Sunday, January 4

Read: Matthew 5:1–3

Monday, January 5

Read: Psalm 34:17–19

Tuesday, January 6

Read: Isaiah 66:1–2

Wednesday, January 7

Read: Luke 18:9–14

Thursday, January 8

Read: James 4:6–10

Friday, January 9

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

Saturday, January 10

Reflection & Prayer: Where am I learning dependence on God?

Sunday, January 11

Read: Matthew 5:4

Monday, January 12

Read: Psalm 42:1–5

Tuesday, January 13

Read: Lamentations 3:19–33

Wednesday, January 14

Read: John 11:32–36

Thursday, January 15

Read: Romans 8:18–25

Friday, January 16

Read: Revelation 21:1–4

Saturday, January 17

Reflection & Prayer: What losses or griefs do I need to bring to God?

Sunday, January 18

Read: Matthew 5:5

Monday, January 19

Read: Psalm 37:1–11

Tuesday, January 20

Read: Numbers 12:1–8

Wednesday, January 21

Read: Matthew 11:28–30

Thursday, January 22

Read: Romans 12:17–21

Friday, January 23

Read: 1 Peter 2:21–23

Saturday, January 24

Reflection & Prayer: Where am I being invited to trust God rather than assert control?

Sunday, January 25

Read: Matthew 5:6

Monday, January 26

Read: Psalm 63:1–5

Tuesday, January 27

Read: Amos 5:21–24

Wednesday, January 28

Read: Isaiah 55:1–3

Thursday, January 29

Read: Matthew 6:31–34

Friday, January 30

Read: Philippians 3:7–11

Saturday, January 31

Reflection & Prayer: What am I truly hungry for?

Sunday, February 1

Read: Matthew 5:7

Monday, February 2

Read: Psalm 103:8–14

Tuesday, February 3

Read: Hosea 6:4–6

Wednesday, February 4

Read: Luke 10:33–37

Thursday, February 5

Read: Matthew 18:21–35

Friday, February 6

Read: James 2:12–13

Saturday, February 7

Reflection & Prayer: Who needs mercy from me?

Sunday, February 8

Read: Matthew 5:8

Monday, February 9

Read: Psalm 24:3–6

Tuesday, February 10

Read: Psalm 51:6–12

Wednesday, February 11

Read: Proverbs 4:20–27

Thursday, February 12

Read: Hebrews 10:19–22

Friday, February 13

Read: 1 John 1:5–9

Saturday, February 14

Reflection & Prayer: What competes for my heart?

Sunday, February 15

Read: Matthew 5:9

Monday, February 16

Read: Psalm 85:8–13

Tuesday, February 17

Read: Romans 5:1–5

Wednesday, February 18

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21

Thursday, February 19

Read: Colossians 1:19–23

Friday, February 20

Read: Hebrews 12:14

Saturday, February 21

Reflection: How has Jesus reshaped my understanding of blessing and the good life?

Sunday, February 22

Read: Matthew 5:10–12

Monday, February 23

Read: Psalm 31:14–18

Tuesday, February 24

Read: John 15:18–21

Wednesday, February 25

Read: 1 Peter 3:13–17

Thursday, February 26

Read: Romans 8:35–39

Friday, February 27

Read: 2 Timothy 3:12–17

Saturday, February 28

Reflection & Prayer: Where am I being called to stand faithful even when it costs me comfort or approval?

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Isaiah 57:15

1. When you hear the phrase “poor in spirit,” what comes to mind? How is that different from how our culture defines strength or success?
2. What is the kingdom of heaven (look it up)? Why do you think Jesus connects poverty of spirit with the kingdom of heaven?
3. What makes it difficult for you personally to admit spiritual need or dependence on God?
4. Where in your life do you most feel self-sufficient right now? What strengths do you have that you lean upon?
5. What might it look like this week to intentionally acknowledge your dependence on God in prayer or decision-making?
6. How can our group become a place where weakness and honesty are welcomed rather than hidden?
7. Why is humility foundational to every other Beatitude? What is lost if it’s missing?
8. Practically, how does spiritual poverty reshape the way we approach communion, worship, or repentance?

Weekly Practice: Begin each day this week with a simple prayer of dependence such as, “God, I need You today” or listening to the song “Lord I Need You”. Practice naming your limits before God rather than your strengths. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Lamentations 3:31–33

1. What kinds of mourning do you think Jesus has in mind: personal grief, injustice, sin, or all of the above? Why?
2. How does our culture typically respond to grief or sadness?
3. Why do you think mourning is connected to blessing rather than weakness?
4. Where have you seen comfort come through shared grief? Share a story.
5. How can we become better at sitting with people in pain rather than rushing to fix or explain it?
6. Is there something you need to grieve before God that you’ve been avoiding?
7. How does biblical lament express faith rather than a lack of faith?
8. Practically, what rhythms of lament could the church recover to better reflect the heart of God?

Weekly Practice: Set aside time this week to name loss, pain, or brokenness before God; personally or corporately. Use a psalm of lament as your prayer without rushing to resolution. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Psalm 37:10–11

1. How would you define meekness in your own words?
2. What misconceptions do people often have about meekness?
3. Why is meekness so countercultural in moments of conflict or power struggles?
4. Where do you feel tempted to assert control rather than trust God?
5. What would choosing meekness look like in one relationship or situation this week?
6. How can meekness actually lead to greater freedom rather than less?
7. How is meekness connected to trusting God’s justice rather than enforcing our own?
8. Practically, how might meekness reshape our engagement with politics, social media, or disagreement?

Weekly Practice: Identify one situation this week where you normally push for control. Intentionally pause, listen, and entrust the outcome to God. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Amos 5:23–24

1. What do you naturally hunger and thirst for when life feels empty or stressful?
2. How is righteousness more than personal morality?
3. Why do you think Jesus uses such strong physical imagery like hunger and thirst?
4. Where do you see a longing for justice or rightness in the world around you?
5. What practices help deepen your desire for God rather than dull it?
6. How can our group actively seek righteousness together rather than individually?
7. How does justification by grace shape our pursuit of righteousness?
8. Practically, how do we pursue justice without becoming self-righteous or burned out?

Weekly Practice: Fast from one comfort or distraction this week and replace it with prayer for God’s righteousness to be revealed in you and in the world. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Micah 6:6–8

1. How would you define mercy?
2. Why is it often easier to receive mercy than to extend it?
3. What gets in the way of showing mercy to people who hurt or frustrate us?
4. Where have you experienced God’s mercy personally?
5. Who might God be inviting you to treat with mercy this week?
6. How can mercy become a defining mark of our church community?
7. How does God’s mercy both forgive sin and call us to transformation?
8. Practically, how do we balance mercy with truth in difficult conversations?

Weekly Practice: Perform one intentional act of mercy this week toward someone who cannot repay you or who least expects it. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Psalm 24:3–4

1. What do you think Jesus means by pure in heart?
2. How is purity different from perfection?
3. What competes most for your attention and devotion?
4. Why is inner transformation harder than outward behavior change?
5. What habits or influences might be clouding your spiritual vision?
6. How can we help one another pursue integrity rather than image?
7. How does purity of heart relate to undivided worship and love for God?
8. Practically, what disciplines help cultivate inner clarity in a distracted world?

Weekly Practice: Spend time in silent prayer this week, asking God to reveal any divided loyalties and to renew your heart with singular devotion. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:3-9 and Romans 12:17–18

1. How is peacemaking different from peacekeeping?
2. Why does true peace often require courage rather than avoidance?
3. Where do you see broken relationships or divisions around you?
4. Why do you think Jesus calls peacemakers children of God?
5. Is there a relationship where God may be inviting you to take a step toward peace?
6. How can our church be a witness of reconciliation in a divided world?
7. How does the cross shape our understanding of peace and reconciliation?
8. Practically, what does peacemaking look like when peace is costly or misunderstood?

Weekly Practice: Take one concrete step toward reconciliation this week: write a note, make a call, or pray intentionally for someone you are in tension with. Report back.

Group Reading: Matthew 5:10-12

1. How do you naturally respond when others oppose, criticize, or misunderstand you for your faith or values?
2. Why do you think Jesus calls those who are persecuted “blessed” rather than discouraged?
3. How is persecution different from simple disagreement or conflict?
4. Can you identify a time in your life when standing for God or righteousness led to discomfort, rejection, or loss? How did you respond?
5. How might enduring hardship for your faith shape your character or spiritual growth?
6. How can our group support one another in remaining faithful even when it’s unpopular or costly?
7. How does the promise of reward in heaven reshape our perspective on earthly trials or opposition?
8. Practically, what might it look like this week to honor Christ in situations where doing so could be difficult or countercultural?

Weekly Practice: This week, intentionally reflect on moments where your faith or values are challenged. Pray for courage and perseverance, and write down any experiences of standing firm, noticing God’s presence or guidance even in opposition. Report back.

Fasting is fasting from food. The following are options of ways to fast from food.

Complete Fast

This fast involves consuming only liquids, typically water, with the option to include light juices.

Meal Removal Fast

This fast entails skipping one or two meals a day and refraining from snacking during the fasting period.

Partial Fast

Also referred to as the “Jewish Fast,” this practice involves abstaining from all food during the morning and afternoon. It can be observed during specific hours, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunrise to sunset.

Selective Fast

In this fast, specific foods are excluded from your diet. For example, the “Daniel Fast” involves eliminating meat, sweets, and bread, while consuming water, juice, fruits, and vegetables.

*In addition to fasting food or if you have a medical issue that prevents you from fasting, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television (or remove something else) for the duration of the fast and then if you choose to bring it back, do so carefully in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

Prayer is communicating with God. Listening and speaking.

Below are ideas of ways to pray. We encourage you not to over-complicate it. Be honest. Be real. Be you.

Adore God - Focus upon praise of God for who He is—His character, attributes, and majesty—without asking for anything. Sing a song and/or express love and reverence in personal words.

Confession - Acknowledge sin and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Thanksgiving - Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and faithfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or pray through a list of blessings.

Supplication (Petition) - Brings personal needs, desires, or concerns before God, seeking His guidance or intervention. Pray for healing, provision, or wisdom.

Intercession - Pray on behalf of others, ask God to work in the lives of others. Praying for family, friends, leaders, or global concerns.

Meditative Prayer - Focus on quiet reflection, a Scripture passage, listen to God and deepen understanding of who God is. Try Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and meditating on a Bible passage.

Corporate Prayer - Pray with others in a group setting, such as church, small groups, or prayer meetings. Taking turns praying aloud.

Lament - Express grief, sorrow, or frustration to God while seeking His comfort and hope. Read and pray through the Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13.

Blessing or Benediction - Pray for God’s favor, guidance, or protection over oneself or others. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Spiritual Warfare Prayer - Pray against spiritual opposition, declaring God’s power and protection. Use the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Breath Prayer - A short, repeated prayer focused on a phrase or Scripture while aligning with breathing. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Sundays

Before Services (sanctuary) The sanctuary is set aside for prayer 8:15-8:25 am and 10:10-10:20 am. Pray individually or with another in this quiet space.

After Services (front sides of altar) There are prayer ministers available and ready to pray with and for you.

Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm, Room 101) - This weekly prayer group of men and women meet to read the Word and pray together for each other, the church, the community, and the world.

Thursdays (3rd Thursdays, 9:30-11am, Shirley Works Home) - This ladies prayer group meets to encourage and pray together.

Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel

Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman

A Meal with Jesus – Tim Chester

The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World – Rosaria Butterfield

The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life – Dustin Willis

The Meaning of Marriage – Timothy & Kathy Keller

Love & Respect – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

You and Me Forever – Francis & Lisa Chan

The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman

Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

The Love Dare – Alex & Stephen Kendrick

Intended for Pleasure – Ed Wheat

Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel

Sheet Music – Kevin Lehman

Care & Counseling

Stephen Ministries at Family Bible Church

DesertStreams

Christian Counseling Center of Battle Creek

Response Care Center (Gracespring Church)

DivorceCare

Articles

7 Steps to Prayer and Fasting by Bill Bright

Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer by Bill Bright

Fasting

Fasting – Scot McKnight

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough – Elmer L Towns

God’s Chosen Fast – Arthur Wallis

Prayer

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home – Richard Foster

How to Pray – Pete Grieg

How to Pray A Guide for Young Explorers – Pete Grieg & Gemma Hunt

A Praying Life – Paul A Miller

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton