2013 Seven Days of Prayer and Fasting
If you are unfamiliar with biblical fasting I suggest you download the document from the UChurch web site “Fasting – What it is and how to do it” Go on-line and click http://uchurch.ca/wall/resource-fasting-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it
con·se·crate [kän(t)-se-, krāt] to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity; to devote or dedicate to some purpose. We encourage you to join us during this week of prayer and fasting. This is a special time for us to corporately consecrate ourselves, our families, and ministries to God. Let’s believe God for His will to be done in every area of our lives and our church as we seek Him together.
Practical Guide to a Week of Prayer and Fasting “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5 Throughout history, God has called on His people to humble themselves through fasting and prayer. Fasting is a spiritual tool God uses to advance His kingdom, change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring about His will in people’s lives. There is something powerful that happens when we voluntarily humble ourselves, seek God’s will, and agree with Him for His purposes to be fulfilled. We typically have a special time of fasting and prayer at the start of each year. It is our way of humbling ourselves before God and consecrating to Him the upcoming year of life and ministry. It is also the time when we corporately come into agreement and believe together for breakthroughs in our personal lives, families, and church. We are especially praying for people who are not yet walking with God to come to know and follow Jesus Christ. As you begin your fast, believe in your heart, by faith, that God will respond with supernatural answers to your prayers.
Why Fast? When a man is willing to set aside the legitimate appetites of the body to concentrate on the work of praying, he is demonstrating that he means business, that he is seeking with all his heart, and will not let God go unless He answers. t Arthur Wallis
“Declare a holy fast? call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.” Joel 1:14
1. Jesus fasted. “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4:1,2 “Uesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.” Luke 4:14 Before He began His ministry, Jesus fasted forty days. He knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting makes us physically weak but spiritually strong and prepares us to do God’s work. 2. Fasting is an act of humility and consecration. “. . . I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting . . .” Psalm 35:13 Humility results in the grace of God (James 4:6). When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are better able to exercise self-control over our emotions and desires. 3. Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2 When we deny our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become more attuned. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for more of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 4. Fasting brings revival. “. . . in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Uerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:2,3 Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. Daniel understood that Israel was headed for destruction. He also knew that in times like these, there is only one recourse—intercession through praying and fasting. Throughout human history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting. 5. Fasting is healthy. Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. By learning to deny ourselves and exercising discipline, fasting can break unhealthy addictions in our lives.
Preparing to Fast Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us. t Bill Bright 1. Be in faith! Prayerfully fill out the prayer points on page 12 of this guide. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specific about your faith goals in your personal life, family, church, and people you are reaching out to. These are what you will be believing God for during the fast and the upcoming year. Expect God to answer. Maintain a thankful heart throughout and after the fast. 2. Commit to a type of fast. We encourage everyone who is able to commit to fast in a meaningful and sacrificial way. Here are a few suggestions: Abstain from eating one or more days: Drink plenty of water (if water fast) or juice (if juice fast). Abstain from one meal a day or more for several days and drink lots of water. In addition to fasting from food, you might also abstain from things like Facebook, TV/Movies, and various other ‘good’ things where you are denying your appetites and feeding your spirit/soul. Important Note: During those times you would normally eat, spend time meditating on God’s Word, listening to sermons, worshipping to music, & praying. The point is not merely to starve body, but to focus on feeding your soul/spirit. If you are pregnant/nursing or it is medically unwise for you to fast, or if you have struggled with an eating disorder we recommend you not fast from food but find other things to fast from. If you are on medication or have any health concerns, please speak with your doctor before fasting from food. Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it. Do not decide on a day-to-day basis. Commit before the fast and be determined. Ask God for grace. 3. Plan your calendar. Limit your physical and social activities during this period. You need to conserve physical energy and devote more time to prayer and reading the Bible. 4. Prepare spiritually. More than anything, we are believing God for a fresh encounter with Him. Be prepared to have the Holy Spirit put His finger on areas in your life that need to change. Repentance is the foundation of prayer and fasting. Be ready to repent and change, and be transformed. Surrender everything and be wide open to Him. 5. Prepare physically. Be smart as you enter into an extended fast. Do not go to a buffet restaurant on the eve of the fast, hoping to stock up on food in your body (it doesn’t work!). The key is to gradually prepare your body. Start eating smaller portions and meals before you begin your fast. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat.
During the Fast “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen? and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18
The record of the whole bible indicates that prayer and fasting combined constitute the strongest weapon committed to God’s believers. tDr. Mary Ruth Swope
1. Where & When to Pray * Pray on your own each day, using this daily devotional guide. * Commit the times you would normally eat to prayer and Bible reading. * Go to a Community Group this week to pray and seek God in community. * Finish the fast by joining us for our UChurch Family Gathering: * Sunday Jan 13 @ 10:35 am 2. Commit to change. Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationship with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately. Talk with a friend about what God is speaking to you, and ask them to support you along the journey of change and possibly provide accountability. 3. Practical tips a. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advice of your doctor. b. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly. c. Rest as much as you can. d. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, missionaries & world missions, etc. e. Drink plenty of clean water. f. As your body adjusts, be prepared for temporary bouts of physical weakness as well as a greater likelihood of impatience, irritability, and anxiety.
If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical benefits, success in prayer, the enduing with power, spiritual insights–these must never replace God as the center of our fasting. tRichard Foster
Breaking the Fast Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord0 in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23 1. Reintroduce solid food gradually. You should break your fast the same way you prepared for it. It will take your body time (possibly several days) to adjust to a normal diet. Begin eating gradually. Start with fruits, juices, and simple foods. Take it slowly. 2. Continue praying. Don’t stop praying on the day you finish the fast. Build from the momentum you gained during the fast. Let it transform your prayer and devotional life. Carry the newfound passion with you throughout the year. 3. Be expectant. Be in faith and believe God to answer your prayers soon! Don’t give up, persevere in prayer even if you don’t see the answers immediately. Make sureyou keep your copy of prayer points. You can check at the end of the year and see how god has answered your prayers. It can be your thanksgiving list at the end of the year.
Conclusion “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...” Ephesians 3:20
Fasting in the biblical sense is choosing not to partake of food because your spiritual hunger is so deep, your determination in intercession so intense, or your spiritual warfare so demanding that you have temporarily set aside even fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation. t Wesley Duewel
We believe God has great things in store for your life in 2013, and for us as a church family as well. This week of prayer and fasting is an opportunity to realign our lives according to God’s will and consecrate the coming year to Him. As we humble ourselves before Him in prayer & fasting, we can expect Him to move mightily in our midst. We are trusting God to move in power both in and through our lives, and to enable us to discover and live out our identity in Christ in a greater way as we continue to Love God, One Another, and the World around us.
Preparing to Fast
Read Mark 4:23 – Matt: 6:34
“Be Still, and know that I am god..” Psalm 46
“ What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us” t A.W.Tozer
“Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray… “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Luke 11:1, Matt 6:9-13 Dear Church, For 30 years Jesus lived in quiet town as an unknown. But then God’s time arrived – now everywhere Jesus went, people noticed. “The time has come”, he said, “The Kingdom of God is near”. He wasted no time – people were amazed at his teaching, the authority was obvious, people brought sick, and hurting people to him. Pain, demons, sickness, paralysis – Jesus took care of it all. Crowds began to form, and the sincere seekers wanted to know what the king of this kingdom expects of them. So he taught them. Disciples were invited to follow and were soon sent out to preach and cast out demons. What was their training to be ? Preaching 101 or perhaps an Intro to Demons seminar. Nope -they observed, and what they observed was that Jesus authority and power emanated from his prayer life – he prayed and it was different. So they asked to be taught. So should we… if we are serious about being equipped and empowered, so that we can go into all the world and experience what the disciples did. Jesus taught only one method of prayer. He did not teach a liturgical structure to be rhymed off, but a pattern, for the substance of prayer. This pattern enables us to have conversations with God for the rest of our lives. Even in my best moments I know Jesus is way smarter than me. He’s undoubtedly the most gifted leader the world has ever seen. So if Jesus teaches us how to pray, it’s foolish to try an improve on his teaching. In the disciples prayer (some call it the Lords prayer), you will see six key thoughts. This is why you’ll see that the guide covers one thought each day for the next six days. As you prepare for this week, read through the basics guide instructions and practically plan your week out. Prepare yourself. Take some time and read the portion noted above, Be intentional. Consider what areas you are believing God to touch in you, and those around you as you seek Him this week. May 2013 be a year of amazing transformation. Cheers – Brant
Day One – Identity: Who Am I? “Our Father who is in Heaven..”
Read Psm 139 Rom 8:14-17 Luck 15:11-31 Eph 3:12-20
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! – Rom 8:14-17 (message) Our understanding of who we see ourselves as, determines every action we do and word we speak. God knows this, and so does his enemy. If we fail to discover our true identity, or fail to fully develop/receive our understanding of the depth of the Fathers heart towards us – we become super vulnerable to the same temptations Jesus experienced in the wilderness, but with very different results. We’ll try to meet our own needs, work to achieve and perform for both security and people’s approval – perhaps even Gods. Make no mistake - with the same cunning that the devil went after Jesus, he comes to challenge us– by trying to undermine our identity “If you are the son of God…” Luke 4:3 Jesus came and made clear who we are – Gods beloved children who are loved beyond any human comprehension. He did this by showing us the extravagance of the Father. It’s what we call the Gospel – the good news. However, it is one thing to know factually this extravagant truth – and quite another to fully experience it daily. In order to handle every affront to your identity – to be able resist every temptation, to be able to live in the power of true sonship with the same, peace, authority and power that Jesus had – we must do what Jesus did and listen to what he told us to do. When Jesus taught us how to converse with God – he starts with Father. Before anything else – we are to come to God as Our Father – address him as Dad – establish His identity to us. Jesus did not focus his energy on trying to be a beloved son – he already was, so are we. He focused on spending time discovering his Fathers nature & will – ever day. The way in which you discover your true identity is to focus, not on yourself, but rather focus on Abba Fathers identity – his nature. Discover more of him, more of his heart, his character and his ways and you will come to discover like the prodigal son coming home, you are, and have always been “beloved son/daughter” from whom nothing is withheld. Before we go do, we must be. Read Mark 10:17-30 – Jesus meets someone who’s identity is not grounded in Father – Jesus uses this moment to teach the disciples something about their identity. He describes to them 7 things that typically determine what forms our identity as human beings. He tells then that anyone who gives these things up (stops allowing them to define who you are) for the gospel sake or his sake, you’ll get 6 of them back in this life 100 fold! Can you spot the one thing that changed ? Ponder what the missing element means for you. How have these 7 things (or other things) defined your identity ? Pray To begin your fast, ask God to show you how he has been a father to you. Take your time to listen - Make a list… Meditate on Eph 3:12-20, Psalm 139 Prayerfully Read the “Father’s Love Letter” (appendix 1.1) out loud to yourself. Recognize these are his words to you. Mark which aspects he is wanting to prune unbelief of out of your heart. Read the letter prayerfully every day of the fast – listen to his fresh words over you. Build the habit of “daily” For more insight – look at appendix 1.2
Day Two – Fathers Kingdom
Read Mark 4: 9-20 Col 1: 9-23 Luck 8: 1-15, 18: 15-17 Matt 10: 5-11
“Your Kingdom Come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
“God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.” Romans 14:17 (message) Jesus taught more about the kingdom of God than any other topic while he was on earth. “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story shall I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed. Though it is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest plants…. He used many stories and illustrations to teach the people as they were able to understand.” Mark 4:30-33. The kingdom is not seen with the human eye, it is invisible/internal, although you can see the effects (the fruit) of where the kingdom of darkness, and the kingdom of light rule in the peoples hearts around the world. John 10:10. We can sense the kingdoms struggling within us – the wrestling we internally experience is not external forces, but spiritual kingdom principalities and powers (Gal 6:12). Jesus teaches us to ask daily for Gods kingdom to come into us–daily. What is his will for you ? When you understand the Father heart of God – you begin to see it is very good. To heal us, to make us whole and holy, to be able to live life to the fullness of what we were designed for – to be totally free (John 10:10). Where darkness exists, where lies control us, where pain or wounds or any demonic strongholds exist in us; all will be set right (righteousness). The kingdom grows in us is like that mustard seed grows – it may start small, but if grows and measured by an increasing sense of joy, peace and rightness we walk in – and it becomes contagious! His will is not only to let you experience real freedom for yourself, but for you to help others discover the king Jesus, his kingdom and his good and perfect will for their lives.
Ponder: Read James 1:22, 4:7, John 14:12-18, 15:9-17 & Gal 5:16-25 What is your part ? What is Gods part ? Pray John 8:12 Take the time and pray for His kingdom to come – ask him to show you if there is any darkness in you. Darkness are those beliefs under which we try to hide our evil deeds. It can be a shroud of blame shifting, excuses, complications, self righeousness that keeps the light from covering and healing our soul. If your looking for direction/wisdom/what God will would be – Read James 1:2-8, pray & listen carefully to obey.
Day Three – Fathers Provision
Read Matt 6: 5-11 Matt 6: 19-34 1 Tim 6: 6-12, 17-19 Luke 12: 13-24
“Give us this day our daily bread”
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need from day to day. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matt 6:31-34 (NLT) Jesus teaches us in the disciples prayer to ask Father for our daily needs. Nothing wrong with asking, Father is an amazing provider. He loves to meet all our needs. The problem is we think we know better what our needs are than God does. Most of us would feel better if God simple provided enough for the next few years ! But we are in danger of missing the kingdom when we think like this. Jesus reminded us, “what does it prosper a man who gains the whole world, but loses his soul”. The rich young ruler left Jesus with all his “external stuff” but no kingdom internally. He lost his soul/identity. His idea of need was much different than Jesus wisdom. So what constitutes our needs? What is this daily bread we are to ask for? “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35. Jesus spoke this after he had fed the 5,000. Father does provide practically, but the real focus we are to seek after – what we are to concentrate on is Him. He is the bread we are to ask for. Beyond our practical needs, God knows we need Him first – His kingdom in us first- that’s why he said, “Seek first the Kingdom, then all the other things will come”. He is our daily bread…. Let him fill you first.
Ponder: Read Matt 6:19-21 Take a honest assessment of your heart. What captures your heart and thoughts primarily – what is your treasure? How much of a hold does it have on you? Meditate on what Jesus tells about the Fathers provision in Matt 6:31-34 Meditate on what it means to daily receive Jesus as your life bread. Ask god to show you in what ways are you to seek first the kingdom What is your part ? What is Gods part ? Pray Pray through Prov 30:5-9, and 1 Tim 6:11-12. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you what you really need so you can live in the contentment these writers testify about.
Day Four – Fathers Forgiveness “forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us”
Read Matt 18:15-35, 5:23-34 Heb 12:14-15 1 John 1:5-9, 1 Pe 3:8-12 2 Cor 5:15-21
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins..” Matt 6:14-15 (NLT) Jesus is pretty straightforward on this point. Gods forgiveness to us opened the door to heaven and his kingdom’s blessing. In his death, Jesus paid the price of our forgiveness and ended the separation – we are now reconciled with Father. When we open the door of life and ask God to forgive us, that door stays open. If we choose however to not extend forgiveness to others, we close the door of life on God. Forgiveness defined: The act of giving up your claim to punish or exact payment for a wrong suffered. In Matt 18, Jesus tells us if we don’t give up that claim, we are given over to the tormentors – if you have ever held a grudge, or been so hurt you could not imagine forgiving, you have been tormented. The bitterness and resentment we experience become chains of bondage that poison everything. If you struggle with forgiving others, it is likely because you have not fully understand the debt forgiven you. How do you know when you have forgiven others? When we see the one who has wounded us and, in our hearts, we release that person with a blessing. Forgiveness not only opens you to receive all God has for you, but it also allows God to work into their hearts as well. So why would we ask daily for forgiveness? Fact is we falter, we trip and stumble constantly as we learn this walk with Jesus – we ‘sin’ as believers, and when we do the enemy condemns us. Our conscience starts to sense it – something is not right – it reminds us for a reason - so we can be free. So we go to Abba, boldy, knowing how much he loves us and confess our faults, and he corrects us, prunes us and forgives us. The joy and peace are knowledge He is for you, not against you gives us energy and freedom to be who we were made to be. It’s like breething – exhale out our confessions of guilt, mistakes and pain, then inhale his love and forgiveness. It’s so sweet…
Ponder & Pray: Read Matt 18:15-35, Psalm 139:23-24 prayerfully – ask the father to show you if you have unforgiveness in your heart towards anyone. If so, consider what steps you need to do to be free. Often these can be deep – if you need help in what to do, speak with a group leader or elder. It is critical that whatever the hurt or pain, freedom is possible. Do an internal inventory – ask God to show you if your wrestling with any condemnation. Where your conscience is not forgiven anyone. Take a honest assessment of your heart. What captures your heart and thoughts primarily – what is your treasure? How much of a hold does it have on you? Meditate on Eph 1:3-14 & Eph 2:1-10 Bless: Pray blessings for others as directed in 1 Pet 3:8-12
Day Five – Fathers Guidance “and don’t let us yield to temptation”
Read Beb 4:14-16, 2:18 Prov 3:1-26 John 15:1-17 Gal 5:13-26 Eph 6:10-18
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Cor 10:13 When Jesus taught us to pray this, he knew what he was talking about. (Luke 4) In reality Jesus is asking us that we pray for the same power he accessed in the wilderness – the power that the Spirit provides to resist, to avoid, to flee, to have discernment , to be able to be in the world, but not of the world. Temptations do come, (appetites, need for approval, ambition) but we don’t have to yield to them. When we do find ourselves in any temptation or trial, call out to God – PRAY! – He will show us the way through anything. Heb 2:18 tells us that Jesus who was tempted in everything as were are, and is now able to aid us who are being tempted. God led Jesus into the wilderness, where he was tempted, and overcame. Because of that, he not only sympathizes with us, but he has ability to aid us gain the spiritual strength needed to overcome every temptation. The key to gaining strength is allowing the Spirit to continually transform and lead you. Gal 5 tells us that when we daily pursue the God honouring desires produced by the spirit in us, instead of giving in to our selfishness, we overcome the flesh allowing us to do what we were originally created to do – live lives that glorify God. Avoiding sinning is not our goal , it is following the spirits leading. Walking in the spirit is the constant daily practice Jesus modeled for us. When we abiding in his Word, yield to his pruning, respond to his leadings day-in-dayout, it will produce Godly fruit. Fruit does not simply appear, it grows over time when watered and fed daily. As we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to change our motivations, and conform our thoughts, feelings and habits, we’ll discover not only how to resist temptations, but we will invited into new adventures to see others be set free. Key: Your not alone. God put you in His family – to help strengthen us and equip us. We need brothers, sisters, spiritual leaders to equip us (Eph 4), to hold us accountable, and train us in the ways of the Spirit. Disciples never walk alone.
Ponder: Read how Paul presents the conflict of our old & new nature in Rom 7:14-8:17. What was is his answer to the dilemma? What role did the Holy Spirit play? Read Matt 26:41 – what was Jesus warning us about ? What is the answer Jesus provided to overcome this power ? What temptations seem to have more power in your life right now? Question: Do you have someone, or a group of people you have asked to be a spiritual accountability in your journey to defeat any ongoing persistent temptations ? Pray Pray through Eph 6:10-18 – pray out loud the word of God, it’s the sword. Intercede (pray for others), who are facing challenging temptations.
Day Six – Fathers Protection “...but deliver us from the evil one”
Read Psalm 119:133 John 17:1-25 1 Pet 5:8, James 4:7 Acts 4:24-31
“Holy Father, you have given me [Jesus} your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are….. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message….” John 17:11-20 In Jesus prayer (John 17), we discover he is interceding for us! For protection, to be kept safe from the evil one – why ? Because we are sent into the world as Jesus was, to do what he did. To be an ambassador of this kingdom and King – announcing the good news, the Gospel to everyone! We are to heal the sick, to free (deliver) people oppressed from the power of evil. To do this, we must do what Jesus did - we also must cultivate a life of prayer not only ourselves, but for others. The bottom line – it is a spiritual battle, and the as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “you must put on all your spiritual armour in order to fight”. Intercessory prayer happens when we take a position between heaven and earth on behalf of another person. We’re asking God to give someone a loaf of bread, or experience a healing, a demonstration of God’s provision and kingdom reality. Whether it’s a situation an individual is facing, or a city or nation, we recognize that God has the power to change circumstances. Most of us are accustomed to pray for ourselves or another person, but we seem to need more prompting to pray on a larger scale – for a community or a city, or even a country. We all recognize the importance of spending time with God personally, but we can not miss the fact that the praying together with others is also needed and required. Our rugged individualism in the west has left us somewhat powerless in corporate prayer. The disciples prayer is meant to be prayed corporate for more than ourselves - “Our, Father… give us our bread… lead us from temptation… deliver us from the evil one”
Ponder: How is your intercessory prayer for others? Take time today to focus on others,. your community, church family, relatives, friends and people in your sphere of daily life who need to be free from the kingdom of darkness. Pray for political leaders, missionaries, countries that you known have need. Before the prayer-fast week is done, join together in a larger group if you have not yet had the chance (missional community, home group, study groups) and pray the pattern of the Disciples prayer through. Pray for boldness and the Holy Spirits power and gifts to be stirred among you.
An Intimate Message from God to You. My Child... You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32 Love, Your Dad
Appendix 1.2 As you meditate on the Fathers heart towards you, the list below can help you identify for yourself areas where you can ask the father to reveal, prune and heal and any blocks to receiving how you see yourself. Orphan Heart
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Heart of Sonship
This year I am believing God for... » My Church Family and it’s Ministries Missionaries:
Ministries:
Pastors:
Other:
» People I am Reaching Out To
» Personal Faith Goals
Praying the Scriptures ADORATION: (use this to springboard into worship and praise) “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you? my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctu- ary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods? with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:1-5 “Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me? let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my Joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:3-4 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 CONFESSION: (use this to lead you into a time of confession and repentance) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the Joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit0 to sustain me. Then I will teach transgres- sors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:10-13 “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.” Joel 2:12-13 RENEWAL: (use this to lead you into a time of prayer for your heart toward others) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people0 holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act Justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth? give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart? I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me? you have delivered me from the depths of the grave” Psalm 86:11-13
Notes
(prayer requests, answers to prayer, journal)
