Solemn Assembly 2023: A Time of Prayer & Fasting

Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a Solemn Assembly. Bring the leaders and all the members of our church into the house of the Lord. Cry out to Him there!
Joel 1:14

Entering God’s Rest

Hebrews 4:1-11

As we enter into the week of our personal and corporate time of spiritual consecration in prayer and fasting, here are some facts about fasting.

Fasting

Fasting is the deliberate abstinence from some form of physical gratification for a period of time in order to achieve a greater spiritual goal.

Abstinence

It usually involves setting aside food, but we can fast from any physical appetite, including sex within marriage, television, Internet, social media, etc.

Prayer

The idea is to devote the time we would ordinarily spend on these activities to prayer and worship before the Lord.

Scriptural Elements of Fasting & Prayer

Humility

Then I proclaimed a fast . . . that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him.
– Ezra 8:21

Prayer

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.
– Ezra 8:23

Praise & Worship

They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
– Judges 20:26

Abstinence

Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water . . . and let them call out mightily to God.
– Jonah 3:7-8

Other Scriptures on Fasting

Judges 20:26; 2 Kings 20:1-11; Ezra 8:21-23; Psalm 69:13-15; Jeremiah 29:11-14; Isaiah 26:3; 58:1-14; Daniel 9:3; 10:2-3; Joel 1:14; 2:12; Jonah 3:7-8; Zechariah 8:19; Matthew 4:1-11; 6:16-18; Mark 11:23-24; Luke 11:10-13; Acts 1:12-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; Romans 8:28, 32; Ephesians 1:1-23; 3:14-21; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Titus 2:11-14; James 1:5-8, 17; 4:1-3; 5:13-18; 1 John 5:14-15

Scriptures on Praise

Psalm 145:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Revelation 4:10-11; John 1:20-21; Psalm 34:1-3; Psalm 113:3; Psalm 95:1-3; Deuteronomy 28:45-48; Psalm 107:1; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 66:4; Psalm 7:17; Habakkuk 3:16-19; 2 Chronicles 20:1-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4-6; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 22:3; Psalm 50:23; Psalm 149:6-9; Acts 13:1-2; Ephesians 1:6

Solemn Assembly Order for the Week

Sunday: Personal Prayer

Leaders Meet & Pray @ 6:30 pm

Every member of the Church would feel loved and cared for and, in return, love and care for others.
Every member would feel the Church is responsive to meeting their spiritual and physical needs whenever possible.

Scriptures

Isaiah 6:1-8; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 1:22

Monday: Men Meet Together

Sanctuary @ 7 pm

Our senior pastor, elders, deacons, deaconesses and leaders would serve with integrity of heart and skill of hand so that future leaders may follow their example.
Each man of the church will imitate the life of Jesus Christ and experience growth in every area of his life.
Each man is engaged in spreading the gospel and increasing the number of people reached by OCBF and in his sphere of influence.

Scriptures

1 Chronicles 4:9-10; Ezra 9:5 – 10:8; Psalm 78:72; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:52; Ephesians 4:15; Acts 6:7; 2 Peter 1:5-7

Tuesday: Women Meet Together

Sanctuary @ 7 pm

Our senior pastor, elders, deacons, deaconesses and leaders would serve with integrity of heart and skill of hand so that future leaders may follow their example.
Each woman of the church will imitate the life of Jesus Christ and experience growth in every area of her life.
Each woman is engaged in spreading the gospel and increasing the number of people reached by OCBF and in her sphere of influence.

Scriptures

Numbers 15:20-21; Psalm 78:72; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:52; Acts 6:7; Ephesians 4:15

Wednesday: Corporate Prayer Service

Sanctuary @ 7 pm

Every ministry and staff person at the church would display a spirit of excellence and bring great glory to God.
Each member will be connected in mutually encouraging relationships with at least six other people at church.
Every member would follow the teaching of Scripture and use their gifts to serve other believers and the church.
Every member would follow the teaching of the Scripture and joyfully abound in their giving.

Scriptures

1 Chronicles 29:10-20; 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; Romans 1:12; 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 12:4-7; 2 Corinthians 8:1-8; 9:6-8; Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:13-21; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 10:25

Thursday: Family Prayer & Reflection

Individual Homes Throughout the Day

Every family would strengthen through the four vital experiences of worship, fellowship, Christian education and outreach.
Every family would be equipped to fulfill their God-given purposes individually and collectively through the ministry of OCBF.
Every family would feel supported by OCBF in facing personal and cultural challenges.

Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 5:18-25; 6:12-18; 1 Corinthians 7:5, 32-35