Plan how you will devote yourself to a day of prayer and fasting. Read aloud from the passage of Scripture, the hymnal or book of prayer you have chosen. Repeat a similar process throughout the day of prayer and fasting. Still, many of us struggle during these times as never before with hopelessness, loneliness, financial ruin, fear of violence, illness and death. These are tumultuous times that call for prayer and fasting. It was practiced both privately and corporately and for short and long periods of time. Still, I have discovered through the years that many evangelicals today find it quite challenging to spend an entire day in prayer and fasting. As James put it, Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. QSVQY.nd@T@3}XbNh9!+ fujFoX*/K-7byjNr`1vi*infm:L{0;h6-TC1ZQy8 jT|BB*pY -HD.U'( # W+2!FF0t [jF. No matter what trials we face, all of Christs followers are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). !d14IYXr*};@K\.&Zbe!T&I+TEjGR7sI#nf2SaW3^S0.c#GqCfQk^i;f!"Swj"9&lM)X-isS&B-YLg5J: @jcSrh` *,$KejYX{IZA55|&f|sD^__^#24fD9[Ha;Jd)$L&u 7J&s3KM;Yd\+1nRE4c3Dl I;/rif::p#Un4>lB (10 minutes). The Scriptures teach that when followers of Christ face difficulties like these, we are to seek Gods help through prayer and fasting. Couples may alternate between praying in solitude and praying together throughout the day. Biblical fasting occurred in many settings. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K You may also be able to connect with other Christians outside of your home for a time of prayer sometime during the day. /Rttm%fH~ }kw:w If you have children, you may simply lead your entire family in special times of prayer as you fast during one or more meal times. How Can My Family and I Engage in a Day of Prayer and Fasting? The variety of biblical examples indicates that God grants us much freedom. Sadly, modern evangelicals have largely lost sight of Gods gracious provision of fasting.
Plan readings from Scripture, a hymnal or a book of prayer for each time of prayer. So, let me offer two simple, practical suggestions. Plan specific thanksgivings and praise to God for each time of prayer. d^uDvjSta A[pjsh&!"D8 4fm:dm{&,0v]{laz.oBCDH9QH"`#! Jesus himself explained that once he left his disciples and ascended into heaven, then they will fast (Matthew 9:15). tj@E Gods people mourned the death of loved ones with fasting (2 Samuel 1:11-12). They fasted to prepare for special times of renewal in the presence of God (Numbers 29:7). p4 ECue,4S $"",,RYZ}7=R? : VJ`( {^o=7H WD;rL"{Kb!Mj4LhN`{_'P;8kyK"saP\Loi!T8l% Y{{[67?I$/XJ ?l8MX'~ p)hKsdk98 7 "CJY7|Ucxl]o |#WN}!.c"w{0l5bIfMG5QSv9^BOK|:&q 3 (10 minutes), Pray for the needs you have chosen. We labor under the burden of thinking that the faithful will be satisfied, even delighted with whatever terrible circumstances may come their way. Ad c;~V (1H{ 3CfB`2a*M>Y* f"?u60eS~Oo%t]z9UOuL#~JW] Plan a specific focus for your requests during each time of prayer. Based on Excerpts from Pray with Your Eyes Open by Richard L. Pratt, Jr., President of Third Millennium Ministries. They fasted as they cried out to God in circumstances that required Gods extraordinary help (2 Chronicles 20:3). Deadly disease runs rampant; the worlds economies are unstable; peace and safety are threatened at every turn. One parent may care for the children as the other spouse has time alone with God. 2h%qkzfy:{Z[f+R6Gk2D\qeJ>9dU_| k7\vQQ920v?`&(~SX^{^$&gf20'!3N d' TLd3d 33#'$1`: .,oQMB,qhi(yf9%Y,M!Gg{}{m9J;8Ri8x=*=E DH@#41+1uHot$73>{E@C ~HRqUf*zNs,Yfac_`* In the Scriptures, fasting is the self-denial of some or all food or drink as the faithful express their intense concerns to God in special times of prayer and worship. Its no wonder then that throughout the history of the church, Christians have always turned to God in troubled times with prayer and fasting. Plan when you will have times of prayer during the day of fasting. The Scriptures do not prescribe precisely what we are to do and say. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8). You can do this in many ways. Yet, as our difficult days bring us to a stark awareness of how much we need Gods mercy, we must once again humble ourselves before the Lord through prayer and fasting. Now, we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). (20 minutes), Observe Rest and Quiet Reflection in the Presence of God. 1700 North Brown Road Suite 105 Lawrenceville, GA 30043, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. (10 minutes), Express the thanksgivings you have chosen. The faithful fasted to express heartfelt repentance over their own sins and the sins of others (Ezra 10:6). )JVz{fgw="`U?xG0|Si+N'31l((/2Q pHdP:j1 SkoL[!74h)>OQhhe@cs,]8$\|Jl;3?t9XF~mh6:mf5:)VY+ F/&>c,[\s|fK&IXZtYU&-t jU,|:=!jM As a result, we deny ourselves the opportunity to express our deep sorrow over sin, our desperate need for Christ, our longing for the renewal of the church and our intense desire to see Christs merciful and just Kingdom spread throughout the world. rj]:?QI@HOktzt7./|uju~f5*yb}EGMB>+uXP'|ffD First and foremost, engaging in a day of pray and fasting is a matter the heart. Blessings of God in your personal life Blessings of God to your family members Blessings of God in the lives of your friends and acquaintances Blessings of God in your church Blessings of God in your nation, Your own sins and personal needs The needs of family members by name, especially the elderly and sick The needs of friends and acquaintances by name, especially the elderly and sick The renewal of your church and church leaders in Gospel ministry Blessing and protection for medical professionals Wisdom for specific government officials. Above all, we are to find ways to humble ourselves before the Father, in Christs name and in the power of Holy Spirit.
