Jon began his sermon by stating change is not always a good thing, but there is such thing as HEALTHY, HOLY CHANGE. There is power in studying the scriptures deeply. Read Hebrews 4:12. What could you find by deeply studying the Bible? Discuss.

Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. As Central moves through this transition, we are asking God to be present and pleased. The next 40 days will look like praising, praying and fasting. Praise is the precursor to powerful prayer. Read Psalm 9:1-2. What do you hope to gain through this 40-day experience? In what ways can you grow? Explain.

Jon used the acronym P-R-A-Y. During this transition we are going to praise, repent, ask, and yield. Jon mentioned it’s important to go into prayer repentant. Read 1 John 1:8-9 and James 5:16. What’s the difference going into prayer repentant than not? What may that sound or look like? Is this pleasing to God? Discuss.

Read Matthew 7:7-11. How do you feel after reading what Jesus says about God giving His children good gifts if we ask Him? Do you believe that? Why or why not?

Even Jesus demonstrated yielding to God. Read John 6:38. When you say or pray, “God not my will, but Yours be done”, do you mean it? Describe what this may look like in your own life.

We will fast! As Jon said, praise sets the stage; prayer leads us to communicate. But fasting forces us to focus on something more eternal than the temporary. Less carnal, more spiritual. Fasting is an intentional shift of focus physically and mentally, in order to seek something spiritually. Though Jon did ask for everyone to consider fasting from food for one day, what could you fast from for the whole 40 days? Discuss. This should be something that would normally occupy your time/focus, to shift and seek God in a greater way.

Jon mentioned Moses and Jesus had significant 40 days fasts – see Exodus 34:27-29 and Matthew 4:1-11. There are many benefits from fasting, as it unlocks a greater level of power. In order to fast, we need purpose, discipline and scripture. Fasting is not for show, or bribing God. It is not magic. This is to seek God, gain clarity, see breakthroughs. God rewards sacrifice. There will be battles, it won’t be easy all the time, but there is power in prayer and fasting. There is power in just calling on the name of Jesus.

Close by reading Romans 12:1-2. Pray that God would be honored, present and pleased during this transition. Ask God to help those who fast and pray for the very first time. Ask God that they feel empowered, known and grow deeper in their relationship with Him. Amen.