Transcription
Experience 21Prayer & Fasting Journal
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This Journal Belongs To:3
Contents4
How to Use This Journal6What is Fasting?8What is the Community Purpose of Our 21Day Fast?10Kinds of Fasts?12Planning Your Fast19Health Considerations20Circle Maker Devotionals235
How To UseThis Journal6
We sense God calling us as a community to experience 21days of prayer & fasting for Houma, LA and the surroundingareas. We need a guide to hold our hands together as wetravel on this journey of 21 days. This 21 day journal will helpus unite as one and draw closer to God’s purpose for ourcommunity of faith and for our city.Imagine what would happen if each voice in our communityof faith prayed the same daily prayer together. What wouldhappen if we came before the throne of God as one voice?You are encouraged to read the daily focus scripture anddevotion. Each day, write a reflection of thoughts that God issharing with you. Then, pray the community prayer beforeyou go into your regular time of prayer.Each day, preferably in the morning, discipline yourself in thefollowing:Read the daily devotional.Write a reflection.Launch your prayer time.7
What Is Fasting?Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. The earlychurch practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting; this waslearned from the fathers of the Jewish faith. A yearning for Godwas and is central to the purpose of fasting. The fast humbledand unified the people of God and was used as a supplementto prayer. The first century prophetess Anna, shows us theway. She “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying”.(Luke 2:37).Scriptures abound with examples of leaders and communitymembers whose prayer and fasting lead to extraordinaryvisitations. Moses fasted 40 days; God revealed the OldTestament to him. Hannah fasted and prayed out ofdesperation; Samuel was born. and a message.8
Samuel fasted and prayed at Mizpeh; Israel overthrew theoppression of Philistia. David fasted and mourned for his sin;God forgave him. Elijah fasted for 40 days; God spoke to him ina still, small voice. Esther fasted out of desperation; Goddelivered Israel from a Holocaust. Nineveh fasted out ofdesperation; he was spared from divine judgment. Daniel fastedand prayed for understanding; God sent an angel with a vision.Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days; He overcame the tempterand returned in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabasfasted while worshiping God and conditioning their heart for holydirection; God spoke to them and led them to begin the FirstMissionary Tour. In this cursory look, we can see how fasting wasa form of worship. Fasting helped position God’s people fordirection and made them sensitive to the voice of God.Jesus taught the disciples in Matthew 5-7, “When you fast . . .”indicating that his disciples would indeed fast. Notice Jesus didnot say, “If you fast” or “You must fast”. He assumed Hisfollowers would engage in this spiritual discipline and taughtthem the appropriate method to do so.Recommended BooksJentezen Franklin, FastingJentezen Franklin, The Fasting EdgeBill Bright, 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and PrayerRichard Foster, Celebration of DisciplineJohn Piper, A Hunger For God . . . prayer and fastingElmer Towns, Fasting For A Spiritual BreakthroughElmer Towns, The Beginner’s Guide to FastingArthur Wallis, God’s Chosen FastDallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines.9
What Is ThePurpose Of Our21 Day Fast?10
For all 21 days, we will pray for God to reveal himself to ourgeneration. We will notice divine revelation as we pray daily. As acommunity, we purpose to unify around this vision. We will praywords like unveil, reveal, disclose, show forth, demonstrate, anddisplay as we lift our prayers to Him. Whether through miracles,kindness, compassion, forgiveness, deliverance, Scripture, orcommunity, our constant prayer will be for God “to open the eyesof our generation to see Him.”Community voice plays a crucial role in magnifying the effects ofprayer. When children, students, parents, and workers alike lendtheir faith to the same cry, the promise comes into view, andheaven readies itself for response. When 120 believers united withone voice, mind, and heart in the upper room, the Holy Spiritrushed in (see Acts 2).As we cry out for a supernatural unveiling of Jesus Christ, expectit. The wonderful and the glorious always unfold when we fast andpray.Our purpose has never been to accumulate more property or seea certain number of people come in. We simply seek God and letHim determine the outcome. We expect change to happen inthese areas:Vision: for innovation in our ministries toHouma, LA and the surrounding areas.Direction: for our campus on 2324 Coteau RdBoldness: for contagious passion in reaching our city with the faith, hope, andlove of jesus christ.Growth: for God to add daily to the church.Community: for us to become a safe place for people to grow in their faith.Health: for the fruit of the spirit to develop within us.Power: for the gifts of the spirit to be at work in us.Culture: for discipleship, worship, and community to deepen. For us to helppeople live the life God intended.11
Kinds Of FastsIsaiah 58 Fast“This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains ofinjustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free theoppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you dois: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homelesspoor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,being available to your own families.Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turnaround at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. TheGod of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray,God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’“ - Isaiah 58:6-9 (MSG)12
This fast concerns itself with social justice. Upon reading Isaiah58, one gets the sense that the prophet is calling God’s people toforsake personal piety. Isaiah’s prophecy is a reaction to the selfrighteous leaders who took pride in their long fasts and noticedsacrifices, while the poor starved and were oppressed. Isaiahdenounces the arrogance. In essence he says, “Who cares if youcan go without food for a day or two and pray for an hour or twowhen the homeless are going without food and the oppressed areburdened?”Isaiah challenges Israel to fast their food to the poor. Jesus mayhave been referencing this when he said, “blessed are they whohunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall befilled.” (Matthew).Suggested Application: Determine a time-frame - 3 days, 1 meal, 14 days, etc.Give your coffee or breakfast money to a local non-profit, MacDonellHouse, The Haven, The Bunk House etc.Give your lunch break to writing to a congress representative or senatorabout a social justice issue you feel strongly about.Devote your lunchtime to writing a card of encouragement to someone youknow who is hurting.Spend lunchtime at the nearest Fire Department, Police Department, orschool, and seek out a public servant to thank him for his communitywork.Use your dinner money to buy a homeless man a coat.Go out on the streets and share the time and money that you would spendon entertainment over a weekend with someone who is down and out.Go visit girls or boys in the juvenile detention center, or go to a prison tovisit the inmates.Take up a social justice cause—clean water acts, humanitarian aid acts,standing against the sexual exploitation of women and children.Forgive a debt that someone owes you.Invite someone over to your house and share a meal with him or her.Give some of your clothes away.Share a conversation with someone who is lonely.Buy a pie for someone who has just experienced a loss in his or her family.13
Daniel FastIn the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed toDaniel . . . . In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. Iate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor didI anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.- Daniel 10: 1-3 (NKJV).Daniel fasted with the intent of gaining understanding and directionfrom God. We cannot be certain of Daniel’s rationale for fastingfrom pleasant foods only. Perhaps his civic duties required unusualfocus and strength, after all, Daniel was the equivalent to theSecretary of State of the United States. What we can observe inthis fast, however, is that Daniel eats just enough to acquirestrength. He fasts in a manner that gives him energy but requiressacrifice. He goes for three weeks without meat, wine, or lotion. It issaid that he lived on a diet of lentils during this time.It should be noted that Daniel’s life was a life of prayer and fasting.His vigilance and determination in prayer is present from his firstdays in Babylon until the end of his life when he is placed in a lion’slair as punishment for praying.Perhaps this is why Daniel has more visions, supernaturalexperiences, and revelations into the mystery of God than any otherseer. Some have argued his lifestyle of prayer and fasting made himsensitive to the spirit realm.14
Suggested Application: For 21 days eat nothing that is pleasant or tasty.A Lentil soup without salt and seasoningsNo meatsNo juice or beverages (only water)No deserts or pleasant breads.See www.danielfast.wordpress.com for menusPray three times a day.Seek God for wisdom, revelation, understanding, and truth.Seek God for words with which to encourage His people.Seek God for insights into the times in which we live.Read Scriptures, and pray the Psalms, particularly Psalms 120-134.Study the life of Daniel.Pray the prayers of Daniel.15
Classical FastThe classical fast is abstinence from all food; it is drinking only water.Any number of days can be selected for this type of fast. If one isdoing it for one day, it is typical to go from sunup to sundown. Ifdoing it more than one day, ask the Lord to lead you. Ask Him toshow you how long He would like for you to do such a fast. Spendtime seeking God for direction. It is common for people to fast onemeal, one day, three days, or one week. The important thing is to besensitive to both God and your body.Moses, Elijah and Jesus engaged in this kind of a fast. The Day ofAtonement was a fast of this nature. It was when all of Israel, exceptp re g n a n t a n d i l l p e r s o n s , a t e n o t h i n g f ro m s u n u p t osundown.Jesus qualified this kind of fast with the followingadvice, “When you fast don’t do it for pride sake or to be seen ofmen, but do it secretly and your heavenly Father who sees in secretwill reward you openly.” (Matthew 6).Suggested Application Set aside a day, or several days, when you don’t have to work, and use theentire day to engage in spiritual activities— praying the Psalms, reading theScriptures, serving the needy, helping the church, listening to worship music, orworshipping through various forms of art.Prepare your body well by starting and ending the fast properly (see article onthe health aspects of fasting). This fast can function as a spiritual heartcleanser. Pray Psalm 51 or 32 and seek the Lord to cleanse and wash you frompride, lust, revenge, bitterness, anger, covetousness, etc.16
Alternative FastFor those who cannot fast from food, due to health or otherissues, this alternative form of fasting is especially beneficial in ourhigh-tech, market-saturated, noise-polluted, fast-paced world.What sacrifices were to the great Bible Characters, fasting is to us.The important element of fasting to the men and women in theBible was that the sacrifice cost them something. David said, “Iwill not offer a sacrifice to God that does not cost me something.”It was said of Abel that he offered an excellent or costly sacrificeto the Lord. There are many non- food dependencies that havetaken the place of our relationship with God. Listed below are afew creative sacrifices with our contemporary world in mind.Fast from media. Unplug the TV, turn off radio, and disconnect the internet.Push away from the newspaper, magazines, and books that are empty of souland spirit. It’s amazing how clear the voice of God becomes when all the noisesof the marketplace are silenced, and we make room for God to speak. Try thisfor every Sunday throughout the 21days, a whole week, or all three weeks. Asyou do this, spend much time reading the Bible and spiritual books. Listen tomusic that is worshipful and inspiring. Replace talk radio, gossip TV, andnegative, smutty news with carriers of God’s healing voice—sermons, the Bible,books, and devotionals. AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, stop and listen to the voice ofGod. What is he saying to you? Take some time to journal what it is that youreceive or hear from the Lord during this time.Fast from consumerism. It’s amazing how much time and money can be spenton things that are never used. They are purchased to simply occupy time. Onegets board, so he spends. Time and money are wasted. This is distracting usfrom what our heavenly Father is calling us to. Go on a spending fast for 21days, and fast from buying the things you want. Purchase only what youabsolutely need. Spend your time in devotion and your money on helpingsomeone else. Visit a local hospital and pray for those that are in need. Insteadof consuming, find ways to give.17
Fast from gossiping. One must rid himself of pointless cell-phoneconversations, doubt- talk, and fearful thoughts. Some people can waste hoursin meaningless conversations about others. Fast from saying anything negativeor demeaning. Abstain from self-pity and fear. Commit to speak only things thatare of faith, hope and love. Continuously confess all three aloud with yourmouth.Fast from artificial entertainment. Shut out the movies, novels, concerts, andfavorite TV-shows; let yourself be awed by God again.18
Planning Your FastWhich date(s) will you fast?Which type of fast will you engage in?What is the purpose of this fast for you?Using the 21 day Calendar below, mark out your days(circling the date) and write what type of fast you will do.January 9303112Circle Maker Prayer Expereince13Circle Maker Prayer Expereince20Circle Maker Prayer Expereince27Circle Ma xpereincePage 1/119
Corporate PrayerGatheringsDuring the 21 day fast, many of the ministries of The Life Churchwill have corporate times of prayer. All prayer gatherings will startat 7 pm and will take place at The Life Church. This scheduleapplies during the 21 day fast. Here is the schedule:Mondays - Music, Nexus, Journey, Children's leadersTuesdays - Corporate prayerWednesdays - Media, Men's Group, Missions, FinancialDepartment, Life Group leadersThursdays - SpanishFridays - Corporate PrayerSaturdays - Hospitality, Women's group20
HealthConsiderationsIf you’ll be going on an extended fast, you should check with yourfamily physician. What follows is not meant to be a medical guide.Included here are some practices, disciplines, and protocols for yourconsideration. If you are on medications or are diabetic, check withyour doctor before fasting. Fasting can be healthy to both your bodyand your spirit. The following pre-fast schedule can help to eliminatedizzy-spells, blackouts, and fatigue.Fasting burns fat cells, which in turn releases toxins into the body.Unabsorbed toxins may cause one to be light-headed, dizzy, andpossible even faint. The following preparation assists in removing thetoxins from the body. Once you get beyond the first four days or so, itbecomes much easier to continue fasting than it had been for thosefirst few days. You will begin to think more clearly and you will start tofeel refreshed.21
1 week before FastCut caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and any addictive substance; limit sugar andgreasy food intake. Many people have been healed from various addictions andsubstance abuse during a fast. Remember also, it is vitally important to drink daily10-12 glasses of water throughout the week before the fast.3 days before FastBreakfast: Bowl of oatmeal, large glass of water with fresh lemon, a glass ofapple juice, a piece of fruitSnack: Fresh juice (apple or carrot), water with lemon.Lunch: 9-grain vegetable sandwich (bell peppers, celery, zuc- chini, etc) withbalsamic vinaigrette, water with lemon, cranberry juice, more fruitSnack: Fresh juice (grape or organic V8).Dinner: Steamed vegetables or vegetable soup; water with lemon and grapejuice, fruit salad (watermelon, apples, grapes, melons, etc.).Before you go to bed drink DETOX teaAlso, exercise during this phase will sweat out toxins.During the FastContinue for the first 4-5 days on the Detox tea and juices if you feel you needthem. Put lemon in the water. The acid in the lemon flushes the toxins out of yourbody. This will minimize the blackouts and dizziness. Some people have hotwater, lemon, and some honey each morning during the fast. It acts as acleanser. One should not take vitamins while fasting; the body can’t properlydigest them without food.Drink PLENTY of water while fasting (3/4 to 1 gallon of water a day). Keep waterwith you and sip on it throughout the day. Metro Mint water can be refreshing.There are few disciplines more beneficial to your body than a fast. It gives yourdigestive system a rest; it purifies the blood and colon. You will feel charged,cleansed, and clear-headed.Another option is juice fasting. Buy a good juicer, and juice organic vegetables:carrots, beets, cabbage, etc. and organic fruit: apples, pineapple, grapes, etc.People who have done this for 30 and 40 days claim it to be rewarding to both thehealth and spirit.Ending the FastEnd the fast with great caution. The length of the fast determines the length oftime one should take to get back to a normal diet. If one was on water only, thentake a couple days of mere juice consumption before moving forward. If one wason juices, then break it with vegetable soups and/broths, then move on to fruitsand vegetables. Take your time. Treat your stomach like a baby’s. Do not eat22 is hard to digest (i.e., pizza, meat, grains, dairy, etc.) Someanything thatrecommend taking as much time coming off the fast as you were on the fast.
Devotions23
Day 1In Luke 11, Jesus’ disciples ask him to teach them to pray;“Lord, teach us to pray.” It’s not that they didn’t know how topray. At this point in their lives, they knew how to pray. Theyhad heard many rabbi’s pray. They had heard Jesus praybefore. They themselves had said a few prayers (I mean, theywere fishermen!)But what they were really asking was,“Jesus, teach us to pray like you. With the boldness and theauthority you pray with.” It was like Jesus knew the Father,really, really well. And He did.Read Luke 11:1-13 Take a few moments today, in prayer, and ask Jesus tomake you hungry for prayer For this week, set aside (maybe set a reminder or alarm inyour phone) just 3-5 minutes at some point during the dayto simply pray and talk to GodReflections:24
Day 2Read Luke 11:1-4Luke 11 gives us the very familiar Lord’s Prayer. Most of ushave heard this a time or two and if you’ve played sports,you’ve probably said it out loud with your team mates. Butwhat does it mean?Components of a PrayerWhen we pray, we should pray with these components Address God (Father, Jesus, Holy God, Mighty God,etc)Honor God (you are holy, you are mighty, graciousfather, etc)Give thanks (Father thank you for )Ask for the things NEEDEDRepent, confess and ask forgiveness of sinForgive othersAsk for God’s provision in your dayAsk God to direct your dayThank Him and claim victory in your day for his honorNow these are just a few things to pray for. Do this in yourown way and get into your own rhythm. But don’t stick to thatso that it becomes stale. Talk to God as you would a friend,but remember, He is still a Holy God and a great King, so usereverence as well.Reflections:25
Day 3The bottom line of The Circle Maker is “Change your prayers &change your life” In what ways have you changed your prayers this week?Are you praying any differently?Read 1 Kings 17:36-40 (for full context, read verses 20-40)Elijah vs the prophets of Baal. How did Elijah pray in that situation?What can you learn from the boldness in which Elijahprayed to God?What miracle, dream, desire, prayer of petition have youbeen asking God for? Today, approach God boldly, notdemanding, but with boldness and ask God to intercedein your situation like he did for ElijahReflections:26
Day 4Read Joshua 6:1-7Joshua had the people of Israel in a predicament. He was in theshadow of one of the greatest cities the world had yet to see.The walls of Jericho were said to be indestructible.Yet,following the prompting of God, he had the people of Israelstanding outside this great city and God tells him “See, I havegiven the city of Jericho into your hand, with it’s King and mightymen of valor.” Huh? The walls were still standing and Israel wasstill on the outside looking in. How could God have alreadygiven them this city?There are great things to be heard when we simply listen to thevoice of God. God may be trying to tell you something today butHe’s not got your attention yet because you’ve done all thetalking. Joshua would had never went forward into battle againstthis great city had he not had the confidence that God was withhim and that the battle was over before it started. Today take a few moments and in prayer, simply ask Godto speak to you. Be still and listen to his voice, then go dowhat He saysReflections:27
Day 5Read Joshua 1: 1-7The great leader Moses has died and now the people of Israelare being led by a new leader, Joshua. Just before theyentered into the promise land (another promise God made goodon!), God spoke to Joshua and tells him, “Every place that thesole of your feet will tread upon, I have already given you ”Wow! What a promise! So Joshua moves forward withconfidence that God was with him, and eventually secures thepromise land and gives Israel a home. If you knew for 100% that God was with you, what wouldyou do?How would you pray differently?If God has given you a great dream, a mighty vision, acall to move on something, and if you’re a believer, thenyou need to know that God is FOR you and WITH you.Today, go forward in faith and confidence that the onewho created the Universe is in your corner.Pray big. Pray bold. Pray through.Reflections:28
Day 6“If we don’t take the risk, we could forfeit the miracle.Praying big, bold prayers begins with knowing the strength ofHe alone who answers them. It’s in the quiet listening for ourCommanders’ voice that will lead us into a position to be able tospeak from our oneness with Him into the darkness of thisworld.Moses was human, but carried with him the promise that Godwould do His miracles through him, a simple man with a pastwho found a life of contentment in the desert. This simple manwas brought into a relationship with His God. As you read thewords God says to Moses, pray and ask God not only to revealthe reasons you have for holding back, ask Him to speak tothem.“And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened?Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you ornot.”(Numbers 11:23 ESV)We know that Moses saw the hand of the Lord, not shortenedbut extended, more powerful than Pharaoh, and all the enemiesof Israel. If we pray boldly we too will see our Jesus, ourDeliverer, whose hand is much more powerful that Satan, sinand death, perform the many wonders He wishes to manifest inand through our simple lives.Reflections:29
Day 7For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this isnot your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God preparedbeforehand, that we should walk in them.”(Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)Faith is a mysterious, intangible thing that lives inside of everybeliever. Faith is not an emotion, rather the courage to followthe steps Christ has given to us in spite of our emotions. Welearn to walk, first one foot and then the other. We learn topray in the same way. Take the first step and then the other.There is beauty in simple faith, there is growth and hope. Allwe need He will provide as we take step 1.Today pray and ask God to reveal your next step. This is notof man, or his workings, not of your own desire but that bornof your relationship with Jesus, through His works. His worksare sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9) for us all to step out in faith, notfaith in self but faith in Him alone. He’s got this, and He’s gotyou! “ Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I willnot leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, ”(Joshua 1:5-6 ESV)Reflections:30
Day 8“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way” Henry David ThoreauElisha followed Elijah for many years, watched him performmiracles, heal people and prophesy. Elijah had called firedown from heaven and hid from Jezebel. Elisha wanted whatElijah had, and wanted to be as near to the action as hecould get. In the beginning however, he had a choice tomake, a single step to take to begin his journey as Elijah’sapprentice. He burned the ox, gave himself no other optionthan to follow his new master. What options are you leavingopen that God is asking you to burn? Doors can bereopened. It’s time to take them off their hinges and burnthem down.Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 and ask yourself the followingquestions: What options do I need to burn?Is following God my only option?What’s preventing me from praying boldly fordirection?Reflections:31
Day 9Read Mark Chapter 6:30-43.The wisdom of the disciples was to send the people to feedthemselves. Jesus had another plan. What He told Hisdisciples to do seemed strange to them. He asked them togive Him all they had, and when they did He performed amiracle.There is something Jesus has for you to do as well. What ifyou hear His voice calling you to do something that has neverbeen done before? If He is, what if, just what if He doesthrough you something entirely new?His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”(John 2:5 ESV)Mary knew that Jesus was the creator God with skin on, theGod of all Creation in human form. If we believe that this sameJesus is the one guiding our steps, would we do whatever Hetold us to? Would you?Reflections:32
Day 10In faith believing, we speak things as if they already were.as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives lifeto the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.(Romans 4:17 ESV)The Holy Spirit is living and active in the life of every believer.He actively participates in our lives, He grows, and directs ustoward the works Jesus has called us to perform in His name.When we enter relationship with Jesus, we enter into an eternallineage of others who have walked this path before. Our FatherGod has given us stories of others who have gone before us tolook to for assurance. God is who He says He is, and He doeswhat He says that He will do, and always has.Draw circles around the promises of God Maybe it’s time to draw your own circles, to begin to make themental acknowledgement that He alone can and will participatein your life, and maybe, just maybe it’s time to take that first,bold step to participate with Him in His living work. Say yes toGod and if you have said yes it’s time to take that next step.Read Hebrews Chapter 11.“What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.” C.S.LewisReflections:33
Day 11"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is thegreater work." Oswald Chambers.Prayer is a lifestyle that we begin to cultivate as we begin ourrelationship with Christ. We enter with our words, and speakour “Yes” to the invitation to live a life surrendered to Him.Prayer is the acknowledgement that He is above all, in all andthrough all. It’s the understanding that He alone is our first andonly option, not a last resort.Read Matthew 6:25-34Meditate on God’s truth. Meditation is focusing your thoughtson something. Use a thought or scripture that speaks to youfrom this passage. For example, this is a common one you mayhave heard before:“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, andall these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33Reflections:34
Day 12Jesus calls us friend. That is clear in scripture. (John 3:29) Buta friend is only one thing that Jesus is. He is also called, theBeginning and the End (Rev. 21:6), the Lion of Judah (Rev.5:5), the Lamb of God (John 1:36), The Son of Man (Matt. 9:6),King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14).When we approach Jesus only as our best friend we limit ourprayers. Not only is Jesus our friend, but He is also the Great Iam! This truth gave the disciples the strength to change theworld. He was their friend, but Peter also confessed this truth,as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit:“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)Read Revelation 19:11-15: Our power in prayer rests in theacknowledgement of who He is — that He is King.Today pray big bold prayers because The King of Kings hasinvited you to have an audience with Him. What will you askHim for today?Reflections:35
Day 13Now that you have an audience with the King, what case willyou present to Him? We each have a case to build. We do thisevery day with employers, spouses, parents and friends.Building a case with King Jesus is somewhat different becauseHe knows what we will ask before we do. He alone knows thesecrets of our hearts and where our desires originate. Inaddition to the desires that HE has placed in our hearts, wealso have our own human desires. Our confidence in prayerisn’t about who we are, but about who He is. We can prayconfidently when we pray according to His will.“I write these things to you
Jentezen Franklin, Fasting Jentezen Franklin, The Fasting Edge Bill Bright, 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline John Piper, A Hunger For God . . . prayer and fasting Elmer Towns, Fasting For A Spiritual Breakthrough Elmer Towns, The Beginner’s Guide to
