What might change in our lives, our churches, and our communities if we made seeking God a shared priority? Higher Ground invites the Church of God (Holiness) to set aside October 5th to 25th, 2026, for 21 days of prayer and fasting. Together, we will read a daily devotional, bring the needs of the church’s ministries before God, and ask Him to deepen our dependence on Him.
An invitation—and a challenge
In the guide’s foreword, Dr. Chad Pollard, Director of Home Missions, calls the church to seek the Lord and His will with humility and expectation. His challenge begins with recognizing that our own abilities are not enough. We need God’s help in our personal lives, in our congregations, and in the communities we serve.
This season of prayer is an opportunity to ask for more than the success of our plans. We are praying that people will come to know Jesus, that believers will grow in their relationship with Him, and that God will work in ways beyond what we can accomplish or imagine. Pollard invites us to approach these days anticipating what the Lord may do both in us and through His church.
Learning to pray with Jesus
The introduction by Dr. Jim “Umfundisi” Lo, Director of World Missions, turns our attention to Jesus. In Luke 11, the disciples ask Him to teach them to pray. They have seen prayer woven into His life; His example awakens their desire to learn. Lo encourages us to consider what our own lives communicate about the importance of prayer.
He also asks us to look beyond familiar words and habits. Prayer can become a routine, or something we turn to only in a crisis. Jesus teaches us to approach God as Father—with love, trust, and loyalty. Higher Ground is an invitation to renew that relationship: to listen, to seek God’s will, and to make time with Him a steady part of everyday life.
Make room each day
Set aside a regular time to read the day’s devotional and pray through the ministry requests that follow. Let the reading guide your own prayer, and remember that others across the church are joining you. As you participate in this shared season of prayer and fasting, return to its central purpose: seeking God together.
During October 5th to 25th, the daily reading link opens the devotional assigned to that date. You can also choose a date to read ahead or return to an earlier day, and download an individual reading to keep or share. The complete guide includes the original foreword and introduction, all 21 devotionals and prayer requests, and additional readings for continuing beyond these three weeks.