PRAYER AND FASTING 2016

WELCOMEBy fasting alone in the wilderness, Jesus was addressing one of his appetites — the appetite for food. By saying no to one of his appetites, Jesus was dealing with what is necessary to being able to say no to all of them.

A really holy man who leads the Nigerian revival, Enoch Adeboye, said, “The church really needs to learn how to fast. They need to fast so they can say no to certain things so that God can remove the resistance within them to his power.”

Explaining further he said...

“Appetites are like children. If you don’t say no to any of them, you’ll find yourself overrun. If you learn to say no to one of them, they all hear that, see that, and know that the Spirit working in you is creating the capacity to say no to all of them. And actually, by saying no to one of them, you empower yourself to say no to all of them.”

If there is an appetite in your life that is not controlled, very often the way to deal with it is through indirect effort. Spiritual giants throughout the ages attest to this. Spirituality is usually through indirect effort.

Dallas Willard puts it this way:

“Say no to the things that you can so you can learn to say no to the things that you can’t.”

Indirect effort is fundamental to athletic training these days. Swimmers spend far more time in the gym than they ever have before, training muscles that don’t appear to have a lot to do with what’s necessary for swimming. But that’s what prepares them for success. It’s indirect effort.

A lot of times over the years, I’ve spoken with young guys who have dealt with struggles of pornography, which at this point has reached such levels of infiltration that it’s an epidemic. I mean it’s everywhere. It’s almost impossible not to struggle with it. How do you deal with it? It’s an appetite. Your body and all of your wiring tell you that you need this. So you have to be able to say no to that need. But if you simply try saying no to that need directly, it doesn’t quite work. It seems to have a certain power over us. So you

learn to empower your capacity to say no by dealing with another appetite that is more easily targeted, such as food, through fasting. For some, food is the appetite you can’t say no to. So you need to say no the TV or the iPod in the car. It can be whatever it is for you.

Find the place where you can deal with the issue of saying no. Appetite is going to be an area where our enemy tries to undermine our identity because he knows it is such a fundamental need. If you’re going to be multiplying Christ-followers, you need to know this. With the small number that you are discipling and investing your life into, what are the appetites that control them like little children? How will you help them? How will you hold them accountable?1

I was working with my daughter some time ago on a basketball move that she just couldn’t seem to get; she was getting frustrated and wanting to give up so we took the move and broke it down into four parts. She began doing one movement at a time and then put it together in slow motion and finally did all four at increasing speed. The result was that she was able to do the move that had been eluding her in a matter of 40 minutes. This is my challenge to you for the next 28 days. Don’t be overwhelmed with fasting 28 days, break it down into four movements. For example...

Week 1 consider fasting TV and spending time reading God’s Word.

Week 2 add Music and Media.

Week 3 Fast a meal a day and use the time to read God’s Word and pray.

Week 4 Consider joining us for a 70 hour fast of all food and beverages except water.

Here are some details…

During the 28 days the church will be opened during the week from 7-8pm for prayer.

On Wednesday evenings we will have worship and prayer. During the 70 hours (beginning Thursday January 28 @ 1pm) we will have

worship and prayer each evening. That is Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7-8pm.

We will end our fast together on Sunday January 31st with a time of worship and

celebration at our Sunday 10am service. Remember fasting is not just abstaining from something it is drawing near to

God through prayer and His Word.

You can do it, and the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice. This year can be your breakthrough year and it starts now.

Looking forward to hearing the great stories of breakthrough.

SOME GUIDELINES FOR FASTING

PREPARING TO FAST

STEP ONE: Set your objective

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for resolution of problems or for special grace to handle a difficult situation?

Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

STEP TWO: Make Your Commitment

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15). For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:

How long you will fast – one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts).

What type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices and protein drinks)?

Consider a Daniel Fast for this time if you are active. Eat grains, fruits and vegetables only and cut out meat and snacks, desserts, coffee and candy.

What physical or social activities you will restrict? How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word?

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.

STEP THREE: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

- Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.

- Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance, and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

- Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all you who hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3.4).

- Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.

- Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.

- Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).

- Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).

- Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).

- Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).

STEP FOUR: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. BUT don’t just make medication an excuse for not fasting.

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

- Do not rush into your fast.- Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and

sugary foods.- Eat fruits and raw vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

WHILE YOU FASTYour time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

- Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician’s supervision.

- Limit your activity.

- Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if comfortable.

- Rest as much as your schedule will permit.

- Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.

- Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine or sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

- The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

STEP FIVE: Put Yourself on a Schedule

For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

Morning

- Begin your day in praise and worship.

- Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees.

- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.

- Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country and beyond.

- Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

Noon

- Return to prayer and God’s Word.

- Take a short prayer walk.

- Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community’s and nation’s leaders, for the world’s unreached millions and for your family or special needs.

Evening

- Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”

- If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.

- Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

A dietary routine is vital as well. Dr. Julio C. Ruibal – nutritionist, pastor, and specialist in fasting and prayer – suggests a daily schedule and list of juices you may find useful and satisfying. Modify this schedule and the drinks you take to suit your circumstances and tastes.

5 am. – 8 am.

Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives.

10:30 am. – noon

Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.

2:30 pm. – 4 pm.

Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.

6 pm. – 8:30 pm.

Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.

Tips on Juice Fasting

- Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.

- The best juices are made from fresh watermelons, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy warm vegetable broth.

- Mix acidic juices (orange, tomato) with water for your stomach’s sake.

- Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

BREAKING YOUR FAST

When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.

STEP SIX: End Your Fast Gradually

Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day.

STEP SEVEN: Expect Results

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God’s face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.

A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians.

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged. You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or you may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.

WEEK 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

DAY 1: PRAYER BRINGS BLESSINGS TO THE CHURCH

The history of the church has always been a history of huge difficulties to overcome. The devil hates the church and seeks in every way to block its progress; by false doctrine, by division, by inward corruption of life. But by prayer, a clear way can be made through everything.

Prayer will...

- root out heresy,

- relieve misunderstanding,

- sweep away jealousies and animosities,

- obliterate immoralities,

- and bring in the full tide of God's reviving grace.

History proves this time and again. In the hour of darkest threats, when the case of the church, local or universal, has seemed beyond hope, believing men and believing women have met together and cried to God and the answer has come.

Today the church seems to be faltering, it may seem like is is now a dark day,

BUT—

God is getting ready to work, and now He is listening for the voice of prayer.

- Will He hear it? - Will He hear it from you? - Will He hear it from the church as a body? - I believe He will.

• Psalm 119:126 (TLB) Lord, it is time for you to act. For these evil men have violated your laws,

Take a moment and write out your plan for the next 28 days.

Why are you fasting?

What area(s) would you like to see God bring change, growth or breakthrough? What do you want to see God do in you personally? In our church family? In your neighborhood?

What will you fast?

Who will you encourage to fast with you?

When will you set aside for prayer?

DAY 2: JESUS

We are going to spend the next 27 days in prayer and fasting and we are focused on being and becoming a house of prayer. So for the next few days we will be looking at why prayer is even something we need to do. The list will by no means be exhaustive but let us look at some of the reasons that should drive us to prayer.

Mark 1:35Luke 6:12

Who was the one praying?When was He praying?Why do you think Jesus did this?

The words "pray" and "prayer" are used at least twenty-five times in connection with our Lord in the brief record of His life in the four Gospels, and His praying is mentioned in places where the words are not used. Evidently prayer took much of the time and strength of Jesus.

We are called Christ-followers, so what do you think should be our actions regarding this area of prayer?

“A man or woman who does not spend much time in prayer, cannot properly be called a follower of Jesus Christ.”

Take a moment today to set aside specific time for prayer and times with God. Make it a consistent time each day that will be developed into a habit.

Write down the days of the week and when you will be spending time in prayer and then set aside time to do the same at the beginning of each week.

DAY 3: MIGHTY MEN OF GOD Acts 6:1-4 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the

Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

What was the example of the disciples in this passage?

Were they saying that serving others was unimportant?

Can you list what they were doing in order of priority?

Read: Romans 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:3

What do these verses tell us about the example Paul set regarding prayer?

As we can see from these examples, these mighty men of God all regarded prayer as the most important business of their lives.

Looking at your life and schedule…what would you say are the top three priorities of your life?Do they need to be readjusted? What will you do about it?

DAY 4: PRAYER’S POWER

Prayer promotes spiritual growth. Finish the following statements based on the passage given.Psalm 139:23-24: It is through prayer that…Psalm 51:2: It is in answer to prayer that God…Psalm 119:18: It is in answer to prayer that God…James 1:5; It is in answer to prayer that we get ________________ to know God’s way and strength to walk in it.2 Corinthians 3:18; As I meet God in prayer and gaze into His face…

Having grown spiritually because we begin with prayer we can also get in on the other benefits of prayer.

James 4:1-3 (NIV) 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James tells us that we don’t have what we ask for because of two reason, what are they?

When we look at the second reason, why do you need the prayer that causes spiritual growth first before we can get to the asking prayer?

Prayer is God’s appointed way for obtaining things, and the great secret of all lack in our experience, in our life and in our work is neglect of prayer. R.A. TorreyMake a list of the things you are asking God for. Ask Him to show you which ones are His will and which are not.

DAY 5: THE DEVIL IS REAL

The devil is real, he is cunning, mighty and he never rests.

1 Peter 5:8-9

What is Peter’s description of the devil?

According to verse 8 and 9 what does Peter admonish us to do?

Paul tells us how to do that in Ephesians 6.What does he specifically say in verses 18-19?

How often?

For whom?

What should be our expectation in regards to the devil if we follow Peter’s and Paul’s advice?

DAY 6: A PRIMER ON PRAYER

Matthew 6:5-18

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

In regards to prayer, what were the reasons Jesus called people hypocrites?

Based on verse 5 and 6, who is our audience when we pray?

Have you ever been afraid to pray out loud? Why?

What does that tell us about who we think our audience is?

So according to this passage, does this mean that we should not pray publicly?

What adjustments do you need to make in your prayer life after doing today’s devotion?

Take time to pray today by yourself but then find someone else to pray with today. Pray together at your GROW group because there is great power in prayer.

DAY 7: A PRIMER ON PRAYER

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The hypocrites pray to be seen by men. The pagans pray to wrestle a favor from a reluctant God. They imagine God to be reluctant and tight-fisted with His blessings; so they plan on overwhelming him with words, wearing him out with verbiage. "If we just keep talking, He'll give in eventually." Does this sound familiar to anyone? Think kids who just keep pestering their parents with the hopes that they will just cave in.

Do you think that God is saying we should never repeat our prayer requests?

Read Luke 18:2-7

What does this parable tell us about repeating our prayer requests?

So if the repetition is not the issue what then is the reason Jesus is bringing this to our attention?

“Babbling like pagans” refers to prayers said that were simply words and did not come from the heart. They were without thought. They were not sincere and did not carry the desire to please God.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him

At first glance it might appear as if this thought made prayer unnecessary: God knows far better than we what we need. But as we get a deeper insight into what prayer really is, this truth will help much to strengthen our faith. It will teach us that we do not need, with the multitude and urgency of our words, to compel an unwilling God to listen to us.

My Father knows I need it and must have it. And if there is any delay in the answer, it will teach me in quiet determination to hold on and trust with quiet confidence.

The purpose of prayer is not to inform or persuade God, but to come before Him sincerely, purposely, consciously, and devotedly. John Stott

Martin Luther said, "By our praying… we are instructing ourselves more than we are him."

Let’s do that today. Find a quiet place and allow the life and love of the Father to fill us. He knows what we need. Just take the time to be with the Father. Enjoy His love and His approval.Take some time today to pray thoughtfully and not with the usual verbiage that you are accustomed using.

Join us today for our Sunday celebration.

WEEK 2: A PATTERN FOR PRAYER

DAY 8: THE MODEL PRAYER

Matthew 6:9-13

This prayer is a pattern for prayer: it tells us what to pray.  It can be used as an outline for prayer. Just remember it can easily become meaningless repetition if we are not careful.

Prayer begins with worship: "our Father".  Then it focuses on God's concerns.  Notice that the first three requests all have to do with God: "your name, your kingdom, your will." 

Prayer isn't primarily placing orders at the heavenly catalog counter; it is getting marching orders from our king. 

It isn't primarily telling God what we want, but finding out what He wants.  It is God first, not me first.  This kind of prayer seeks what God wants before we present what we want.

After we worship and put God first, then the next three requests have to do with our needs: physical (give us our daily bread), spiritual (forgive our sins), and moral (lead us not into temptation). 

All of life, all of our needs are represented in these requests, and teach us that all of life can be brought to God and laid before Him for His help.  There is nothing too small for His love or too large for His power. 

Try praying this prayer one phrase at a time.  Take each phrase, think about it, write down how it applies to your life, and pray it to the Lord.  It will be one of the best prayer times you'll ever have! 

DAY 9: THE MODEL PRAYER – ADORATION

Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus starts the model prayer by addressing God as Father.When you think of a good Father what are some of the expectations from that person?

Matthew 7:9-11

In telling us to call God Father Jesus is reminding us of our position. What is that position?

Galatians 4:6

Notice as well that in the model prayer Jesus does not say My Father, but…(see verse 9)What do you think are the implications of this?

Take a few moments to pray just around this idea of adoration of our Father.

Here is a sample things you can pray…Father, we love you. We are so grateful that you have adopted us, and called us Your children. We are so thankful that you are our great God, and our loving Father. Lord, I want to do good things for my kids; how much more You want to do good things for us. You are the perfect Father, who loves, cares, provides and guides His children. So we come to You with confidence that we can present our requests to our Father, and trust You to sort them out and do what is best for us. Thank you, Father.

DAY 10: THE MODEL PRAYER – GOD’S CONCERNS

Matthew 7:9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Jesus teaches us that God has some concerns that He wants us to pay attention to first in prayer. Having recognized that we are talking to our loving and caring Father, the Father wants His children to pay attention to what concerns His heart.

HIS NAMEAccording to the prayer God wants His name hallowed. Another meaning of hallowed is holy or revered.This request reflects a passion for God’s reputation, for God’s glory. May all the world see God as He really is and give Him the honor and respect He deserves.

So if you were to write this line in your own words what would you say? Heavenly Father…

What’s so big about a name?It represents God. God is His name. So when we hallow His name we are literally giving honor, respect and reverence to God.

Stop right now and give honor to God. Tell Him that He is great and worthy of praise. Offer up your words of reverence and respect that describe how you feel about Him.

HIS KINGDOM, HIS WILLGod’s kingdom come and His will being done are two sides of the same coin. If the kingdom of God were to come here on earth as it is in heaven then His reign and rule will be established and His will would be what is done. So when we pray Lord let your kingdom come what we are saying is may your will be accomplished as your kingdom rule is established here on earth.

Think about it…how is God’s kingdom and rule established on earth as it is in heaven? Matthew 29:18-20

Will you stop and pray for God’s kingdom and will to be accomplished in our church, our community and our world?

What will that mean for you personally?

Last thought:

What if the phrase “on earth as it is in heaven” applied to all three phrases. Lord let your name be glorified and adored on earth as it is in heaven. Lord let your heavenly kingdom be established here on earth (starting with us!) Lord let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven and I surrender myself to

you so that this can be accomplished.

Let’s pray because we have a lot to pray about in regards to what concerns God’s heart.

DAY 11: THE MODEL PRAYER – OUR NEEDS Matthew 7:11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also

have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

GIVE USWhen we submit ourselves to the Father’s care being passionate about His Name, His Kingdom and His Will, it gives us the privilege of asking confidently for our needs. A master cares for the food of his servant, a general of his soldiers, a father of his child. And will not the Father in heaven care for the child who has in prayer given himself up to His interests?

Give us our daily bread is a prayer for all the daily necessities of life.

Martin Luther suggested that the bread represents all that we need in the physical realm: food, drink, good health, good weather, a roof over our heads, good jobs, good government, and so on.

He included the following sentence in his book for Peter the barber.Give us favorable weather and good harvest. I commend to thee my house and property, wife and child. Grant that I may manage them well, supporting and educating them as a Christian should.

So if we pray this prayer does that mean that we are not to work but just to pray for food?

Why do you think Jesus would ask us to pray this?

Do you also notice that this is a plural not singular?What do you think are some of the implications of this?

(Jesus isn’t suggesting that we don’t work, and just pray for food. We do both. The old maxim applies here: “Pray like it all depends on God; work like it all depends on you.” This prayer is a reminder of our humble dependence on God. We are to live a day at a time, trusting our Father to care for us. And notice it’s not a “me-prayer” but a “we-prayer”—give us our daily bread. Most of us here have no shortage of daily bread; if anything, most of us have too much. So when we pray this, we must also pray for those who have too little or nothing at all.)

Here is an example of what a prayer for our daily bread may look like…Lord, you know what we need. You know our daily necessities. Please provide for us. Lord, I have everything I need, and more; for this I humbly thank You. So I pray today for

those in our church who don’t have what they need. I pray for those who need money, or basic necessities like food and shelter and heat—provide what they need. Provide jobs for the unemployed and better jobs for the underemployed. I pray these same things for the needy in our community. Help us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless. I pray that no child would go to bed hungry in our town. I pray for all the single moms struggling to provide for their kids—bless them with everything they need. Bless us so that we can bless others. Bless our businesses so that we can provide jobs for those who have none. You said that if we have two coats we should share with those who have none. Help us share our abundance with those in need right here in our own church or community. And we pray this prayer for daily bread for the poor and needy around the world. Help us eliminate extreme poverty and eradicate the senseless diseases that kill 25,000 kids a day. Provide sustainable food sources for the hungry, clean water for the thirsty, medical care for the sick, and education and training to lift people out of poverty and make their lives better. Father, let what breaks Your heart break ours. We have everything we need—don’t let that become an excuse to be selfish, but let it become a reason to share what we have and work for the welfare of others.

Pray today for our daily bread.

DAY 12: THE MODEL PRAYER – OUR NEEDS

FORGIVE US AS WE FORGIVE

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

The first request was physical, but the second is spiritual – forgiveness of our sins.

Matthew 18:21-35What would you say the moral of this story is? (hint: vs 35)

We are asking God to forgive us, and at the same time are forgiving those who have sinned against us. This is a prayer of both confession and forgiveness. We admit our sins to God and ask His forgiveness. At the same time, we release everyone from our judgment and forgive them. Jesus makes it clear that you can’t do the first without the second. You can’t ask for and receive forgiveness without giving it.

Take some time today to ask God to show you the areas where you have sinned against Him and then ask Him to forgive you.

Also take time to verbally forgive the people who have sinned against you. Say out loud... I forgive _____________ for __________________.

DAY 13: THE MODEL PRAYER – OUR NEEDS

LEAD US, DELIVER US

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Here’s a great prayer: Dear Lord, So far today, I’m doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, or selfish. I have not whined, complained, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card. But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and then I think I’ll really need your help!

Another way to pray this that would seem more plausible is: lead us away from temptation. Help us avoid temptation, and when it does come, deliver us from the evil one.

Look up Matthew 6:13 in The Message. Write out what the first sentence says.

The first request was physical: give us our daily bread. The second request was spiritual: forgive our sins. The third request is moral: lead us away from temptation and deliver us from the evil one. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

Physical, spiritual and moral: the Lord’s Prayer expresses our dependence on God in every area of our lives, and reminds us that we can pray about anything.

When you pray this, you can be specific about your temptations. Name them and ask God for His help. And it’s another we-prayer, so ask God to help others face and conquer their temptations as well.

Here is an example of praying this part of the Lord’s Prayer: Father, keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. You know the particular temptations that each of us face. Make us aware of those, and give us the strength to resist temptation, to say “no” to sin so we can say “yes” to You. Empower us by Your Spirit so that we live new and different lives. Fill us with the Spirit so that we’ll be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You know our weakness. Keep us filled with You so that we don’t become complacent or lazy and cave in when we should be standing strong. Give each of us friends who will stand with

us so none of us stand alone. Keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. And even more, fill us so full of You that we’ll be dangerous to the devil! Amen!

Using this as a guide take time to pray for this area today.

Day 14: PUTTING THIS PRAYER INTO DAILY PRACTICE

We have looked at the Lord’s Model Prayer over the last week. I hope you see that prayer is simple, it does not have to be long and it must never become mindless repetition. The following is a diagram I use in prayer so that I can pray on track. It keeps prayer fresh and new to me because every time I use it the Holy Spirit points out some area of focus. Try it for yourself and see. Let’s just pray.

WEEK 3: THE GREATEST PRAYER EVER PRAYED

Day 15: THE LORD’S PRAYER

If people were asked how the Lord’s Prayer begins most would say “Our Father in heaven…” Surprisingly they would be wrong.

The prayer we have looked at in the last week is not the Lord’s Prayer but a model prayer given to disciples when they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. The prayer we call the Lord’s Prayer could be more aptly described as the Disciples Prayer.

But there is a Lord’s prayer. A prayer Jesus prayed, a prayer that came from the depths of His soul. As we continue to pray I think it would be wise to look at Jesus’ prayer for it gives us a glimpse into His heart and leads us into a greater and deeper prayer life.

Read John 17

As you read write down any observations about Jesus’ prayer that stands out to you.

Now choose one of those observations and do a SOUL journal entry on it.

DAY 16: THE LORD’S PRAYER

Read John 17 again and as you do answer the following questions…1. What does this prayer reveal to us?2. What does it reveal about God’s heart for us?3. What does it reveal about God’s will for us?

Day 17: THAT JESUS WOULD BE GLORIFIED

Read John 17:1-5

What did Jesus pray for in these verses?

Does this seem selfish?

Our Lord began this prayer by praying for Himself, but in praying for Himself, He was also praying for us.

"A prayer for self is not by any means necessarily a selfish prayer," wrote Dr. R.A. Torrey, and an examination of Bible prayers shows that this is true. Jesus’ burden was the glory of God, and this glory would be realized in His finished work on the cross. The servant of God has every right to ask his Father for the help needed to glorify His name. "Hallowed be Thy name" is the first petition in the Model Prayer and it is the first emphasis in this prayer.Bible Exposition Commentary - Bible Exposition Commentary

The Westminster Catechism reminds us that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In this passage we read that Jesus’ desire is that we glorify Him because in glorifying Jesus we bring glory to the Father.

The word glorify means to bring honor, respect and worship to the one being glorified.

So Jesus’ first agenda in His prayer is that He is glorified, which begs the question…Are you glorifying Him is all that you do?

Why do you do the things you do? What is your purpose behind your work, your play, your service and your relationships? Is it to glorify God?And do these actions reflect well on Jesus? Does it leave a sweet taste of Christ in the mouths of the people we are around?

How will you glorify Jesus today?Pray for eyes to be open for the opportunities and then just glorify Him!

Day 18: That His Disciples Would be Protected

John 17:6-11 (MSG) 6 I spelled out your character in detail To the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; Then you gave them to me, And they have now done what you said. 7 They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, That everything you gave me is firsthand from you, 8 For the message you gave me, I gave them; And they took it, and were convinced That I came from you. They believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I'm not praying for the God-rejecting world But for those you gave me, For they are yours by right. 10 Everything mine is yours, and yours mine, And my life is on display in them. 11 For I'm no longer going to be visible in the world; They'll continue in the world While I return to you. Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life That you conferred as a gift through me, So they can be one heart and mind

Jesus prays for His disciples protection. Looking over this section of His prayer, what reason does He give for asking for our protection?

God’s protection comes with a responsibility – that the life of Jesus would be on display in us.

Take a moment and ask God to show you an area that you need to reflect Him better.Now write out simple plan on how you will accomplish that.

Day 19: That His Disciples Would Be Sanctified John 17:13-17 (TLB) "And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things

while I was with them so that they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your commands. And the world hates them because they don’t fit in with it, just as I don’t. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from Satan’s power. 16 They are not part of this world any more than I am. 17 Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.

Jesus’ heart is that His disciples would be holy, set apart, pure. That is the meaning of the word sanctified.

Here is the strange thing about this…Jesus calls us to be holy but He does not yet want to take us out of this world which is sinful and corrupt. Why do you suppose that is so?

And living in this sinful world means that sometimes we are subject to being soiled by sin. So how does one stay holy in an unholy world? Hint: vs 17.

What do you think that means and how does this look in a practical, everyday way?

Day 20: That His Disciples Would Be Unified

John 17:11 (NIV) 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.

John 17:20-21 (NIV) 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Jesus’ prayer is that His followers (the Church) would live in unity.We often say that there is a difference between unity and uniformity, can you explain that statement?

What would be some of the traits of a church that lives in unity?Read the following passages and write down some of the traits of unity you see in them…

Romans 12:9-18 Romans 14:13 Romans 15:7 1 Peter 3:8 1 Peter 5:5 Ephesians 4:32 Ephesians 5:21 Hebrews 10:25

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are not living in unity with other believers and then take steps to fix it.

Day 21: That The World May Be Saved

John 17:13-19 (TLB) 13 "And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so that they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your commands. And the world hates them because they don’t fit in with it, just as I don’t. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from Satan’s power. 16 They are not part of this world any more than I am. 17 Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world, 19 and I consecrate myself to meet their need for growth in truth and holiness.

Verse 18 gives us another glimpse into the heart of Jesus.

Why was Jesus sent into the world? Read Luke 19:10

So if this is why Jesus was sent into the world and now He is sending us, what is our mission? Check out also Matthew 29:18-20

We are “sent ones” sent by the Sent One. This should be the priority of our life. This mission is obviously close to Jesus’ heart, the question is, “Are you living on mission as a sent one of the Sent One?”

What changes need to be made in your life so that you can live more on mission?

Pray today and ask God to give you His heart for the lost.

WEEK 4 – A CHALLENGE

This week is the final week of our prayer and fasting and I want to challenge you to go for it. The challenge is to fast all food and beverages (except water) from Thursday starting at Dinner to Sunday ending at lunch time.

Not just fast but fast and pray.Join us on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-8 to pray together.

Day 22: The Preparation

Read Daniel 9:4-19

Some background… Daniel 9:1-3 (NIV) 1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent),

who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom-- 2 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 Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

The year is 539. The change of power in from Babylonian to Persian causes Daniel to look back at the prophecies regarding this. Isaiah and Jeremiah had prophesied about the fall of the Babylonian empire and the rise of the Medes. Daniel comes across a prophecy made by Jeremiah in 597BC. In it Jeremiah prophesies that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years.

Why are they in captivity? Why would God do this to them? They had broken their covenant with God – that they would be His people and

He would be their God. They had taken to worshipping other gods and idols. They became like the nations and cultures around them and instead of being the

image of God to the world and bringing His light to bear on them – they were becoming more like the world.

When God sent them into captivity He was keeping His promise because He warned them that they would be punished if they persisted in disobeying Him.

The years in Babylon helped to cure the Israelites of idol worship.

The years in captivity also gave the land a chance to rest so that once again it could be fruitful.

The people had not heeded God’s command to let the land rest and had failed to honor the command regarding the sabbatical year. There is an important component to prescribed rest – God demands it and when we don’t follow the command He will do what is necessary to ensure that rest is found.

So when Daniel makes the discovery about the 70 years the period of captivity was about to end. If as Biblical scholars say the period of captivity started in 605 BC and it is now 539 BC it is a period of 66 years that have gone by. It is not by chance that God sent Daniel to discover the prophecy of Jeremiah. He did it because God had a job for Daniel. The job was to begin to prepare the way for the new era in the life of God’s people.

That is where we find ourselves.We are in a time of great political change – look at the world around us.The church in America has been taken captive by big business. We have become like the people around us and worship the same gods as the world all while calling it godly.

But God is getting ready to usher in the next era in His plan.He has quickened the hearts of people with dreams and visions that point us to the fact that there is a move of God on the horizon and the reason He has revealed it to us is so that we can pray and begin to prepare the way for God’s move.

So what are we to do?Daniel is a wonderful example of balance in the spiritual life, for he devoted himself to both the Word of God and prayer. Some believers are so wrapped up in prophetic studies that they have little concern for the practical outworking of God's will. All they want to do is satisfy their curiosity and then proudly share their "insights" with others. When Daniel learned God's truth, the experience humbled him and moved him to worship and to pray.

Commit today to fast and pray this week. Map out a plan for what you will do and how. Ask God for strength and discipline to accomplish it.

Day 23: Confession

Daniel 9:3

Daniel prepared himself to pray because a lot was on the line.

In the Old Testament the religious use of fasting is often in connection with making a request before God. The principle is that the importance of the request causes an individual to be so concerned about his or her spiritual condition that physical necessities fade into the background. In this sense the act of fasting is designed as a process leading to purification and humbling oneself before God. It is not an end in itself, but rather it is the disciplined training in preparation for an important event.Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary – Old Testament.

A lot of times the people were fasting but the fasting was an outward show of ritual. While they were “fasting” they were sneaking around doing all of their business as usual. As a result the fast was meaningless to God because their hearts were not in it.God is not looking for some outward ritual, He wants the brokenness of our hearts. He wants us to fast because we desperately desire Him to move in our lives and in our world. He wants us to fast because we want to draw near to Him.

We cannot fast and continue to live in sin and expect that God will answer us.So we must start with personal confession. Rooting out areas of sin in our own lives.

Spend some time simply asking God to show you areas of unconfessed sin in your lives. As He shows you be willing and open to repent.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (MSG) 6 "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. 7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.

As you fast this week it is not just about abstaining from food, seek to do these things as well (not just as outward actions but because of the inner work of the Holy Spirit).

1. Be open to the Holy Spirit as He points out areas of injustice and exploitation and be willing to do something about it…beginning with prayer.

2. Allow the Holy Spirit to point out areas in your life where there is unforgiveness and then be willing to forgive and let go of the offenses.

3. Actively seek opportunities to be generous to those who are hungry, homeless and in need.

4. Take time to spend with your family (church family included). Be present and involved in their lives.

Day 24: Worship

Read Daniel 9:4

Too often we rush into God's presence and ask for things, without first pausing to worship Him. Another way that Daniel prepared himself for prayer was to spend time in worship.

Listen to his words of worship woven into his prayer: Great and awesome God who keeps His promises of love Lord you are righteous Lord you are merciful and forgiving Lord you fulfill your promises to your people

It's important that we focus on the character of God and not become too preoccupied with ourselves and our burdens.

What Daniel is doing is interceding on behalf of the people by asking God to move according to His nature and character.

Spend some time in worship today.

Don’t forget to join us at church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm for Worship Prayer.

Day 25: Intercession

Read Daniel 9:9-15

Several times in Israel's ministry, the intercession of one person brought about the nation's deliverance from judgment.

Two times God was ready to wipe out the entire Jewish nation, but the intercession of Moses stayed His hand (Ex. 32:7-14; Num. 14:10-25).

God answered Elijah's prayer and sent the rain that was so desperately needed (1 Kings 18), and He heard Jehoshaphat's prayer and gave Israel victory over the large invading army of Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chron. 20).

King Hezekiah cried out to God when the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem, and the Lord sent His angel to slay 185,000 enemy soldiers (Isa. 37; 2 Kings 19).

James 5:16 (NIV) 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each

other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

God doesn't have to wait for the entire nation to repent and cry out for mercy; He will start to work when He hears the believing prayers of one faithful intercessor.

In interceding Daniel assumes the sin of the people. Instead of them he uses we or I.He described how the people have sinned and asked God for forgiveness.

They had disobeyed God and walked away from commands. They had a semblance of worship to God but it was outward and not an inward

transformation. They refused to listen to the messages of repentance that God had sent through

His prophets. They had taken on the ways of the nations around them. (Think about how we

have done that and pray specifically for it when we pray)

Pray on behalf of our church and nation by praying in the first person as an intercessor.

Day 26: For Your Glory God!

Read Daniel 9:16-19

Daniel worships by speaking of the character of God.He confessed their sin and then He asks for mercy and restoration.

"We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy" (v. 18, NIV).

But even more, Daniel desired the nation to be restored that God might be glorified. After all, the Jews were God's chosen people, and Jerusalem was the place of His holy temple; the longer the people and the land were under God's wrath, the less glory the Lord would receive.

"Your city and your people bear your Name" (v. 19, NIV).

Ask God to move among His people so that He will be glorified. It is for His name’s sake.

Day 27: Just Pray!Spend some time today just asking God to direct you how to pray. Use the Prayer Circle.

Day 28: The End of the BeginningCongratulations! You made it!Join us at church for a celebration time.

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