“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” - St. Matthew 11:28.
On Wednesday, April 1st, through Friday, April 3, 2026, we will be engaging in our three days of Prayer and Fasting. Our goal is to fast each day from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The focal point will be “Calvary Makes the Difference” Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”.
Crucifixion was used by the Romans primarily as a form of execution designed to inflict maximum, prolonged pain and public humiliation. It served as a powerful deterrent against rebellion, treason, and piracy. As a highly visible public spectacle - often carried out along busy roads - it demonstrated the consequences of opposing Rome. Victims were stripped naked, beaten, and forced to carry their own crossbeams, stripping them of dignity and status. The method itself was created to make the individual suffer for as long as possible.
Jesus endured the pain and shame of Calvary so that we could have eternal life. Truly, “Calvary Makes the Difference.” He suffered extreme physical, emotional, and spiritual agony on the cross to reconcile fallen humanity to God. His suffering included severe blood loss from flogging, agonizing suffocation, piercing wounds from nails and the spear, public mockery, and the intense spiritual weight of bearing humanity’s sin while experiencing separation from God.
Jesus’s death at Calvary secured our future. He became the sacrificial Lamb who took upon Himself the sins of all humanity, giving us the opportunity for salvation. As St. John 3:17 declares, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” His primary purpose in coming to earth was to rescue humanity from spiritual death and offer reconciliation with God.
It is vital that we continually remember the agony of the cross and the unimaginable suffering our Savior endured to secure our eternal future. Calvary is not merely a moment in history - it is the defining act of love that calls us to live each day in a way that honors Him. Hebrews 2:3 warns us, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”
Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary has opened the door of salvation to all humanity. His blood made a way where none existed. Yet this gift, offered freely, must be received. If we turn away from His grace, we choose a path that leads to eternal separation from God.
But the hope of the gospel is this: no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s redeeming love. The cross stands as a constant reminder that forgiveness is available, restoration is possible, and eternal life is offered to all who believe. Calvary still speaks today - calling us, inviting us, and transforming us.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Reflect on His Sacrifice.
Scriptures: (5 am – Isaiah 53:1-10), (12 pm – St. John 19:1-16), (8 pm – St. John 19:16-30)
Pray that we will live our lives to honor Him because of His sacrifice.
Pray that we walk worthy of the vocation where with we are called.
Pray that we will reflect on the freedom purchased at the cross.
Pray that we maintain a heart that turns away from temptation and live in gratitude for our freedom.
Pray that God will strengthen us to take up our cross daily and follow Him, So, we will prioritizing His will over worldly desires.
Thursday, April 2, 2026: That our Leaders will remain resolute in their convictions and responsibilities.
Scriptures: (5 am – Hebrews 12:1-3) (12 pm – Philippians 3:10-14), (8 pm –2 Timothy 3:1-12)
Pray for our leaders and their families that they will receive renewed strength, wisdom and passion as they serve.
Pray that our leaders will remain humble servants, united in purpose and that they will be protected from burnout or despair.
Pray that our leaders will lead with integrity and a clear vision for God’s purpose for their lives.
Pray that our leaders will make time daily to spend time in God’s presence for their personal spiritual needs.
Pray that in times of weariness, leaders are refreshed and reminded of God’s goodness.
Friday, April 3, 2026: Pray for the unsaved and unchurched in our community to respond to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Scripture: (5 am – St. John 3:1-17), (12 pm – (St. John 4:1-15)
Pray that the unsaved within our communities are freed from the power of darkness and unbelief, and that the influence of the enemy is broken in their lives.
Pray that God will lift the veil and remove spiritual blindness, allowing them to see the truth of the gospel and the beauty of Jesus.
Pray that they will feel the emptiness of life without Christ and be brought to repentance.
Pray that they will comprehend that Jesus’ death was sufficient for their sins and that they trust in His sacrifice alone.
Pray that the Lord will send faithful laborers to minister to those who are unchurched and unsaved in the communities of Bellmore and Queens.
You are being asked to pray thrice daily: Morning, Noon, and Evening/Night. Please make a special effort to participate in all prayer sessions. The number for the UAC Prayer Line is (551-258-6254).
Members who are taking medications are encouraged to consult with their doctors before participating in fasting. If your doctor advises against fasting, we encourage you to continue praying each day for the prayer needs previously stated.
God bless you richly!