Day 22 and Beyond: Staying Connected
Bible passage: John 15:1–8; Hebrews 11:6
Now What?
Our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting are complete. Well done for finishing. We began with a picture of a phone that had run flat because it had been away from its source of power for too long. Here is the other half of that picture. A phone that is fully charged today still needs plugging in again tomorrow.
Being recharged is not something that happens once a year. So how do we stay connected?
Remain in Me
The Vine and the Branches
On the night before He died, Jesus gave His disciples a picture of their life with Him. He is the true vine, He said, and His Father is the gardener. A branch cannot produce fruit if it is cut off from the vine, and we cannot be fruitful unless we remain in Him (John 15:4).
“For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)
To remain means to stay, to settle, to make your home. A branch does not produce fruit by straining. Fruit grows because the branch is connected. Those who remain in Him, Jesus says, will produce much fruit.
Seeking Is a Decision
Hebrews tells us that anyone who wants to come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Nobody drifts into seeking God. It is something we decide, day after day. And the reward is great, because the reward is God Himself.
Pruned to Grow
Jesus also says that the Father prunes the branches that do bear fruit, so that they will produce even more (John 15:2). Some of the things you laid down during this fast may not need picking up again. Ask Him.
Keeping the Rhythm
Six Ways to Stay Connected
Every day, give Him your heart. Keep the time and place you have set aside over these three weeks.
Every day, open His Word. Carry on with a book of the Bible or a reading plan.
Every day, look for Him. Watch for God at work in people, in circumstances and in creation.
Do not do it alone. We were not made to follow Jesus by ourselves. A Life Group is a small group of people who pray, open the Bible and share life together. If you are not in one, please ask us.
Take a next step. If you would like to explore the Christian faith or go deeper in it, speak to one of our team about the courses we run.
Keep fasting. Consider fasting regularly, perhaps one day each week or each month, and join us the next time the church sets aside days to pray and fast.
Jesus finishes His picture with a promise. When we produce much fruit, we show that we are His disciples, and this brings great glory to His Father (John 15:8).
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for everything You have done in me over these 21 days. I do not want to go back to running on empty. Lord Jesus, You are the vine and I am a branch. Teach me to remain in You every day. Prune what needs to go, and let my life bear fruit that lasts and brings glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
