Revival Night on Thursday and will end Sunday morning before church. It is our hope that this fast will be a way to surrender, listen, and step forward into More Life.
A Fast Over Valentine’s Day?
We’ll admit—it gave us pause too. A church-wide fast over a holiday that many look forward to? At first, it seemed like an odd choice. But as we prayed, we felt the significance of this moment called for it. As we conclude the RISE series and prepare for Commitment Sunday, we want to be fully focused on what God is doing in and through Bay Hills.
And honestly, if the goal of Valentine’s Day is to grow in intimacy, what better way for two people who love Jesus to draw closer to God—and to each other—than through prayer and fasting? But this fast isn’t just for couples—it’s for everyone. For those who are single, a day that can sometimes feel isolating now becomes an opportunity to press into Jesus, join in unity with our church, and seek His purpose for this next season.
Instead of being left out, we all get to participate in something powerful together.
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