7 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2022
Monday, January 10, 2022 – January 16, 2022
It is imperative that we pray at least (3) times daily throughout this week of Prayer & Fasting (Daniel 6:10). It’s not just about abstaining from foods; it’s about developing a “listening ear” through prayer unto God.
We will be praying for our world, our nation, the Church (Body of Christ), lost souls, families and then our own personal relationship with Christ .
Fasting
Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has ever given us for our daily lives.
We all go through times when we feel like we are not living up to our full potential. Sometimes we lose our energy and our spiritual sharpness . . . this causes us to lose our edge.
What does it really mean to lose your edge?
When a lumberjack keeps swinging away at the tree without sharpening his ax, the ax will soon become dull and ineffective. In much the same way, that can happen to us.
Going through our daily routines in our own strength wears us down. Little by little, we lose our closeness to God. Without that closeness, we become ineffective for the purposes His has for us.
Fasting can help you get back your passion! It can recharge you!
Although fasting lasts for a short season, it brings long-term results, which sharpens us, enabling us to face the challenges of life in His strength. Through fasting, you can experience spiritual renewal and direction for your life . . . restoration of relationship . . . healing . . . release from bondages . . . and so much more!
We begin year 2022 with 7 days of fasting. Fasting in January is much like praying in the morning to establish the will of God for your entire day. I believe that if we will pray and seek God and give Him our first and best at the beginning of the year, He will honor that sacrifice and bless our ENTIRE year! “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mathew 6:33).
But when you make fasting a way of life, you get even closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Making fasting a lifestyle is like a lumberjack who takes time to rest and sharpen his ax periodically to be able to effectively finish the job set before him.
Fasting can help you Recover Your Passion, Recapture Your Dream and Restore Your Joy!
Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to practice. It is not a punishment; it is a privilege!
Make fasting a “lifestyle”! Join us, and thousands from around the world, in the Fasting Movement .
What Is Fasting?
Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
Prayer and fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand,You can pray without fasting. When Prayer and fasting are combined and dedicated to God’s glory they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, wisdom you need and gain a deeper fellowship with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world through prayer and biblical fasting, we can focus better on Christ.
Fasting has always been practiced by true believers.
Fasting helps subject our bodies to our spirits. (I Cor 9:27)
Fasting is disciplining the body, mind, and spirit. (Prov. 25:28)
Fasting is subordinating our flesh-desires to our spirit-desires. (Gal 5:17)
Fasting helps set the priorities in our lives. (Mt 6:33)
Fasting is longing after God. (Ps 63:1-2)
Why Should We Fast?
1.Honor God – Mt 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Mt 5:6
2.Humble Yourself – 2 Chron 7:14-15, Ps 35:13
3.Discerning Healing – I Cor 11:30, James 5:13-18, Isaiah 59:1-2
4.Deliverance from Bondage – Mt 17:21, Is 58:6-9 (loose bands of wickedness)
5.Revelation – God’s vision and will – Dan 9:3, 20-21, Dan 10:2-10, 12-13
6.Revival – personal and corporate – Acts 1:4, 14 / 2:16-21, Joel 2:12-18
7.Repentance – personal failures – Psalm 51: Jer. 29:11-14, James 4:8-10
8.Jesus fasted 40 days before He started His ministry. (Matt 4:12; Lk 4:14)
9.Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:2)
10.Helping us to deny our own flesh and crucify the carnal mind.
11.Fasting brings spiritual revival. (Dan 9:2,3)
12.Helping us to prevail in prayer and intercession.
13.Fasting is God’s Providence to give us a healthy lifestyle and it cannot be substituted by any other way. It is the privilege of the children of God.
14.To fellowship with God, have intimacy with Him and knowing Him.
15.To be made whole, healed and restored spiritually, physically, emotionally and psychologically. (Hos 6:1-2)
There are several types of Fasting. The one you chose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:
Examples of Corporate Prayer & Fasting
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
1 Samuel 7:5-6 5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader[a] of Israel at Mizpah.
Ezra 8:21-23 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Nehemiah 9:1-3 The Israelites Confess Their Sins
9 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.
Joel 2:15-16
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast,call a sacred assembly.16 Gather the people,consecrate the assembly;bring together the elders,gather the children,
those nursing at the breast.Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Jonah 3:5-10 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:
“By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Acts 27:33-37 33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board.
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!
When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As David stated, “Deep calls unto deep” (Ps. 42:7). David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. As a result, he reached a place where he could cry out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God, even in the midst of his trial. Once you’ve experienced even a glimpse of that kind of intimacy with our God—our Father, the holy Creator of the universe—and the countless rewards and blessings that follow, your whole perspective will change. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power this is overlooked by many.
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. —Luke 6:40
During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…” and “When you pray…” and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.
Solomon, when writing the books of wisdom for Israel, made the point that a cord, or rope, braided with three strands is not easily broken (Eccles. 4:12). Likewise, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken. In fact, as I’ll show you in a moment, Jesus took it even further by saying, “Nothing will be impossible” (Matt. 17:20).
Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold return Jesus spoke of (Mark 4:8, 20)? Look at it this way: when you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return, but when both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believe that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three—giving, praying, and fasting—are part of your life, that hundredfold return can be released!
If that’s the case, you have to wonder what blessings are not being released. What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken because we fail to fast?
Matthew tells the story of a father who had a demon-possessed son. For years he watched helplessly as his son suffered severe convulsions. As he grew older, the attacks became so severe that the boy would often throw himself into an open fire or a trench of water. A suicidal spirit tormented him constantly; the situation became life-threatening.
Having exhausted every attempt to cure the boy—even talking him to the disciples with no avail—the father’s plight seemed impossible. Then he heard that Jesus was near. Going to the Master, he cried, “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for often times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him” (Matt. 17:15, KJV).
When the boy was brought to Jesus, the Bible ways He “rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour” (v. 18, KJV). But what made the difference? After all, Matthew 10:1 records that Jesus had already given the disciples power to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease. So why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon and cure the boy?
That’s what they wanted to know, too, so later that night, when they were alone with Jesus, they asked Him. Jesus replied, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:20–21, KJV).
Long before this incident, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where He spent forty days and forty nights, taking no food. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” For Jesus, casting out that stubborn demon wasn’t impossible.
If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?
Fasting Is for Everyone
Perhaps you’re thinking, “I still don’t know how fasting can really be for me.” According to the words of Jesus, it is the duty of every disciple and every believer to fast. When addressing the Pharisees as to why His disciples did not fast, Jesus replied, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:34–35).
Then they will fast. Jesus didn’t expect His disciples to do something He hadn’t doen as well. Jesus fasted, and according to the words of Peter, Jesus is our example in all things (1 Pet. 2:21).
-Fasting brings rewards.
There’s another vital point that I want you to see in Matthew 6: God delights in giving rewards. Not only that, but He says that when giving, praying and fasting are practiced in your life, He will “reward you openly.”
A good example of such open reward can be found in Daniel. While in Babylonian captivity, his fasting—even partial fasting of certain foods—brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire.
Later, in chapter 10, Daniel was grieved and burdened with the revelation he had received for Israel. He ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. Then he describes the angel that was sent to him—which had been delayed by the prince of Persia for twenty-one days—with the answers Daniel sought. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God’s purpose could be revealed and served.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life, whom you should marry, or what you should do in a critical situation? Fasting brings you to a place of being able to clearly hear God’s will.
Fasting demonstrates repentance.
Joel prophesy of judgment upon unfaithful Israel was followed by a divine call to ward off judgment through a fast of repentance. The Lord beckoned, “Even now,?declares the LORD, Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.? Quote; (See Joel 2:12-13.) Similarly, James exhorts New Testament believers with these words: “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (See James 4:8-10.) Fasting demonstrates the brokenness of a heart that is truly repentant for sin.
The Daniel Fast
Step 1: Be Specific
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
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The king’s food was against dietary laws.
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Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
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The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.
Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
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Your food choices.
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The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
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Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
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Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:
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Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
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Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
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Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
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Repentance is linked to health according to James.
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Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
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Sick people must desire to be well
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The anointing oil could mean
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Medicine for healing,
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Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
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It could be baptism
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Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
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In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
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Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others
Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.
Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.
Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST
Daniel 1:12
“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
Daniel 10:3 KJV
“I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.
Whether you are beginning a Private Fast or Fasting Corporately as we do here at Gospel Outreach Center every year, I believe you will find these tips helpful.
FASTING TIPS
1) Preparing to Fast (Esther 4:16)
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a) Get your heart and mind ready, set your mind clearly on the objective of fasting, and maintain a thankful heart.
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b) Write down the clear objectives for fasting; add a clause of flexibility, so that God may speak His objective.
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c) Pray and commit to a type of fast, asking God for grace to remain determined.
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d) Plan your calendar
Conserve your energy and devote more time to prayer and reading God’s Word.
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e) Prepare spiritually
Fine tune your mindset, make known to God that you desire to weaken the flesh so as to be close to the Lord spiritually. Allow the Spirit of God to direct the mind, to direct the body for renewal action, meaning: getting ready to change.
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f) Prepare physically
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h) Pray daily and read the Bible.
Don’t overeat before fasting. On the contrary, reduce food intake gradually until the day of fasting. Avoid food that is high in calories. Eat only salad and fruits three days before fasting.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness.
Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4;17:3-4).
Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance.
Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast.
Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
During the Fast (Mat 6:16-18)
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a) Read the Word of God and fellowship with God
b)Talk with and listen to God; try to hear the voice of God, once
you hear, verify with the Holy Bible. Then wait for a season to confirm. Once confirmed, put it into action and let no one stop you.
c)Seek the Lord
Pray and read God’s Word during meal times. Join at least one prayer meeting.
Be ready to respond when you hear from God.
Whatever God makes known to you, make restitution immediately. Change any habits immediately. Be accountable to someone for your renewal.
Practical tips
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Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs
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Limit your physical activity and exercise
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Rest as much as you can
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Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day
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Allow for temporary bouts of physical weakness, impatience, irritability and anxiety as your body adjusts.
Fasting is not recommended:
The following are among groups fasting is generally not recommended:
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People who are pregnant or breast-feeding,
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Children and teenagers since they are still growing and developing (in the bible only adults are known to have been permitted to fast),
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People in their senior or elderly years since their body organs need a consistent flow of body fluids and nutrients,
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People who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery (operation),
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People who are highly underweight,
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People who have diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.
The rest of us with healthy bodies it’s merely a choice we make – to fast or not to fast. As far as God is concerned health limitations are the only worthy excuse, not busy careers, family obligations or environmental factors.
How to End-Breaking the Fast (Acts 14:23)
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One hour before- pray harder and thank God for such grace of the opportunity to have intimacy with God through fasting.
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Reintroduce solid food gradually in small portions throughout the day. Start with fruits, juices and salad.
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Continue praying-Let the momentum you gained during the past transform your prayer and devotional life.
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Expect Results
Persevere in prayer. Keep a copy of your prayer points, giving thanks to God as you see how He answers your prayers at the end of the year.
Bible Characters Who Fasted
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Moses fasted twice for 40 days-Following his first fast, Moses received the Law. The second was to turn God’s wrath away from God’s sinful people. Deuteronomy 9:9,18,19
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Hannah, for a child. She was barren and deeply distraught. God gave her release from inner turmoil. Then He gave her a baby boy, Samuel, who grew into a mighty man of God. I Samuel 1:7,8
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Elijah fasted for 40 days while fleeing in fear from wicked Jezebel, who threatened to have him killed. God gave him comfort, boldness and instructions to go back the way he came and anoint new prophets. 1 Kings 19
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King David for seven days that God might heal his dying, infant child, conceived illegitimately with Bathsheba. The baby died, yet David experienced God’s wonderful peace through this incredible trauma. 2 Samuel 12:16-23
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Proclaimed by King Jehoshaphat – When he and his army were surrounded by enemies and destruction seemed imminent. After proclaiming the fast, they rejoiced with praises and God destroyed their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20
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Proclaimed by Ezra – Prior to a very perilous journey to Jerusalem. Ezra 8
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Nehemiah – For restoration of the city he loved (Jerusalem). Nehemiah 1:4
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Proclaimed by Queen Esther – For the entire nation to fast for three days without food or water. They were on the brink of annihilation. Esther 4
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Daniel‘s partial fast of 21 days – He received a vision and revelation of end times. Daniel 9
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Proclaimed by the King of Nineveh– With national repentance to avert disaster through God’s wrath. Jonah 3
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Jesus for 40 days. If God in human flesh fasted, how much more ought we? Matthew 4:2
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John the Baptist – He and his disciples fasted often, as did the Pharisees. Matthew 9:14,15
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Anna – A widow who dedicated herself to prayer and fasting and is honored in the eternal Word of God. Luke 2:37
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Paul the Apostle– He fasted for three days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (while still known as Saul of Tarsus). Acts 9:9 He later wrote in 2 Corinthians 11 that he fasted often.
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Isaiah 58 is the fasting chapter. Read and study it to discover the many benefits of fasting when done God’s way.
Scriptural Teachings& Examples of Prayer
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using it to overcome temptation. Genesis 3:1-6;Matthew 26:40-41
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does it change God’s mind? Genesis 18:20-33
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ask God anything but expect anything. Genesis18:33
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don’t be afraid to ask. Genesis 25:21
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why God may withhold an answer. Genesis 25:21
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turn your worries into. Genesis 32:9-12;Philippians 4:6-7
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balancing prayer with action. Exodus 14:15
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instead of complaining. Exodus 17:2
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changes attitudes and events. Exodus 32:9-14;Acts 12:5
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make sure you really want what you ask for. Numbers 11:4-9
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helps us remember God’s goodness. Deuteronomy 8:10
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of Joshua. Joshua 7:7-9
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why God may not be answering yours. Judges 13:18; 1 Samuel 28:15; 2 Samuel 7:8-16
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don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying. Judges 16:28-30
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when discouraged. 1 Samuel 1:10
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be careful what you promise God in prayer. 1Samuel 1:11
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is failing to pray for others a sin? 1 Samuel 12:23
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how David responded to God’s “no” answer. 1Chronicles 17:16-20; 1 Chronicles 22:7-10
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lessons from Solomon’s dedication prayer. 2 Chronicles 6:19-42
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what to request of God. 1 Kings 8:56-60
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don’t always expect immediate answers. 2 Chronicles 7:12
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Hezekiah saved a nation. 2 Kings 19:1-7
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how Hezekiah approached God. 2 Kings 19:15-19
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Jabez remembered. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
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serious prayer. Ezra 8:23
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what it clarifies for us. Nehemiah 1:5
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spontaneous prayer. Nehemiah 2:4
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combining prayer with preparation. Nehemiah 4:9
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for your children. Job 1:5
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assurance of answered prayer brings peace. Psalm3:5
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God hears every one. Psalm 4:3
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the secret to a close relationship with God. Psalm5:1-3
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pray even when God seems far away. Psalm 10:1
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moving from prayer to praise. Psalm 54:3-4
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a weapon against evil. Psalm 55:17
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can release tensions of emotional stress. Psalm62:3-6
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places our focus on God. Psalm 77:1-12
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Psalm 122:6-9
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Why many are afraid to talk with god. Isaiah 7:12
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Can change events. Isaiah 38:1-5
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In the midst of panic. Daniel 2:16-18
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How do you react to answered prayer? Daniel2:19-23
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Daniel’s disciplined prayer life. Daniel 6:10
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We can pray anywhere anytime. Jonah 2:1
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Using it to look holy. Matthew 6:5-6
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Shallow repetition. Matthew 6:7-8
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Matthew 6:7-8; Colossians 4:2
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The lord’s prayer. Matthew 6:9
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Discernment to ask for the right things. Matthew7:9-10
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God’s attitude toward ours. Matthew 7:11
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Importance of praying alone. Matthew 14:23
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Relying on the holy spirit. Matthew 18:19-20
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Can we ask for anything? Matthew 21:22; mark10:38-40
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Finding time to pray. Mark 1:35
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Keys to effective prayer. Mark 9:29
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Mark 11:22-23
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Jesus’ prayer in the garden. Mark 14:35-36
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How and when god answers. Luke 1:13
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Should precede important decisions. Luke 6:12;james 5:16-18
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Puts us under god’s control. Luke 6:19
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Important to evangelism. Luke 10:2
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What “constant” prayer means. Luke 18:1
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Lessons from Jesus’ longest prayer. John 17:1
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Jesus prayed for us too. John 17:20
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Using it to make decisions. Acts 1:12-13
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Early believers’ prayers are a model for us. Acts4:24-30
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Don’t be surprised when god answers. Acts12:13-15; Romans 1:9-10
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God responds at the right time. Galatians 4:4
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How to pray for others. Colossians 1:9-14
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1 timothy 2:1-4
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Pray for government leaders. 1 timothy 2:2
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What hinders prayer. 1 timothy 2:8
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With reverence yet bold assurance. Hebrews 4:16
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Christian leaders need our prayers. Hebrews13:18-19
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Most common problems. James 4:2-3
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Part of god’s healing process. James 5:15
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Rather than revenge. 1 peter 3:9
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Praying in god’s will. 1 john 5:14-15
Scripture of the day
The Love of God.
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
Word of the Day
All things are possible with God
If you have an impossible situation, I submit to you that we serve a Miracle working God.
Word of the Day
The Power of Commitment
David’s commitment to serve King Saul in a very harsh environment is just amazing. David’s gifting made a way for him to serve in the Palace. When he got there, it was nothing close to what he signed for. As he played the harp & Lyre, his life was threatened by the very King he was serving. There were eleven attempts to kill him but by God’s grace he survived. No one can thwart God’s plan for your life no matter who they are.
The amazing thing was that David never quit serving, he was committed to his assignment. The question is, why didn’t he quit?
1.He knew the “why”.
He understood his purpose of his assignment. When you know your purpose in the place of your assignment, you don’t stop being committed.
2.He was a man of Prayer.
He spent many hours in the Lords presence. It is in prayer we find comfort, strength, peace, direction, wisdom and counsel. You will stay committed to God’s purpose if you are constantly in prayer.
3.He found a destiny helper.
David service and commitment was made possible because he found a destiny helper in Jonathan, King Saul’s son.
Life can be tough when you are walking alone.
Find someone who is real that you can share your heart and also they are willing to help you.
Jonathan was David’s destiny helper.
We have many destiny killers around us, find a destiny helper.
May the Lord give you the tenacity to stay committed even in harsh environment like David.
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”
The Power of Commitment
The Power of Commitment
It’s Amazing how we make decisions based on other people decisions. Ruth sister in law Orpha decided to go back to her people but Ruth refused to be influenced by her decision to give up so easily.
Ruth’s decision to stay committed to Naomi ushered her to be the great great grandmother of Jesus Christ.
May the Lord give you strength & grace of Standing tall & sometimes against the tide of the Multitudes because of the Promises, dreams & visions you have in Christ. Please understand it OK to say NO to close friends. Your future may be determined by only ONE NO. It ok to loose a friend than miss your destiny.
You have come a long way to walk away from your purpose. May 2019 be your best year.
Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
DAY 7 PRAYER & FASTING
DAY 7 PRAYER & FASTING
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Scripture
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. — James 5:16 (NLT)
If you had to choose one super power, what would it be? To be invisible? To fly? To have super-human strength? At one point in our lives, most of us have thought about what kind of super power we would like to have. W. Clement Stone said, “Man’s greatest power is prayer.”
The Word of God is full of accounts that show the power of our prayers. It has the power for us to overcome circumstances, conquer death, bring about healing, change hearts, heal wounds and give wisdom.
When we pray, God listens to prayers, answers prayers and moves in response because of the prayers we pray. Elijah prayed that it would not rain, and it didn’t rain on the land for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain. The prayers that we pray are powerful and can move the hand of God in our lives and in the lives of others.
The power of the prayer isn’t a result of the person doing the praying; it’s in the God to whom we are praying. Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. We know that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us and is moving on our behalf. We can ask God for his help and have confidence in going to him.
Application
Are there any requests that you need to bring before God that you have been holding on to? In which areas of your life do you believe that God is moving on your behalf? It’s important to remember that God is moving even when we don’t see or feel it. Start a conversation with God today and begin to believe that your prayer has the power to overcome circumstances and move the hand of God!
Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer that you have given us. Remind me today just how powerful it is and the importance of having it in my everyday life. I pray that I would begin to see the impact it can have in my life and in the lives of others as I pray. Thank you for always listening, hearing and moving on my behalf. Amen.
DAY 6 PRAYER & FASTING
Day 6 PRAYER & FASTING
Holy Spirit Empowered
Scripture
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” — John 16:12-13 (NIV)
Consider what is causing a spiritual weight in your life. What do you need the Holy Spirit to give you strength to overcome? How can you put into practice asking God to guide you by his Holy Spirit? Take a moment to ask God to continuously fill you with his Spirit every day. Make this Prayer
Lord, fill me with the presence of your Holy Spirit, equip me with your power and guide me into all truth. I trust your presence to lead me today.
DAY 5 PRAYER & FASTING
DAY 5 PRAYER & FASTING
WISDOM FIRST
Scripture: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. — James 1:5-6 (NIV)
The Bible says that we should ask God for wisdom whenever we face trials. “Whenever” is the key word here. We are going to face trials in our lives—small, big, life-changing, long, enduring, unfair and difficult.
Why do we need wisdom? Wisdom is more than just information; wisdom is the divine antidote to a self-help, winner-take-all, in-it-for-me, I-deserve-justice culture in which we live. Biblical wisdom transforms our hearts and minds to take on the characteristics of Christ and tackle any situation with truth and love. Wisdom exceeds information and infuses us with faith to see God do impossible things through our impossible situations.
When we receive wisdom, we actively engage our faith so that we can step out in obedience. Worldly answers may seem right, natural and satisfying (in the moment) but often leave a trail of regret. Godly wisdom directs our steps down the less traveled path of faith—trusting a supernatural God for an impossible outcome.
Application
Consider what your life would look like if your first response to a situation was prayer for wisdom rather than Google. What if you ran to God first instead of a friend or social media? When has wisdom directed you to do something contrary to your natural response in a situation? Often the outcome of a wise decision opens more doors and sparks more opportunities than a decision derived from worldly advice.
Father, thank you for generously giving good gifts to your children. You are so good and worthy to be trusted! I ask that you would lead me in wisdom today as I face many different situations. I pray for strength to walk in godly wisdom, believing that your way is better—even when it doesn’t make sense.
DAY 4 PRAYER & FASTING
DAY 4 PRAYER & FASTING
Removing Clutter, Calling on the Lord
Scripture: I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. — Psalm 18:3 (KJV)
Psalm 18:3 tells us that when we begin to worship, something happens in our minds and hearts. God inhabits the praise of his people, and where the Lord is, there is liberty from all the “clutter” of life.
Calling upon the Lord is necessary for help in our daily lives—not just in times of distress or trouble. This requires a voluntary action on the believer’s part: “I will call.” When you read the phrase “saved from my enemies,” think about the enemies in your life that can hinder a move of the Holy Spirit.
In Jeremiah 33:3, when you read “call to me,” think about your spiritual life. Are you calling to God? God is extending an invitation to everyone to make a collect call to him, and he will pay the charges. But we have to listen! Many times, we don’t wait expectantly for him to answer, or maybe we didn’t even call in the first place.
When we listen, God will reveal great things to us. We have to want it and call out to him. Do you want what he is offering? Make the call.
Application
It is so important for us to call on the Lord. It may be difficult, but waiting expectantly for his answers is how we grow closer to him. We see breakthroughs when we have our minds and hearts ready for a revelation from God. Don’t second-guess the Lord; there are things you don’t know, but he does!
Lord, I have allowed my daily life to be filled with useless clutter that is choking my spiritual strength. My heartless determination to silence the noise around me has made me become a “gutless spiritual wonder.” I have not called upon you. I need and call for your help to change and ask for patience to wait on your answer. Give me the revelation that will take me to the next level in my journey of faith. Amen!
DAY 3 PRAYER & FASTING
DAY 3 PRAYER & FASTING
BE MORE…FORGIVING
Scripture: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;” ~Matthew 6:12, 14 NRSV
How often do we utter the words, “Lord, forgive me” or “God forgive me for …?” Do we really understand what we are saying? When we request forgiveness from God, we are actually positioning ourselves to forgive others, that we ourselves may obtain forgiveness. The forgiveness that we request from God is relational meaning that we get what we give.
In the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, He says, “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” which translates to “As often as I forgive others, please Lord, forgive me!” If we are honest, how many times would we really gain forgiveness? In verse 14, Jesus simply assures us that forgiveness, no matter what we have done, thought or said, is guaranteed if we allow for weakness in others. Today, remember the golden rule and ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’; forgive.
DAY 2 PRAYER & FASTING
DAY 2 PRAYER & FASTING
BE MORE…WILLING
Scripture: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” ~ Isaiah 6:8 KJV
Have you ever found something you enjoy doing? Perhaps, you learned how to cook, sew, or draw. Maybe you delight in baking, writing or reading, or taking pictures. Because you love doing those things, if ever you were asked to bake a cake, or draw a picture, you were willing to do so. No one had to push you or plead with you to do it; you just did it. You even rearranged your schedule to accommodate your interests. That is how God wants us to be with Him. He desires us to be willing to do, go and say anything for Him.
Be willing to spend some time with Him, study His word and sit in His presence. He will never push Himself on us. He is always there for us: willing to hear us, comfort us, protect us, love us, provide for us, guide us and more. In fact, He was willing to die for us. In the scripture, the prophet Isaiah came to a clearer understanding of who God was in his life. He recognized that this Holy God wanted a real relationship with this sinful man. Realizing the magnitude of God’s power, when the Lord needed someone to go to “make the heart of the people fat,” Isaiah said immediately, “…here I am, send me.”
