Hello SUM Nation! Author: Nickole Melerotto, North Carolina
As we embark on the 2026 Annual Corporate Fasting and Prayer Week, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who are joining us this year. When I first began fasting, I felt the discipline was a bit elusive. I didn’t totally understand what, how or the meaning it would have in my life until I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to begin the weekly fasting and prayer with LuAnn Wendover clear back in 2019! We are so very glad you are here with us!
Whether you are new to fasting or a seasoned veteran, here are a few points to encourage you as you prepare.
- DO choose a specific topic to fast and pray about. Corporately, we are fasting and praying to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our lives and our homes. You may consider adding to this topic or homing in on a specific detail about gratitude you would like to see God amplify in your life. For example, noticing the smaller things day-to-day that might easily be overlooked and making a time of thankful prayer in the evening. Colossians 3:17ESV encourages us “…whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Another focus might be seeking specific revelation regarding a trial that you are facing in which the resulting fruit is not yet fully visible but cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving through trial rather than focusing on the difficulty the trial poses. James 1:2-4NIV reminds us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
- DO treat prayer and fasting as an opportunity to grow closer with our God. He is the author and sustainer of our lives and our faith (Colossians 1:16). He is not a genie but has a perfect plan, purpose and a precise timing in which to complete all things for our good. Romans 8:28NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We use this time to crucify our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24) and bring our thoughts captive to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5), not to attempt to twist God’s arm or influence His work or His timing.
- DO share with your spouse and family what changes in your routines are expected. If you usually eat dinner before sundown and your fast is sunrise to sundown, share the expectation of a later meal for dinner. If you have a standing lunch date with your spouse and your fast is the lunchtime meal, request a change in date if possible. If you are fasting from social media, consider sharing with those family and friends with whom you communicate regularly, an alternative method of communication for the week or an expectation of decreased social media presence. You will know which expectations to adjust within your own family.
- DO set aside specific “appointment times” for quiet time, praise, Bible reading, gratitude and reflection on God’s Word and His work in your life. Begin your day with a specifically dedicated praise and worship time, inviting the Holy Spirit to equip and sustain you. During your typical lunchtime, spend time in Scripture asking the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and reveal to you His purpose in the reading, take a short prayer walk if weather permits. In the evening, allow yourself time to sit quietly with the Lord in gratitude for His presence and provision for the day.
We are all looking forward to a heightened awareness of the Lord’s presence as God is renewing us with a fresh spirit of gratitude to elevate and sustain us through 2026.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. – Ps. 100:4-5ESV
Author: Nickole Melerotto; Nickole is a military spouse residing in North Carolina, a mother of four and grandmother of two. Between the family activities and homemaking, sewing, gardening, and random home projects, she’s pressed to find a dull moment, but loves finding those still, small moments to connect with her Lord.
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