Prayer, Fasting, and Evangelism Month
Shining Bright in July and Beyond
By Pastor Trevor M. Crenshaw
As we start the lively month of July, I am excited about what God will do among us. This month, we intentionally focus on Prayer, Fasting, and Evangelism. We see these core disciplines as the heartbeat of a vibrant faith and responsible ministry. The inspiring theme guiding us through July is “Let Your Light Shine.” We will draw wisdom and strength from passages like Matthew 5:14-16 as well as others that call us to reflect God's glory in a world that needs His illuminating truth.
Our dedication to prayer this month is vital. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is our direct connection with our Heavenly Father, the source of all light and wisdom. Through consistent, heartfelt prayer, our spirits are renewed, our vision becomes clearer, and our hearts align with God’s will. As we pray, we ask God to empower us to truly shine — to dispel the shadows of doubt, fear, and hopelessness with the radiant hope of the gospel. Let us commit to deepening our personal prayer lives and seeking collective moments of intercession throughout July, trusting that God hears and answers prayer.
Alongside prayer, we emphasize the spiritual discipline of fasting. Fasting, when combined with prayer, is a powerful tool for spiritual breakthrough. It helps us to discipline our flesh, sharpen our spiritual senses, and draw closer to God in a unique way. By denying ourselves, even for a short period, we create space for God to speak more clearly, fill us more fully with His Spirit, and equip us for the work He has called us to do. Consider incorporating a time of fasting into your week or month, whether from food, social media, or any other distraction, as a tangible expression of your hunger for God.
The culmination of our prayer and fasting is a renewed passion for sharing the gospel. Our theme, “Let Your Light Shine,” is fundamentally about witnessing to the transforming power of Christ. As Matthew reminds us, our light is meant to be seen, not hidden. It is through our good deeds, our words, and the very character of our lives that others “may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). This month, let’s intentionally look for opportunities to share the hope we have, to extend kindness, and to live out our faith so convincingly that others are drawn to the source of our light.
This dedication to prayer, fasting, and evangelism is essential to our vision for the Prayer Becoming Ministry. It’s not just about what we do for God but who we are in Him. When we are deeply rooted in prayer and spiritual discipline, we serve with integrity, compassion, and excellence. This embodies responsible ministry—lives so filled with God’s presence that they naturally overflow into acts of service and declarations of truth, impacting our community here in Florence and beyond.
May this July be a month where each of us individually, and our church collectively, experience a profound renewal. Let us rise with intention, embracing these spiritual disciplines, so that our lives truly shine brightly for all to see. Together, let us reflect on the magnificent light of our Savior and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.