Slideshow image

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat found out that there were three enemies heading to fight the nation of Judah. He was scared, so he prayed and then proclaimed a fast for the whole nation so that they could clearly hear from God. In response, God sent a prophet who told them their enemies’ location and let them know that their battle plan should be to stand still and watch God fight for them. Read the story, it worked!

In 2023, about 100 Mount Members and friends joined us to pray and fast for our church's future. We believe it worked and we are still reaping the blessings from that season of sacrifice.

In 2024, during the season of Lent, we are seeking God for more...specifically more of the Fruit of the Spirit to be made evident in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Therefore, I am calling for the members of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church to join me for a season of fasting and prayer during the 40 days of Lent. 

**************************

Back to the BASICS

Make it a family affair to participate in these spiritual disciplines 

Prayer

    • 7:00 AM Congregational Prayer Call (Mon - Sat) on Dialpad
    • 12:00 PM Individual or Partner Prayer
    • Daily Prayer of Thanksgiving: set your alarm to correspond with your birthdate (i.e., Pastor Nelson’s birthday is July 30th, so his alarm would be for 7:30 AM or 7:30 PM...Rev. Butler's birthday is March 24th, so she would set her alarm for 3:24 PM because 3:24 AM would be kinda crazy)

Bible Reading & Bible Study

    • Read through the Gospel of Matthew 
    • Wednesday Virtual Bible Study - try to attend when we are “live”, join the discussion in the After Bible Study chat; even if you’re usually quiet, commit to say at least one thing or answer one question during Lent
    • Church School - Sundays at 9:30 AM

Worship: Join us for worship at 10:45 AM - we’d love to see you in-person, but if you join virtually, be sure to let us know that you are with us

Ministry Involvement: If not already a part of a Ministry at The Mount, prayerfully consider what God is calling you to do. If you need a Spiritual Gifts Assessment, we can provide one.

*************************

Food Fast Options

I know some members have dietary restrictions that may prevent you from giving up all foods, but we’re not even asking for that. We have given you all kinds of choices for a food fast that will not require you to abstain from all foods. Choose one or more of these.

  • Daniel Fast: eat fruits, vegetables, plant-based meals, drink water
  • Veggies: refrain from eating meats
  • Candy Crush: refrain from eating all sweets and treats
  • Give Up the Golden Arches: refrain from all Fast Food 
  • You Got Food At Home: refrain from eating out
  • Chase the Waterfalls: no food restrictions, water will be your only beverage during this fast 

 *************************

Screen Time Fast

We are not asking you to give up all social media or watching TV. We are asking you to prayerfully consider what may be monopolizing your time and commit to giving up (sacrificing) some of that time to pray and seek God's face.

  • Set Time Limits on Your Social Media and Other Screen Time
    • Limit your non-essential social media usage to 1 hour per day
    • Limit your non-essential social media usage to Sundays only
    • Limit your watching content on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, TikTok, and other streaming platforms
  • TV, Movies, Music: Refrain from watching or listening to anything that does not help you be who God has called you to be
  • Information Overload: If you find that reading or watching the news is causing you stress, making you angry or sad, reduce the amount of information you take in through internet, television, newspaper 

**************************

Developing Good Habits Fasting Options

Try to choose something (or a few things) from this list that are problematic for you.  

  • I Won’t Complain: whenever you feel the need to complain, start to pray
  • You Didn’t Hear it From Me: refrain from gossiping
  • Good Vibes Only: commit to only saying or thinking positive things to or about people (including yourself)
  • Let It Go: give away clothes, shoes, or household goods that you no longer need or use but do not purchase any replacements
  • Let This Go Too: cussing, fussing, smoking, drinking, and any other habit that will keep you from being the best version of yourself that God has called you to be. 

**************************

Physical Fitness Fasting Options

  • Walk or Work Out 20-30 minutes a day (ask a friend to join you for accountability)
  • 1 Mile Prayer Walk in your neighborhood (at least 3 times per week)
  • When you have a choice, take the stairs
  • Stay hydrated. Drink the recommended glasses of water each day.

*************************

Financial Fitness Fast Options

  • Work out and stick to a budget based on your take home pay 
  • Refrain from gambling (including lottery tickets, trips to casino)
  • No non-essential shopping (online or in-person)
  • Try tithing - giving 10% of your income
  • If you don’t already have one, look into getting a life insurance policy