There's a verse in 2 Corinthians that's been sitting with me for a while now. Paul writes, "the love of Christ compels us." Not guilts us. Not obligates us. Compels us.
That's the difference we're chasing these next 21 days at Hillcrest.
It's easy for prayer and fasting to feel like something we're supposed to do — another item on the spiritual checklist. But that's not what Paul is describing. He's talking about a love so real, so settled in, that it moves you. You can't help but respond to it. That's what we're asking God for over these three weeks: not more discipline, but a heart that's actually moved.
We're calling it Moved by Love, and it's built around 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 — the love of Christ compelling us so that we're no longer living for ourselves, but for the One who died for us and was raised.
Why Prayer and Fasting
If fasting is new to you, or prayer beyond a quick blessing before dinner feels unfamiliar, you're not alone. Most of us weren't taught how to do this. So here are a few simple ways to start:
Find a place. Somewhere quiet and consistent where you can be alone with God. It doesn't need to be perfect — a chair, a corner, a park bench. Just make it yours.
Set a time. Morning, lunch, evening — whatever fits your rhythm. Consistency matters more than length. Even ten minutes of focused prayer can shape your whole day. Try setting an alarm for 6:00am, 12:00pm, or 6:00pm to help you stay on track.
Find a friend. Invite someone to walk through this with you. Share what you're learning, pray together when you can, encourage each other along the way. Community makes the commitment stronger.
Moved by Love — 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Text HBCPRAYS to 22300 to receive daily prayer reminders throughout these 21 days.
Week One — Compelled (2 Corinthians 5:14–15)
| Day | Focus | Prayer Target | Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love | Christ's love compelling every part of your life | 2 Cor 5:14 |
| 2 | Surrender | No longer living for self, but for Him who died and rose | 2 Cor 5:15 |
| 3 | Death to Self | Grace to put to death whatever competes with Christ's lordship | Rom 6:11 |
| 4 | Resurrection Life | New obedience and strength, empowered by His resurrection | Rom 6:4 |
| 5 | Affection | A renewed hunger and delight in God Himself | Ps 42:1–2 |
| 6 | Pastors + Leadership | Josh, staff, and leadership — their hearts, homes, and families | 1 Tim 3:4–5 |
| 7 | The Church | Hillcrest compelled by love as a whole body, not coasting | Rev 2:4–5 |
Week Two — Made New (2 Corinthians 5:16–17)
| Day | Focus | Prayer Target | Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | New Eyes | Seeing people the way God sees them, not "according to the flesh" | 2 Cor 5:16 |
| 9 | New Creation | One specific "old thing" God wants to remove from your life | 2 Cor 5:17 |
| 10 | Freedom | Addictions and strongholds broken in our church family | John 8:36 |
| 11 | Integrity | Lives inside and outside these walls that match | Ps 26:11 |
| 12 | Healing | Restoration in marriages, families, and relationships | Mal 4:2 |
| 13 | Unity | One body, one Spirit, one mission at Hillcrest | Eph 4:3 |
| 14 | Protection | Spiritual and physical covering over our church | Ps 91:1–2 |
Week Three — Sent (2 Corinthians 5:18–21)
| Day | Focus | Prayer Target | Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Reconciliation | One relationship in your life needing reconciliation | 2 Cor 5:18 |
| 16 | Ambassadors | Boldness to represent Christ well this week | 2 Cor 5:20 |
| 17 | Good News Neighbors | Loving and reaching the people on our own streets | Mark 12:31 |
| 18 | The Lost | One person by name who doesn't yet know Jesus | 2 Pet 3:9 |
| 19 | Churches + Pastors | Other congregations and pastors in our region | Phil 1:27 |
| 20 | Reach | Open doors — outreach opportunities and gospel conversations | Col 4:3 |
| 21 | Harvest | Changed lives as the visible fruit of these 21 days | John 4:35 |
Join Us
This isn't about perfection. Some days you'll pray for ten minutes and feel nothing in particular. Other days, God will meet you in a way you didn't expect. Either way, we believe He's at work in the seeking, not just in what we feel, but in the simple act of showing up before Him, day after day, for 21 days.
Would you join us? Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus, there's room for you in this.
How to sign up: Text HBCPRAYS to 22300 to receive daily prayer reminders and updates throughout the 21 days.
For His Glory and Good,
Josh Ogle Lead Pastor, Hillcrest Baptist Church
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Hillcrest Baptist Church