Fasting Prayer Points - 4th Nov - Christ City Church Dublin

If you’re able, we invite you to join our Leadership & Staff Team in fasting with us on this date. If fasting is new to you, please do read the short article, or this short post on how to fast.

Our Focus – Wednesday 4th November 2026

If you want to join in, why not start small, by skipping a meal perhaps or fasting something which you would normally hunger for, food or otherwise. When you’d normally eat, or whenever you feel ‘the hunger pangs’, use that moment to say a few prayers related to these 5 things.

The Focus of our Fasting:

A deeper hunger for God’s power and presence – as Moses prayed in Exodus 33.15, if God’s presence doesn’t go with us into the future, we don’t want to go. None of our plans and dreams mean anything if God is not with us, empowering us and blessing us with his presence.
321 Course & Guests – In October we ran 321 over the 3 congregations and had over 50 guests coming. Praise The Lord! Let’s be praying for all the seeds that were sown, and for God to open hearts to respond to the message (Acts 16.14)
Confidence in evangelism – At our recent elders retreat we sensed that this ‘year of evangelism’ was actually more ‘the new normal’ for us as a church. The year helped us lay a good foundation for evangelism in church life – living lives that provoke questions, taking opportunities to share something of Christ when we can, learning to ask and answer questions, inviting people to church, ‘merging our universes’ so our church and non-church friends interact etc.
People Provision – At our recent 6-month vision & finance update we shared our prayerful plans to employ a trainee/assistant pastor in the South Congregation (from Jan 2027), to free Steve up to support all the congregations and so he can focus on training leaders. Then in time to employ a pastor and Operations Lead for the Wicklow Church Plant (by Sept 2028). Let’s be praying for God to lead us to the right people, the people that he is raising up for this work.
Financial Provision – To plant a 4th congregation, and free up Steve to more available across the whole church, requires more finances. Pray that God would raise up a generous spirit within CCC, in response to the generous gift of his Son given for us. If God is leading us forward, he will provide, and he will provide primarily through the church family.

**Below is a list of our prayer focus from previous months. It’s always good to see how God has heard and answered our prayers!

Our Focus – Friday 3rd July 2026

If you’re able, we invite you to join our Staff Team in fasting with us on this date. If fasting is new to you, please do read more about here and this short blog how to fast.

The Focus of our Fasting:

Spiritual Power – that we’d be empowered by the Holy Spirit for evangelism. That we’d have confidence in the gospel and be unashamed to testify about Jesus (Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:8 and 2 Timothy 1:8).

Provocative Witness – that as a church we’d live lives that provoke questions, and be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have (1 Peter 2:12 and 3:15).

An invitational Spirit – that God would open doors for the gospel this year – in our lives, and in people taking an interest in spiritual things (Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12 and Colossians 4:3).

Protection – on us as a church as we look to push forward in evangelism. The kingdom of darkness will not appreciate our desire to share the light (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Our Focus – Friday 9th January 2026

The 9th January Half Night of Prayer will provide the focus our next time of corporate fasting and our focus will be on 4 things:

Spiritual Power – that we’d be empowered by the Holy Spirit for evangelism. That we’d have confidence in the gospel and be unashamed to testify about Jesus (Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:8).

Provocative Witness – that as a church we’d live lives that provoke questions, and be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have (1 Peter 2:12 & 3:15).

Open Doors – that God would open doors for the gospel this year – in our lives, and in people taking an interest in spiritual things (Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3).
Protection – on us as a church as we look to push forward in evangelism. The kingdom of darkness will not appreciate our desire to share the light (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Our Focus – Wednesday 5th November 2025

The 5th November Prayer & Worship Night will provide the focus our next time of corporate fasting and our focus will be on 4 things:

Encouragement, strengthening and protection for CCC – since we multiplied into 3 congregations in September let’s seek God that all three congregations would be encouraged, strengthened and protected by The Holy Spirit in this new season as we adjust and get used to the new normal – with the different excitements and losses we feel (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
Momentum in evangelism – we multiplied our church into 3 congregations for the sake of the gospel. We want to reach more people with the good news of Jesus. In 2026 we’ll have a specific year to focus on evangelism. Pray that God equips us and emboldens us to share the gospel, and opens doors for us in 2026 (see 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
CCC leaders – both for those that recently were appointed in September 2025 (Andrew as an Elder, George, Scarlett, Leanne, Maria, Emma, Will, Caroline, Ola and Justin as Deacons), but also for God to raise up more leaders within CCC, to carry pastoral and practical weight as the church grows and as gaps appear from the multiplication (see 1 Thessalonians 5:25)
The New Irish President – Our new president Catherine Connelly will be inaugurated on 10-11th November. Pray that she’ll have wisdom, courage, integrity and stamina for the role she will play, and that she’ll represent the people of Ireland well, both locally and abroad. (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Our Focus – Friday 7th June 2024 – Missional living is planting churches

Our focus for the Half Night of Prayer will have a strong emphasis on mission as we recall God’s vision for his people, recalibrate our hearts and recommission our steps. We recognise that mission happens at every level of society and indeed the church. Part of missional living is planting churches in areas where there is little to no gospel witness, whether that’s in a neighbourhood in Dublin, rural Ireland, further afield in continental Europe or further again in Asia!

For us in CCC 2024 is a ‘fallow’ year, as we have just adjusted to having 2 congregations (Central & South) while preparing our people and hearts to ‘go again’ with a third congregation next year in the Northside.

So, please join us on Friday, 7th June, as we worship God together through prayer, reflection, song and church family. Here are a few prayer points to stir your heart as we seek God together.

Relational loss (to South & Central) as some of us ‘go’ and some of us ‘send’.
Stretched serving & staff teams – grace for ‘the gaps/change as the ‘feel’ of gathering is different from before.
Being OK with the sadness and excitement that comes with church planting.
For a moment of opportunity for others to step up, take ownership, buy-in.
Pastorally that individual needs would not be lost
A fresh dependance on God & expectation in His gospel – for all our congregations

Our Focus – Wednesday 7th February 2024 – Preparing to plant CCC Northside

2024 will be a ‘fallow’ and ‘preparation’ year for CCC ahead of our Northside plant in 2025. Most likely there will be a ‘soft launch’ in January 2025 and then an official launch in September 2025. You can read more about the vision for us to be a church planting church and our AGM slides for our 2023-2026 strategy

Let’s fast and pray that God would prepare –

Our hearts – for the changes, some we’ll find exciting and some we’ll find hard
Our Congregations – that God supplies grace and people to ‘fill the gaps’ that are left behind – both in serving teams, but also in relationships and pastoral care
The Northside Congregation – pray for Maffy as he leads the team and for the two City Groups as they prepare themselves to become a separate congregation. Particularly pray for lots of evangelistic relationships and opportunities in the next 12 months ahead of the launch.
The Northside – that ‘people would be waiting’ who are hungry and open to hearing the gospel and receiving Jesus. And for others Jesus-followers who are not connected into church that might be a good fit for the launch team.
New Congregation Leader – Maffy will still be involved in Central but we’ll need a new congregation leader either to replace him, or for South (so Steve can move to Central). Be praying that God raises up the right person. There will be other staff positions to consider over the next 12-24 months too, so do be praying for God to give us wisdom in all the decisions that need to be made
Finances – planting churches takes resources, not just of time and people but also money. Pray that God gives us all we need and that a spirit of generosity will rise up within us.

Our Focus – Tuesday 12th October 2023 – Appointing Steve & Maffy as elders

Ahead of Steve & Maffy being appointed as elders and following the example of the early church we’re encouraging church members to spend Tuesday 12th September (or another day that works for you) in fasting . Acts 14:23 says

“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

So let’s do that as ahead of their appointment on Sunday 17th September when we will pray for them.

Our Focus – Wednesday 5th October 2022**

So with those 6 positive motivations and the 2 warnings in mind, if you’d like to, please join the CCC staff & leadership teams who will be fasting on Wednesday 5th October, and will be meeting together to pray at the monthly Prayer and Worship night that evening.

Unity and Blessing through our multiplication – pray that God would keep us united as a church, and form us together into two congregations where we can be known and loved, where we can grow in our faith, and where others can be reached with the good news
What’s The Story? – Pray for courage to invite people along, for open hearts in the guests that do come, and that this would be a great local and national evangelistic effort in growing the body of Christ in Ireland. For more details see our series overview.
Those in financial need – Given the rising cost of living, pray for those who will find this winter tough. Pray for the work of Christians Against Poverty Ireland which is seeking a CEO so as to help those facing financial difficulty. Pray that we’d a community of refuge for those in hard time.

Our Focus – Wednesday 5th May 2021

Evangelistic Boldness & Opportunities – we are currently in a series in the book of Acts looking at the power God gives us to be his witnesses. Let’s pray for conviction and courage in the gospel and that we’d have open doors to share the gospel within our network of friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Pray God blesses the two trainings we have with https://www.theword121.com/ in the coming months.
Lament – as mentioned above fasting is a time to lament over the brokenness in our lives and in the world. As we consider the devastation of Covid-19 let’s cry out to God for mercy and help, let’s use this day to express the desires of our hearts and be honest with God.
Physical/Hybrid Church – pray for wisdom and grace for the leaders and amongst the church family as we hope (and plan) to start returning to physical services. That we make good decisions, love one another well and bring glory to Jesus in all we do
Summer – that over the summer we’d stay spiritually hot, connected to Christ and the church, and that we wouldn’t ‘take a holiday’ in our spiritual lives. We;re also considering a summer theology school and to host a mission team to serve the city. Pray for those plans
Interns/Apprentices – pray for our current (Audrey), finishing (Andrew) and potential interns (TBC). For God’s blessing on their lives and futures, and for new people to come onboard in September.

Our Focus – Wednesday 6th January 2021

Fully surrendered hearts at the start of 2021 – last time we spent time in prayer & fasting we reflected on the book of Joel and the challenge to ‘rend our hearts and not our garments’. Let’s turn to God in prayer and give over our desires, ambitions, fears and hopes for 2021, repent of our sin and ask him to lead us whatever the year holds.
Deep Roots in 2021 – we’re going to start a new series in the book of Colossians thinking about being rooted in Christ. 2020 exposed many of our shallow roots. Let’s pray that this year our roots go deeper into the love, wisdom and promises of Jesus and, as the Paul says we’d “overflow with thankfulness” as we do.
Going small – Covid-19 forced all churches globally to think about the smaller units, for us that is life groups and city groups. Ironically this was Jesus’ focus on ministry when he was on earth – ‘investing in a few for the sake of the many’ – let’s pray for our city groups and life groups to flourish, to grow deep, to multiply and bring much glory to his name. Pray for the leaders of these groups to be refreshed and well supported.
The Lost – let’s pray for revival in our land. Let’s pray that the Spirit would move in a way that we have never seen before, that those who don’t know Jesus would hear the gospel and be saved. Pray that we as a church would grew in conviction, courage and clarity in sharing the gospel with our friends and co-workers. Pray for 2-3 specific God has put on your heart.

Our Focus – Wednesday 5th Feb 2020

A hunger for the Spirit’s power in our lives – 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – that we might desire his presence, power and gifts.
The future vision and strategy (2020-2023) – to start a morning congregation, to be able to employ staff full time, to better serve families and youth and to grow through people coming to faith.
Financial Giving – for God to enable us to multiple our congregation and employ staff we will need to increase giving substantially, pray for God to provide and stir hearts.
New Interns – pray for Drew Lindsay and Rebekah Sharpe as they start the CCC Internship
City Groups – that we’d increasingly become missional communities, finding practical ways to both ‘live as family’ and ‘reach out to the city’
The Leadership Team – this was formed back in April, pray for us as we work together and seek to lead with God’s wisdom and vision, particularly as we look at the next steps in establishing an eldership.
Our US friends who are away – For Cory & Kristiana Miller (with Rylynn and Melody) whose visa was not re-approved, that God will help them (a) in the interim to adapt and know God in the challenges and (b) for their visa application to be accepted next time.

Our Focus – Wednesday 2nd October 2019

Give thanks for 5 years – we have just celebrated 5 years as a church. Give thanks for what God has done in us and through us.
The Intro Course – this started on Monday 30th September, pray for guests and leaders and the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of non-believers to grant them repentance.
Parents & Children – pray that we’d be a great church for families and children and that those with children would be given what they need to be godly parents and know the support of the wider CCC family.
The Weekend Away (8-10th Nov) – that this would be a great to time of growing closer together and closer to God. Pray for our speaker Patrick Mitchel.
Mental Health – More and more people struggle with mental health so pray for people you know who struggle to know God’s peace, stability and control.
Homelessness – this is a growing challenge in Dublin and there seem to be no quick solution. Ask God for help and that we’d know how we can play our small part.
Climate Change – pray that we’d learn to love our neighbours through loving our planet, as individuals, communities, countries and a global community.
City Groups – these are kicking back in after the summer, pray for new and existing groups, for community to form quickly and for groups to help one another grow and reach out into the city
Life Groups – many people have expressed a desire to be in and find a group, pray for groups to naturally form and for us to find ways of facilitating this.
The Leadership Team – this was formed back in April, pray for them as us as we work together and seek to lead with God’s wisdom and vision.
Our US friends who are away – For Cory & Kristiana Miller (with Rylynn and Melody) whose visa was not re-approved, that God will help them (a) in the interim to adapt and know God in the challenges and (b) for their visa application to be accepted next time. For Dustyn & Keri Burwell (with Abby, Zoe and Dax) who are on their 6-month leave and will be returning mid November – for renewed vision, the financial support they need and a good re-integration to Dublin.

Our Focus – Wednesday 6th February 2019

Becoming a Church-Planting-Church – that God would continue to lay a foundation in us as a church that would enable us to become a church planting-church – https://www.christcitychurch.ie/becoming-church-planting-church/
Staying in the big bad city – I wrote a blog recently about the need for people to catch a vision for Dublin, to settling down and making long term career and family decisions for the good of the city. Pray that God would stir hearts to do this – https://www.christcitychurch.ie/staying-in-the-big-bad-city/
TCD CU / UCD CU events weeks – last week was UCD, this week is TCD, pray for people to come to the events, for God to move in hearts as people hear the gospel and for Christians on campus to be bold in their witness
Paola Lopez – for her health and the health of the baby
Noel Kennedy – ongoing health issues
Steve & Leanne Sabbatical – please pray for us as we prepare to take a sabbatical in the summer (20th June to 6th August) and for the church. That we’d be refreshed (and the kids!) and that the church would flourish. That God would use our absence to do good to the church
City Groups – last week was City Group Sunday, pray for groups to strength in terms of numbers, strength of community and missional effectiveness. Pray that every group is able to find a simple ‘missional outlet’ for their group.
Ephesians preaching series – that God would speak to us through this book over the coming months to form us into the kind of church described in it’s pages, being united, Jesus focused and spiritually robust.
Stewardship – that God could make us a generous and wise church, using our talents, time, treasures and privileges to serve him in the church and the city.
Finances & AGM – our AGM is on 24th February, pray for us to be generous church and that God would give us wisdom as to how to steward our money and plan for the future

Our Focus – Wednesday 7th March 2018

The Eighth Amendment – As Leanne has spoken about, this is a critical time in Ireland, and the laws around abortion are very contentious and divisive. Let’s pray that as a country we’d ‘love both’ and that we’d protect the rights of the unborn whilst helping those with dangerous or unwanted pregnancies. That God would use as a church to communicate grace and truth (John 1:14).
Thanksgiving – As mentioned above, lets remember to thank God for who he is, what he has done and how he provides for us and satisfies us. It’s easy to ask…but let our time of fasting help us to give thanks too (Philippians 4:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Leaders – As the church grows we need more City Groups and as we look to the future and starting another congregation/church we need a committed core team and someone to lead. When Jesus was teaching his disciples about mission he said “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2) so lets pray for workers. Pray for those who are part of 6:30 Leadership to grow and learn and lead.
Transformation – Through our Finding Joy series, our Consumer Church series and the women’s seminar we have been thinking lots about how God wants to bring internal transformation to our lives – freedom, courage, peace, contentment, humility and much more…Christ in you! Jesus doesn’t want people who ‘attend church’ he wants devoted followers who are being transformed into his likeness (Galatians 4:19, Romans 8:29). Let’s pray for him to work in our lives.
Evangelism – Jesus calls us to be the light of the world and to not be ashamed of our light (Matthew 5:14-16). Paul urges the Philippians to ‘appear likes stars in the universe as we hold onto the word of life’ (Philippians 2:16). Let’s pray for 1-2-1 relationships we have with those that don’t know Christ, that we’d be able to live and speak in such a way that draws people to him.

Our Focus – Wednesday 1st November 2017

We’ll have 5 things in our minds during the day to help focus our prayers.

The Intro Course – we have seen lots of people come along who are at different places in their spiritual journey, and we want to fast and pray that God will reach into their lives and they’d reach out to him.
The weekend away – this is a big highlight each year for which we want to fast and pray, asking God to bless us, to meet with us, to build us up, to build us together and to equip us to be his ambassadors here in Dublin. The theme of the weekend will be ‘A Missionary People’ so let’s pray that God equips us for his mission in Dublin.
Community needs – Each one of you will know different people with different needs, as well as the needs in your own life. Needs around health or finances or jobs or friendships or family as well as a whole host of other things. Let’s use this time to pray for one another and ask God to provide for the needs we have as well as enable us to trust him through the challenges we face.
The Eighth Amendment – As Leanne has spoken about, this is a critical time in Ireland, and the laws around abortion are very contentious and divisive. Let’s pray that as a country we’d ‘love both’ and that we’d protect the rights of the unborn whilst helping those with dangerous or unwanted pregnancies. That God would use as a church to communicate grace and truth.
Thanksgiving – as mentioned above, lets remember to thank God for who he is, what he has done and how he provides for us and satisfies us. It’s easy to ask…but let our time of fasting help us to give thanks too.