Study Guides

This week, Emmanuel Bible Church is joining together in a church-wide fast from September 21–27. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that, when paired with prayer, positions us to hear from God more clearly, break spiritual strongholds, and align our hearts with His will.

Why We Fast

Fasting is not about earning God's favor — it is about creating space. When we voluntarily set aside something we enjoy, we are saying to God: "You are more important than this." That act of surrender opens the door for deeper intimacy with Him.

Throughout Scripture, fasting was used in moments of seeking direction (Acts 13:2–3), repentance (Joel 2:12), and intercession (Esther 4:16). As a church family, we fast together to seek God for spiritual renewal, our families, EBC, and our mission.

How to Fast

• 1.Choose your fast: Select something meaningful to give up for the week — a meal, social media, television, or another habit that occupies your time and attention.
• 2.Replace it with prayer: Every time you would normally engage in that activity, use that time to pray instead. Let the absence remind you to seek God.
• 3.Use the study guide: The downloadable PDF provides daily Scripture readings, reflection questions, and prayer prompts to guide you through each day of the fast.
• 4.Stay connected: Share what God is doing with your EBC family. We are stronger together.

What to Pray For

• ✦Spiritual Renewal — Ask God to revive your heart and deepen your walk with Him.
• ✦Your Family — Intercede for your household: salvation, healing, unity, and purpose.
• ✦Emmanuel Bible Church — Pray for our leadership, our congregation, and every ministry of EBC.
• ✦Our Mission — Ask God to expand our reach and impact in Austin and beyond.