Sermon Quick Summary

Greater Things is the theme for the 2025 New Year, the 40th year of South Bay Community Church. Greater Things apply to any good work, empowered by the Holy Spirit that reflects and points to Jesus. One of the ways we align ourselves with God is through spiritual practices during these 28 days for prayer and fasting starting the New Year. Jesus’ teaching from the biblical scripture in Matthew 6 5-9, 16-18, gives us a guide we can follow from Jesus’ teaching about the Four Ps of Preparation for Prayer and Fasting. The first P of Preparation is your purpose for fasting, such as drawing closer to God, exploring a concern, needing wisdom and guidance, or aligning your heart with God for greater things in talking to God about it. The second P of Preparation is your plan for fasting, such as planning your time of day to fast; consider adding fasting to your calendar. The third P of Preparation uses Spiritual Practices, such as a Bible Reading Plan, divine reading and reflection, imaginative prayer, reviewing God’s presence during the day, and journaling. The fourth P of Preparation is Place, in preparing where you will meet with God. As we prepare for these 28 Days, let us remember that Greater Things are ahead, and Greater Things start here with prayer, fasting, and intentional alignment with God. Let’s embrace this journey with expectant hearts, trusting that God will do more than we could ask or imagine as we seek God together.