February 2026 Prayer & Fasting

Church, 

Thank you for joining us in strategic prayer and fasting this month for our gospel mission and church planting. This month, your regularly scheduled Community Groups will be dedicated to this, following the prayer focus provided below. We also ask that you continue to pray for the church over the coming months, maintaining the same focus. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (ESV) "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you..."

On behalf of the pastors,

Tom

PRAYER

Two Community Group meetings in February will be dedicated to prayer for the following:

The Advance of the Gospel on the Eastside - The Lord continues to grant us faith for our Gospel mission on the Eastside. In "our going, not knowing," the Lord has graciously revealed some of what He is doing as He goes before us. We now see more of His leading in all of this. He has increased our faith in His faithfulness! Please pray for His kingdom to come on the eastside "as it is in heaven!"

Eastside Church Plant - Pray for the future church (by God's grace) and future planter and leaders.

Eastside Public Meetings - Leman Academy of Excellence (East) school and their principle, Eric Carey, as we work together in preparing this place for our public meetings. Pray for the planning toward a start date this Spring, future main meetings, possible GRACEkids class, the logistics, and the related budget needs, "Pizza pop-ups," evangelism, and outreach in that area.

Eastside Community Group - Pray for Jon and Bethany Lambros as they lead the Eastside CG. REJOICE in God's providing the needed leader for this group. Pray for the families and singles that are now part of this group. Pray that they would be discipled in the word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit, continuing to grow together in Christ and for His glory. Pray for families to be added on the Eastside and for more CG leaders to lead future CGs on the Eastside.

Brett and Lauren Overstreet, Ernie and Lisa Blanco, and their families - Rejoice with us in the Lord for providing future pastors for His church in NW and East Tucson - all according to God's plan. Pray for these families as they take steps toward attending the Sovereign Grace Pastors College this Fall. Pray for financial provision and numerous decisions and logistics as they plan to "go (and return) not knowing."

The Strength and Growth of Our Existing NW Church - Pray for the preaching of the Word of God for the good of our church. Pray that our faith in God would grow all the more in the next season as we once again move to plant a Church. Pray that we would hold fast the Gospel, knowing that Christ holds us fast! Pray we give ourselves the ongoing mission of the Gospel here in the NW and beyond.

The Pastors, As They Lead Through All This Time - Pray for your pastors. Pray that our faith would increase all the more, for our courage to preach the name of Jesus. Prayer that we would be empowered by the Holy Spirit in Gospel mission and task as shepherding the flock of God. Pray for our ever-needed zeal and fervor for Christ and in Tucson!


Envisioning Scriptures

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) God calls us to "...pray without ceasing..."

  • Ephesians 6:18 (ESV) God calls us to pray "...at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication... making supplication for all the saints..."

  • Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV) The Lord's Prayer

Fasting

A Biblical Vision for Fasting (same days as community group meetings)

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught that fasting, the practice of abstaining from food and/or drink as an act of devotion, should be done quietly ("in secret") and with joy - Matthew 6:16-17 (ESV) "...And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." His instruction on fasting includes the secret nature of fasting vs. the pride of making known to all, ...not for public recognition. For the Christian, we dedicate ourselves to these special times of prayer and fasting that are marked by joy and celebration because of the Good News of God’s kingdom that has come in Jesus Christ. This reflects our gratitude and confidence in God’s saving work (God's glory) vs. self-affliction for its own sake (self-exaltation).

Again, fasting is the intentional denying of the body temporarily as a means of expressing hopeful dependence on Jesus, who ultimately is THE Bread of Life that we need. We have the joy and need to root these times in humility and joy, as we seek God and rely on Him alone. 

Envisioning Scripture:

Matthew 6:16-17 (ESV) "...And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Church Life, Going DeeperTom WilkinsRomans