Cultivating a Heart of Generosity
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”–Jer. 29:13
Seeking the Lord Together
We know transformation happens when God’s people humble themselves and seek Him. That’s why, as we begin a new year together, we’re setting aside the 21 days leading up to Commitment Sunday to pursue Him through prayer and fasting.
This is not about a campaign. It’s about our hearts. It’s about learning to trust God more deeply, surrender more fully, and live more open-handedly. Over these 21 days, we’ll walk through themes of stewardship—of our lives, our relationships, and our shared mission—as we ask God to shape us into a people who live Forward by faith and generosity.
Whether you’re new to prayer and fasting or have done it many times, this is an opportunity to realign your priorities and refresh your soul. Let’s make space in our lives for God to speak, move, and lead us forward together.
21 Days Overview
Week 1: January 18-24 / Stewarding My Life
Stewarding My Life: Set aside one hour each day to seek God personally through prayer, repentance, and surrender, asking Him to reshape your heart and priorities.
Week 2: January 25-31 / Stewarding Our Relationships
Stewarding Our Relationships: Seek God with others. Pray for your family, your Life Group, and our community. Ask God to deepen unity, generosity, and love among His people.
Week 3: February 1-7 / Stewarding Our Mission
Stewarding Our Mission: Seek God for our church. Pray for bold faith and radical generosity as we move Forward in obedience, trusting God to use every step for His glory.
We are praying for at least 100 people to commit to this 21-day experience. Are you ready to seek Him?
Let’s do this together. Sign up today and prepare to experience more of God.
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
[begins january 18]
One-Hour Prayer Rhythm
We’re inviting everyone at Northbrook to dedicate one hour each day to seek God intentionally during these 21 days. Use this rhythm as a flexible guide, whether you pray at home, on a walk, or with your Life Group. If the Spirit prompts you to linger in one area, don’t rush. This is not a checklist; it’s a conversation with God.
How It Works
Find a quiet space where you can focus.
Set a timer for 12 five-minute segments (or make a playlist with 12 instrumental worship songs, about 5 minutes each).
Use the prompts below, along with the daily Bible reading for each week, to guide your conversation with God.
Most importantly—if God stirs your heart in a particular area, linger there. This isn’t a checklist—it’s a pathway to meet with Jesus.
See below for 30-min and 15-min alternatives.
One-hour Prayer Prompts
for each 5 min increment
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Start by praising God’s character: His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and power. Identify these attributes in the daily reading.
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Pause in silence. Ask God to center your heart and make you aware of His presence.
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Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Confess sins, attitudes, and distractions. Surrender them fully.
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Slowly read the daily Bible readings. Let God’s Word shape your prayers. Use the daily Bible readings below ›
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Ask God to cultivate humility, boldness, and deeper trust in your life.
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Pray for those who need Jesus or are facing challenges. Commit to praying for three people, asking God for opportunities to have gospel conversations. Write their names down in your journal or on an index card.
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Use God’s Word as a guide for your prayers—pray through Psalm 23 or a passage like Philippians 2, John 17, or from the daily Bible readings.
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Thank God for His faithfulness in your life, your family, and your church.
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Sing a worship song or read lyrics aloud as a prayer of worship.
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Ask God to speak to your heart as you reflect on the daily Bible reading and reflections. Write down any thoughts or next steps He reveals.
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Review what God’s shown you. Ask, “How is God preparing me for transformation?” Take note of any next steps.
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Close by praising God for His grace and the hope we have through the cross and resurrection.
A 30-Minute Prayer Rhythm
If one hour feels daunting, start here. This condensed rhythm helps you stay focused while still creating meaningful space to meet with God. Set a timer for six 5-minute segments or move naturally as the Spirit leads.
Praise & Be Still (5 min) – Begin with worship and silence. Thank God for who He is and pause to become aware of His presence.
Confess & Surrender (5 min) – Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Confess sin, release distractions, and realign your will with His.
Dwell in the Word (5 min) – Read the day’s Scripture slowly. Ask, “What truth does God want me to see, believe, or obey today?”
Pray for Your Heart & Others (5 min) – Pray for personal renewal and for people in your life—family, friends, those far from God.
Listen & Respond (5 min) – Sit quietly. Write down any conviction, encouragement, or next step God impresses on your heart.
Give Thanks & End with Praise (5 min) – Close in gratitude and worship. Rejoice that God hears, speaks, and is faithful to finish what He starts.
A 15-Minute Prayer Rhythm
Even if you only have a few minutes, you can still create sacred space to meet with God. These three 5-minute movements help you focus your heart and stretch your faith.
Pause & Praise (5 min): Slow down. Breathe deeply. Acknowledge God’s presence and thank Him for who He is.
Word & Prayer (5 min): Read the day’s passage and pray through it. Ask God to shape your heart, meet needs, and move in others’ lives.
Listen & Surrender (5 min): Sit in silence, offering your day to God. Write one phrase or prayer that captures how you’ll walk in obedience today.
21 Days Bible Readings and Reflections
Week One
Stewarding My Life
Day 1 – January 18, 2026
Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4–11
Nehemiah’s story begins with brokenness and prayer. Before any plans were made or walls rebuilt, he wept, confessed, and sought the heart of God. Renewal always begins with repentance, allowing God to break our hearts for what breaks His. As we start this journey, let’s invite God to search us and stir fresh dependence on Him.
Reflect: What part of your life breaks God’s heart but no longer breaks yours?
Pray: Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours and realign my desires with Your will.
Day 2 – January 19, 2026
Scripture: Psalm 139:23–24
We can’t steward what we don’t surrender. The psalmist’s prayer, “Search me, O God,” is an invitation to vulnerability and trust. Ask God to reveal the hidden places where pride, fear, or comfort have taken root. Confession isn’t about shame; it’s about clearing the clutter so His grace can flow freely again.
Reflect: What are you pretending God doesn’t already see?
Pray: God, search me and show me what needs to change so I can walk faithfully with You.
Day 3 – January 20, 2026
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–16
Time is one of our greatest treasures, and one of the easiest to waste. Paul urges us to “make the most of the time” because every day holds divine opportunity. Stewardship starts with attention. Ask God to help you see each moment as a gift to be used for His glory and the good of others.
Reflect: What time-wasting habit would vanish if you believed your days truly mattered?
Pray: Father, teach me to use my time wisely today in ways that honor You and serve others.
Day 4 – January 21, 2026
Scripture: Psalm 90:12
Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Every sunrise is an act of grace, another chance to live with eternity in view. Let this day remind you that time is not yours to spend, but God’s to steward. When we live aware of that truth, our schedules become sacred.
Reflect: If you only had a few days left, what would you finally start doing in obedience?
Pray: God, help me see my days as gifts from You and use them for what matters most.
Day 5 – January 22, 2026
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10–11
Every believer has been gifted by God to serve others. Your talents, skills, and passions are not random—they’re resources to build His Kingdom. Ask the Spirit to show you how to use what’s in your hands to bless others. Stewardship of talents isn’t about perfection; it’s about participation.
Reflect: Who around you is missing out because you’ve buried your gift in the ground?
Pray: Lord, use my gifts today to serve someone and point them toward You.
Day 6 – January 23, 2026
Scripture: Romans 12:6–8
Paul reminds us that we each have different gifts, but the same calling—to use them faithfully. When we offer our gifts humbly, God multiplies their impact. The most powerful ministry often happens quietly, through steady faithfulness. Generosity with your abilities reflects the generous heart of the Giver Himself.
Reflect: When was the last time you served without needing to be seen?
Pray: God, help me serve faithfully today, using what You’ve given me to strengthen others.
Day 7 – January 24, 2026
Scripture: Mark 12:41–44
The widow’s offering wasn’t impressive by the world’s standards, but to Jesus, it was priceless. She gave not out of abundance, but out of trust. True generosity flows from faith, not fortune. As this first week ends, let’s ask God to shape in us that same posture of surrender, holding nothing back for ourselves.
Reflect: What’s the one thing you still cling to that proves you don’t fully trust God?
Pray: Jesus, teach me to give joyfully and trust fully, knowing You are enough.
Week Two
Stewarding Our Relationships
Day 8 – January 25, 2026
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:9–10
David charged Solomon to know God and serve Him with a willing heart. Faithful stewardship is always relational; it’s something we pass on. Your obedience today can become someone else’s faith tomorrow. Whether through words, prayers, or example, ask God to help you leave a spiritual legacy that outlives you.
Reflect: Whose faith will shrink or strengthen based on how you live yours today?
Pray: Father, help me model faithfulness and leave a legacy that draws others closer to You.
Day 9 – January 26, 2026
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:5–9
True legacy is built one conversation, one moment at a time. Moses urged God’s people to teach His commands diligently—to weave faith into the rhythms of daily life. Your home is one of the greatest mission fields you’ll ever have. Ask God to make your home a place where His Word is seen, spoken, and lived.
Reflect: If someone watched your daily routines, would they see what you say you believe?
Pray: Lord, help me steward my family well by teaching and modeling Your truth with love.
Day 10 – January 27, 2026
Scripture: Acts 2:42–47
The early church shared everything, not because they were forced to, but because grace had changed their hearts. Generosity wasn’t a program; it was a lifestyle. When we open our lives to others, needs are met, joy increases, and Christ is glorified. Ask God to show you how to embody that kind of community.
Reflect: When was the last time you opened your home or heart to meet someone’s need?
Pray: Spirit, make me quick to share, eager to serve, and joyful in meeting others’ needs.
Day 11 – January 28, 2026
Scripture: Galatians 6:9–10
Generosity can grow tiring if it’s fueled by guilt or duty, but when rooted in grace, it becomes joy. Paul reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for the harvest comes in God’s time. Even small acts of kindness ripple with eternal impact when done in love.
Reflect: Are you doing good out of guilt, or because grace has truly gripped your heart?
Pray: God, give me endurance to keep doing good and faith to trust You with the results.
Day 12 – January 29, 2026
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25
Encouragement is a form of generosity. When we intentionally spur one another toward love and good works, we multiply faith within our community. Words of hope, prayers of intercession, and presence in hardship are powerful ways to invest in others.
Reflect: Who around you is starving for encouragement while you stay silently comfortable?
Pray: Lord, use me to speak life and strengthen someone’s faith today.
Day 13 – January 30, 2026
Scripture: 2 Kings 6:15–17
When Elisha’s servant saw the enemy army, fear overwhelmed him, until Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord.” In community, we help each other see what’s true: that God is greater than what we face. Faith shared is faith strengthened. Ask God to open your eyes, and those around you—to His presence and power.
Reflect: Who in your circle needs you to help them see that God is still in control?
Pray: God, open my eyes and my group’s eyes to see that You are with us and for us.
Day 14 – January 31, 2026
Scripture: John 13:34–35
Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love. Love is the greatest stewardship of all; it’s how we invest eternity into relationships. As this week ends, ask yourself: who in my circle needs to experience the love of Christ through me? Love is the language that keeps the mission moving forward.
Reflect: If someone judged Christ’s love by the way you love others, what would they see?
Pray: Jesus, help me love others as You have loved me—sacrificially, joyfully, and faithfully.
Week Three
Stewarding Our Mission
Day 15 – February 1, 2026
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17–18
When Nehemiah shared God’s vision, the people responded, “Let’s start rebuilding.” Revival doesn’t begin with a few leaders; it happens when the whole body says yes to God together. This is the moment to strengthen one another’s hands for the work. God is inviting us to move Forward in faith and obedience.
Reflect: What’s stopping you from saying yes to what God is clearly calling you to do?
Pray: Lord, unite our church around Your mission and strengthen our hands for the work ahead.
Day 16 – February 2, 2026
Scripture: Haggai 1:7–8
God called His people to “consider their ways” and rebuild His house. The Forward initiative isn’t just about projects; it’s about purpose. God’s glory dwells among a people who prioritize His presence above their comfort. Ask Him to renew your heart for His church and His Kingdom purposes.
Reflect: Where have comfort and convenience quietly replaced obedience in your life?
Pray: God, stir in me a passion for Your glory and a renewed commitment to Your church.
Day 17 – February 3, 2026
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:5–9
When David invited God’s people to give, they did so “willingly and wholeheartedly.” Radical generosity is an act of worship; it’s the joyful overflow of gratitude for all God has done. When we give together, we declare that everything belongs to Him.
Reflect: If your giving truly mirrored your gratitude, what would it reveal about your heart?
Pray: Father, help us give with joy and unity, trusting You to use every gift for Your glory.
Day 18 – February 4, 2026
Scripture: 2 Kings 6:18–23
God’s deliverance in this story reminds us that His power is never limited by what we see. Even when surrounded by challenges, His presence surrounds us with greater strength. Corporate faith means trusting that God is working even when outcomes seem uncertain.
Reflect: When was the last time you trusted God before you saw the proof?
Pray: Lord, give our church eyes to see Your power at work and hearts to rest in Your promises.
Day 19 – February 5, 2026
Scripture: Joshua 1:6–9
As Joshua stood on the edge of promise, God commanded him to “be strong and courageous.” Faith-filled obedience always requires courage. Moving Forward means taking steps we can’t take in our own strength, but God promises to go with us wherever we go.
Reflect: What step of obedience are you delaying because fear feels safer than faith?
Pray: God, make us bold and courageous to follow wherever You lead.
Day 20 – February 6, 2026
Scripture: Philippians 1:3–6
Paul thanked God for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel, confident that He would complete the work He began. That same assurance fuels our generosity and faith today. God’s mission never depends on human effort; it depends on His unfailing faithfulness.
Reflect: Are you trusting God’s faithfulness or your own performance to finish the work?
Pray: Father, thank You that You finish what You start. Keep us faithful in partnering with You.
Day 21 – February 7, 2026
Scripture: Ephesians 3:20–21
As our 21 days conclude, we lift our eyes to the One “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Every prayer, every sacrifice, and every act of generosity is for His glory. May this not be the end of our seeking, but the beginning of a renewed season of faith and obedience.
Reflect: If God did more than you imagine, would you still give Him the glory or take the credit?
Pray: To You be the glory, Lord—do more through us than we could ever imagine.
Beyond the 21 Days
Looking Back & Pressing On
As you reflect on these 21 days, take time to pause, pray, and write down what God has been showing you. Let these questions guide your reflection:
What has God revealed about Himself?
What distractions, habits, or idols has He brought to light?
How has your hunger for Him grown?
How has He deepened your desire to dwell in His presence?
What next steps is He calling you to take after these 21 days?
Take a few minutes to write down what God has shown you during this journey—the breakthroughs, the struggles, the prayers He’s answering, and the work He’s doing in your heart.
Pray Beyond Yourself
As you move forward, let your prayers expand to cover those around you. Use this simple list to guide your prayers for others:
Family: Ask God to draw your family closer to Him and strengthen your home.
Neighbors: Pray for opportunities to show Christ’s love and share the gospel.
Northbrook: Ask God to unite us in purpose and send us out on mission together.
Those Hurting: Intercede for those who are struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
The Lost: Pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus—both near and far.
Nations: Ask God to move powerfully among unreached people groups, opening hearts to the gospel.
Keep Seeking After the 21 Days
The goal of these 21 days isn’t just to complete a fast—it’s to cultivate a lifelong hunger for God’s presence. Here are some ways to continue your pursuit:
Set a regular time each day to pray and read God’s Word.
Use Scripture as the foundation of your prayers.
Schedule a monthly fast, even if it’s just for a meal.
Keep a journal to record answered prayers and how God is at work.
Stay connected with your Life Group, encouraging one another to seek God consistently.
Look for ways to serve—across the street and around the world.