In 2019’s 12 Days of Fasting, the body of Refuge came together the first Tuesday of each month to pray and fast. Fasting reorders our affections and creates an even deeper hunger and thirst for King Jesus. Each month we highlighted specific prayer points - use this page to reflect on and even continue to fast individually.

Fasting Resources

december 3: PRAYING FOR spiritual renewal

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” ~ Psalm 63:1-8

Let this Psalm be our prayer to God. Repent of our prayerlessness, lack of love/compassion, and  lack of zeal. Receive His forgiveness, love, and compassion for us.

november 5: PRAYING FOR the kincade fire

“God is our Refuge and our Strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountain be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.[…] Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” ~Psalm 46: 1-3 + 10-11

  • Pray for God’s protection over the firefighters and first responders. Pray for their emotional health, marriages, + salvation.

  • Pray that those experiencing PTS + PTSD would be comforted and God would give them peace.

  • Ask God for opportunities to meet the physical, emotional, and financial needs of those inside and outside of the church.

  • Ask God to give patience, wisdom, and energy to rebuilding efforts of homes, businesses, etc.

  • Pray for opportunities to advance the gospel.

october 1: PRAYING FOR the lost

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~ Ephesians 2:1-10

Prayer points for followers of Jesus:

  • Pray that we would reclaim our passion and awe for God. (Psalm 73:25)

  • Pray for a burden for the lost and a zeal for God’s glory. (Romans 9:2-3; Revelation 4:11)

  • Pray for boldness and opportunities to be a light and a witness. (Isaiah 43:10; Ephesians 6:19)

Prayer points for the lost:

  • Pray that God would remove spiritual blindness from their eyes. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

  • Pray that God would give them a heart of flesh and put a new spirit within them. (Ezekiel 11:19)

  • Pray that they would be freed from the slavery of sin. (Romans 6:17)

  • Pray that God would grant them repentance. (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

september 3: PRAYING FOR MARRIAGE

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." ~ Ephesians 4:2

We’ve dedicated August’s fast to praying specifically for the marriages at Refuge. Pray that:

  • Each marriage would display the love, grace, humility, and compassion of God. (Ephesians 5:22-32)

  • Husbands and wives would be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry. (James 1:19)

  • Husbands and wives would be quick to forgive one another of offenses committed against them. (Colossians 3:13-14)

  • There would be physical, spiritual, and emotional intimacy. (Genesis 4:1a)

  • There would be healing, restoration and redemption for hurting marriages. (Joel 2:25)

JULY 30: Praying for High School Camp

Our high schoolers leave for camp this week. Here are some specific ways to pray for them:

  • Pray that our students will experience God’s glory firsthand

  • Pray that the counselors (Ali + Camp Staff) will discern how to motivate each student to take their relationship with God to new heights

  • Pray for safety while driving and during camp activities

  • Pray for lasting relationships and lasting spiritual growth

July 2: praying for mental and emotional health

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5

June 4: praying for royal family kids camp

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

~ 1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV)

Camp begins on June 9th (campers arrive June 10th) and goes through June 14th. Here’s how you can pray:

  • Please pray for the Counselors: Pray that the Lord will prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies to minister to the needs of the two campers with whom they will spend the week. Pray that they will be able to take advantage of the "teachable moments" that occur. Pray that all will go well at their jobs and with their families so they will not be distracted from concentrating on the campers.

  • Please pray for the Staff: Pray for wisdom and God’s leading as staff continue to plan and make decisions for the camp. Pray for God’s favor for them as they work with the many people outside of the camp who are necessary to help produce a quality experience for the campers. Pray for smooth interaction with the community, other staff, counselors and campers.

  • Please pray for the Campers: Pray that the children will be open to the Word of God and experience positive memories at camp. Pray for their safety; the bus ride, the pool area, sporting events, and safety in general. Pray that seeds may be planted on fertile ground with each camper.

  • Please pray for the Teams: Pray for our Directors Tom and Donna and the leadership team. Pray for the following: Registration, Preparation/Set-up, Set Design/Construction, Breakfast Club, Chapel, Music, Drama, Nurses, Care, Photography/Videography, Activities Center, Woodworking, Staff Lounge, Exercise, Birthday/Tea Party, Knighting, Fundraising, Prayer, Administration, Resource Support Team, Counselors, Camp Grandparents, and Welcome Back teams.

Please pray that we will be overflowing with God’s love; moving and serving in the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own strength. Please pray for unity and synergy as volunteers from multiple churches work together on behalf of foster children and to the glory of God.

MAY 7: Embracing your identity in Christ and utilizing your gifts

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10

- You are God’s workmanship! Reflect on the unique gifts, talents, passions, personality, etc. that He’s given you.

- Thank God for how he created you.

- Ask God for wisdom on how He wants to use your gifts, talents, passions, and personality to bring glory to His name and encourage others.

march 5: Fasting for our pastors and their families

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 15:5–6

The Brodersens, Bretzkes, and Pedersens all serve our community faithfully. Here are some specific prayer points to reflect on as you engage in prayer for each of these families:

  • Spirit filled energy + vision

  • Wisdom + clarity in leading

  • Protection + flourishing in marriage

  • Parenting with grace + wisdom

february 5: Fasting for Freedom and Endurance in your Walk with the Lord

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” - Hebrews 12:1-3

Ask God to help you identify weights, sins, strongholds etc. in your life. Lay them aside and throw them off in repentance, then turn to Jesus and walk in freedom.

Run with endurance, being reminded that our walks with the Lord are not sprints, but marathons. Run with joy, just as Jesus was able to endure the cross because of the joy that was beyond it - let us run with endurance and with deep-seated joy, knowing that ultimate victory is ours in Christ Jesus and that eternal life awaits.

January 8: Your Personal Walk with Jesus

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” - Psalm 139:23-24

Ask God to examine your heart and point out any sins, distractions, lies that might hinder you in