And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (St. John 6:35).

 

On Wednesday, March 5 through Friday, March 7, 2025, we will be engaging in our three days of Prayer and Fasting. Our goal is to fast each day from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The theme for our prayer and fasting is "God’s Love". In St, John 3:16-17, we read 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

 

The book of St. John is known as the gospel of love, reminding us of God’s unfailing love for humanity. The Lord Jesus Christ left the splendor of heaven to come to earth, marred by sin, to redeem man to Himself. Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us when we were alienated from Him: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus died for humanity, despite our unworthiness, demonstrating God’s immense love for us.

 

God's love is proven by His actions, not just His words. Jesus came in the flesh to reconcile us to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), enduring pain and shame for our salvation. His death brought us salvation, and His love crosses all boundaries of race, financial status, and culture. Revelation 22:17 says, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” This scripture reminds us that salvation is freely available to all, though it cost Him everything.

 

Many feel unworthy of His love, and indeed we are, but His desire is for us to accept His love and live a life pleasing to Him. God has set eternity in the heart of every man, and only Jesus can truly satisfy that longing. Jesus tells us in St. John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Hell was made for the devil and his angels, not humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice grants us the right to salvation.

 

God's love does not consider our failures or conditions, whether spiritual or physical. His love looks beyond our faults and sees our needs - salvation, healing, and deliverance. Jesus' love enabled Him to heal the woman with the issue of blood, considered unclean (St. Luke 8:43-48). His love also led Him to go the extra mile to meet the woman of Samaria (St. John 4:3-26). He was often criticized for spending time with sinners.

 

Sadly, those marginalized and ostracized often fail to receive the love and grace Jesus offers freely, seeking love and acceptance in the wrong places.

 

1 John 4:10 says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This scripture epitomizes love, reminding us that we did not love God, but He loved us. He demonstrated His love by being the propitiation for our sins.

 

There is no more powerful love than the love our Heavenly Father has for us, His children. His love can move mountains, calm roaring seas, heal broken and wounded hearts, transform lives, and set free those held captive by sin and shame. So great is His love for us that He sent His Son to die so that we might live through Him.

 

It's easy to love and sacrifice for those who love us, but we often struggle to love those who don't reciprocate our affection. While we might be more forgiving and understanding with those who don't initiate love, we tend to have issues with those who don't return our love. However, scripture shows us countless times that God not only initiates but also reciprocates love. This is evident in what He did at Calvary. He desires us as we are and assists us in becoming who He wants us to be.

 

So, as we embark on these three days of fasting and prayers, let’s reminisce on Jesus’ unfailing love towards us. And focus on these prayer points:

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Focus on our response to Jesus’ unfailing love (Introspection):
Scripture: 5 am – (St. John 3:16-20), 12pm – (Romans 5: 1-11), and 8 pm – (St. John 15:9-19)
  1.  Pray that we will love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind (St. Matthew 22:37).
  2.  Pray that we will develop a hunger and thirst for God (Psalms 42:1-2). 
  3.  Pray that we will stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free (Galatians 5:1).
  4. Pray that we will live clean lives so Christ can take residence in us (Isaiah 52:11).
  5. Pray that we exemplify God’s love with each other daily (St. John 13:35).
Thursday, March 6, 2025: Pray for that UAC Leadership:
Scriptures: 5 am – (1 Corinthians 12:14-31), 12pm – (Ephesians 4:1-13) and 8 pm – (St. John 13:13 -17).
  1. Pray that our leaders will develop a greater love and appreciate each other and become a united front, so there will be no schism in the body (1 Corinthians 12:25).
  2. Pray for our leaders and their family that love will abide in their home and relationship (Ephesians 5:25).
  3. Pray that our leaders will lead by example as they carry out the mandates of the Lord (St. John 13:15).
  4. Pray that our leaders will live clean lives so they will not be a reproach to the ministry (Isaiah 52:11).
  5. Pray that God will give our leaders a shepherd’s heart and wisdom as they carry out the work of the kingdom lovingly (Ephesians 4:32).
Friday, March 7, 2025: Pray that our community will accept the love that Jesus freely offers.
Scriptures: 5 am – (St. Matthew 11:28-30), 12 pm (Isaiah 55)
  1. Pray that our community will accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers freely (Isaiah 55:1).
  2. Pray that the ear and eyes of our community will be open to God’s call (St. John 6:44).
  3. Pray that we as a church will reach those who have been marginalized and rejected with the gospel of Jesus Christ (St. Luke 4:18).
  4. Pray that we as an assembly will be intentional in spreading the love of God to those in our sphere of influence (St. Matthew 5:16).
  5. Pray that God will pull down every stronghold within our communities, that the gospel may flow freely (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Downloads