PRAYER

When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works!

Prayer is simply talking to Jesus. It is not about having the perfect words or knowing exactly what to say. It is about drawing near to God, listening for His voice, and depending on His power.

When we pray, we experience God in power.
When we don’t, we don’t.

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

Prayer is not our last resort. Prayer is our first response.

Through prayer, we turn our attention away from our own strength and toward the presence and power of God. Prayer connects us to Jesus, aligns our hearts with His will, and reminds us that He is able to do what we cannot do.

We believe God still saves, heals, restores, provides, delivers, and transforms lives. We do not pray because we have everything figured out. We pray because we know the One who does.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
—Jeremiah 33:3

OUR PRAYER STRATEGY

Pray first.

At Appalachian Church, we want prayer to be our first response, not our final option.

Prayer is the foundation beneath everything we do as we pursue our mission:

Making disciples who love God and love people.

We pray for God to help us faithfully live out our discipleship pathway:

GATHER

We pray for people to encounter Jesus and experience His presence when the church gathers.

GROUP

We pray for meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, encouragement, accountability, and biblical community.

GIVE

We pray for every believer to discover and use their gifts, time, abilities, and resources for the glory of God.

GO

We pray for believers to boldly share the Gospel, serve their neighbors, make disciples, and be sent with Gospel purpose.

HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?

You do not have to carry your burden alone.
Whatever you are facing, our prayer team would be honored to pray with you and for you. Whether you need prayer for your family, health, relationships, finances, spiritual life, salvation, or another situation, we believe God hears us when we pray.

Prayer requests may be submitted privately. Please indicate whether your request may be shared with the prayer team or should remain limited to pastoral leadership.

PRAY WITH US

CORPORATE PRAYER

There is power when the people of God come together in prayer.
Throughout the year, AppChurch provides opportunities for our church family to gather for worship, personal prayer, Scripture-guided prayer, intercession, and corporate prayer.

PRE-SERVICE PRAYER

Before our worship gatherings begin, prayer team members pray over the campus, volunteers, worship team, pastors, guests, families, and every person who will hear the Gospel.
We pray for distractions to be removed, hearts to be opened, burdens to be lifted, and lives to be transformed by the presence and power of Jesus.
Those who feel called to serve through prayer may join our prayer ministry and help cover our worship gatherings in prayer.

ALTAR PRAYER

We believe people should have the opportunity to respond when God is working in their hearts.
During our worship gatherings, members of our prayer team are available to pray with anyone who needs encouragement, healing, freedom, wisdom, confession, repentance, or a renewed commitment to Jesus.
You do not need to face your struggle alone. There is no shame in asking for prayer.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
—James 5:16

21 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Several times throughout the life of our church, we intentionally set aside a season to seek God through focused prayer and fasting.
These seasons help us remove distractions, realign our hearts with God, listen for His voice, and prepare ourselves for what He wants to do next.

During 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, our church family is encouraged to:

• Spend focused time with Jesus each day
• Read and meditate on Scripture
• Participate in corporate prayer opportunities
• Fast from something that normally receives our attention
• Pray for people who need Jesus
• Pray for our church’s mission and vision
• Listen for the direction of the Holy Spirit
• Respond obediently to whatever God reveals

Fasting

Fasting is the intentional decision to temporarily give up food or another regular part of life so we can more fully focus our attention on God.
Fasting does not earn God’s love, force Him to answer our prayers, or make us more spiritual than others. Fasting creates room in our lives to seek God, hear His voice, humble ourselves, and declare our dependence upon Him.

Fasting disconnects us from distractions.

Our lives can become crowded with noise, entertainment, responsibilities, habits, and constant activity. Fasting helps quiet the noise so we can give focused attention to Jesus.

Prayer connects us to God.

Fasting is most meaningful when it is joined with prayer. We do not simply remove something from our lives; we replace that time and attention with Scripture, worship, prayer, and the presence of God.

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place.”
—Matthew 6:17–18

TYPES OF FASTS

COMPLETE FAST

A person drinks liquids while abstaining from solid food for a specific period. This type of fast should be approached prayerfully and with appropriate medical guidance.

SELECTIVE FAST

A person removes certain foods or drinks from their diet for a season. An example would be removing sweets, meat, bread, soft drinks, or another regular food choice.

PARTIAL FAST

A person fasts during a particular part of the day, such as from sunrise to sunset, and uses the normal mealtime for prayer and Scripture.

SOUL FAST

A person steps away from something that occupies significant attention, such as social media, television, entertainment, gaming, or other digital distractions.

Anyone with a medical condition, a history of disordered eating, or special dietary needs should consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning a food-related fast.

PRAYER RESOURCES

Develop a stronger and more consistent prayer life with these practical resources.

DAILY PRAYER GUIDE

A simple guide to help you spend focused time with God through worship, Scripture, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and listening.

SCRIPTURES TO PRAY

A collection of Bible passages you can pray over your life, family, church, community, and those who need Jesus.

GUIDE TO FASTING

Learn the biblical purpose of fasting, the different kinds of fasts, and how to prepare spiritually and practically.

PRAY FOR ONE

Ask God each day to place one person in your path with whom you can share the love and hope of Jesus.