enpta vw prayer and fast guide (2)

8/8/2019 ENPTA VW Prayer and Fast Guide (2)

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Victory Weekend

Three-Day Prayer & Fasting

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing

to God —this is your spiritual act of worship.

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve

what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

ROMANS 12:1,2



“ So if the S on sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36

Practical Guide to Three Days

Of Prayer and FastingKNOWING GOD’S WILL

“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 weapon God uses to advance His kingdom,

change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring victory 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.

There are many testimonies of how God answers over and

beyond what people ask.

As you begin your fast , believe in your heart, by faith, that true victory is coming..

Believe God for victories and breakthroughs in every area of your life.

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

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. - Arthur Wallis




Why Fast?

1. Jesus fasted.

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting

forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

Matthew 4:1,2

Jesus 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. 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. We can keep our

emotions and desires under control.




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 ourselves of our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become

sharper. 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 the Holy Spirit into our lives.

4. Fasting brings revival.

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. 3So 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 breaks unhealthy addictions in our lives.




Preparing to Fast

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink

for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will

go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16

Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more

intense work within us.

• Bill Bright

1. Be in faith!

Prayerfully and thoughtfully fi ll out the prayer points page of this guide. Ask the

Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specifi c about your faith goals in your

personal life, family, fi nances, and church. These are what you will be believing God

for during the fast and the entire year. Expect God to answer. Maintain a thankful

heart throughout and after the fast.

2. Commit to a type of fast.

We encourage everyone to commit to a Three-day water only or liquid fast.

However, we understand that some are unable to do so because of certain

circumstances , such as pregnancy, a physically demanding profession, and medical

conditions. If you belong to this category, there are alternatives—you may choose

to do a combination fast. You may do a liquid fast for three days and then a onemeal-

a-day fast for the next four, for example, or any other combination according

to your need or situation.

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, fast is a time when we believe God for a fresh

encounter with Him. Be prepared to have the Holy Spirit put His fi nger on an

area in your life that needs to change. Repentance is the foundation of prayer and

fasting. Be ready to repent and change, and be transformed. Surrender everything

to Him. Be completely open.

5. Prepare physically.

Be smart as you enter into this fast. Do not go to a buffet restaurant on the

eve of the fast, hoping to stock up on food in your body. The key is to gradually

prepare your body. Start eating smaller portions and meals seven days before you

begin your fast. Avoid food that is high in sugar and fat. Two days prior to the fast,

eat raw fruit and vegetables only. Consult a physician if you need to.




During the fast

16“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfi gure their faces

to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in

full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so 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.

• Dr. Mary Ruth Swope

1. Seek the Lord.

Commit to prayer and Bible reading the times you usually allocate for meals.

Join at least one prayer meeting in your local church.

Be ready to respond when you hear from God.

This guide also has a devotional that we encourage you to go through during

the fast.

2. Commit to change.

Whatever God tells you or puts His fi nger upon, apply it immediately. If you need

to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationships

with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately.

Ask your small group leader to hold you accountable.




3. Practical tips

a. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are

under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advise

of your doctor.

b. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine,

adjust it accordingly. A daily two to fi ve kilometer walk should be your

maximum amount of exercise during an extended fast.

c. Rest as much as you can.

d. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your

family, pastors, church, nation, our 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 mental annoyances like impatience, irritability,

and anxiety.




Breaking the Fast

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,

committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Acts 14:23

If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical benefi ts, success

in prayer, the enduring with power, spiritual insights— these must never

replace God as the center of our fasting. • Richard Foster

1. Reintroduce solid food gradually.

You should break your fast the same way you prepared for it. Again, don’t gobble

down a Big Mac, Chips, and a Coke as soon as fasting is over. It will

take your body just as many days you fasted to adjust to a normal diet.

Begin eating gradually.

Don’t eat solid food immediately after your fast. Start with fruits, juices, and salad.

Gradually, you can begin adding vegetables and boiled potato. Take it slowly from

there. Eat small portions spread throughout the day. We encourage you to break your fast the

evening or the afternoon prior to the start of your Victory Weekend. Plan the start of your fast

accordingly.

2. Continue praying.

Don’t let your prayer life end on the day you fi nish 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 sure you keep

your copy of your prayer points. You can check it 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 fl eshly needs to give yourself to prayer

and meditation.

• Wesley Duewel

God’s will is for each and every one of us to experience breakthrough and victory

in our lives. Be in faith for God to move miraculously in your life this year beyond

what you can ask or imagine. You have a fresh mandate. Be ready to accomplish

greater things for God this year!




In View of

God’s Mercy

- Preparation for the fast Read: Micah 7:18-20, Matthew 9:10-13, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Titus 3:3-8

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy . . .

Romans 12:1

“Does God have a will for my life? Is it possible to know what it is?” The Bible

teaches that God does have a will for your life, and yes, it can be known. The issue,

then, is how we can know what God’s will is.

In Romans 12:1 and 2, the Apostle Paul exhorts us and even pleads with us

to live and view our lives in light of the mercy we have received from God.

This perspective must be our starting point if we are to properly seek,

understand, appreciate, and obey God’s will. When we realize the extent

of God’s goodness and mercy, we will readily say “yes” all the more to all that

God has prepared for us.

As you prepare for your time of prayer and fasting, read through the book of

Romans and refl ect on all that God has done to show you His mercy. Allow

gratitude and the reality of God’s lovingkindness to fl ood your soul as you

prayerfully prepare your heart to receive a greater understanding of who He is and

His will for your life.




Reflection:

How has God shown mercy and compassion to you?

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Application

Make a list of everything you’re grateful to God for in the past year. Pray a prayer

of thanksgiving, detailing the many graces and mercies you have already received

and experienced from God.

READ

REFLECTION




Living Sacrifices Day 1Read: Psalm 69:30-31 • Micah 6:6-8 • Luke 22:39-43

Romans 6:11-14 • Galatians 2:20 • 1 Peter 2:4,5

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifi ces . . .

Romans 12:1

The idea of a “living sacrifi ce” is a confusing one. Are not sacrifi ces, by defi nition,

dead? Yet, Paul urges us, in response to the mercy God has shown us, to present

ourselves to God as living sacrifi ces, settled before Him, completely surrendered to

anything He desires to do to us. It is like a soldier, standing in attention and waiting

to respond to any directive from his commander. It is an act of complete surrender

to His Lordship.

Becoming a living sacrifi ce is not an attempt to win God’s favor or approval.

We cannot and should not try to “pay back” what God has done for us. We fast

not to earn God’s approval, but to respond to it. We pray not to try to get God

to listen to us, but because He already hears us. And when we offer ourselves to

Him, it means that we want to listen and we are willing to obey Him for the rest

of our lives.




Reflection:

1. Read Micah 6:6-8. What does the Lord require of you?

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2. Why does God no longer require burnt offerings and other traditional acts of

sacrifice from us?

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Application:

1. What is the motive of your heart as you fast? Is it to win God’s favor, or are you

responding to the favor already shown you? Pray with your prayer partner for a

greater understanding of your position in God.

2. How are you being a living sacrifi ce to God right now? If you realize that you

have “crawled out of the altar,” recommit yourself to God today.

REFLECTION




Holy Day 2

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8 • 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 • Colossians 1:21-23

2 Timothy 2:20,21 • Hebrews 12:14 • 1 Peter 1:15,16; 2:9-11

A

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy . . . to God . . .

Romans 12:1

PPLICATION

To be holy means we are to be set apart, dedicated for God’s special purpose.

The life we are to offer God is a holy one, meaning we are devoting ourselves

exclusively to Him. As intimidating as this may sound, the amazing fact is that God

has made us holy in Christ! He chose us to be His people and set us apart

for Himself. He also cleansed us, purifi ed us from our sins, making us fi t for

His service. And because we serve a holy God, we are called to refl ect that

holiness in our lives—in what we think, say, and do. The closer we draw near

to Him, more of His holiness will be expressed in our lives. Then, God is able

to use us to reveal Himself to the world.

Holy

A




Reflection:

1. How does God see you, according to 1 Peter 2:9? Do you see yourself in

this way?

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2. Meditate on Isaiah 6:1-8.

• What was Isaiah’s response to God’s holiness? (v.5)

• What happened after Isaiah was convicted of his sin? (v.6,7)

• When did Isaiah hear God’s call? (v.8)

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Application:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to expose areas in your life that

you need to repent of (Psalm 139:23-24). Pray with your prayer partner about

what He reveals to you.

2. Are there sins from your past that you have repented of but still condemned

about, making you feel disqualifi ed from being used by God? Ask a more mature

Christian to pray with you for a greater revelation of His forgiveness. Believe

God for an opportunity to be used for His purposes.

REFLECTION




Renew Your Mind Day 3Read: Romans 8:5-9 • 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 • 2 Corinthians 3:13-18, Ephesians 4:17-24 •

Philippians 4:8 • Colossians 3:1-10

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Just as a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, so we are completely transformed inChrist. You will never see a butterfly crawling around, eating leaves, and still acting

like a caterpillar after it comes out of its cocoon. Yet we see too many peoplecome to Christ, receive His forgiveness and gift of new life, only to return tothe very lifestyle from which they have been saved. Why?

Romans 12:2 explainsthat we live out the reality of Christ’s transforming work to the degree that our minds are renewed and realigned to God’s Word. The fact is, what we believe will ultimately affect how we behave. If we do not see ourselves the way God seesus, we will not live the way God says we can live. The more we focus on God,meditate on His truth, and make decisions based on His ways, the more our liveswill bear Christ-like fruit.

Only as our thoughts and motives are fi ltered by God’s truth can we expose and break free from our wrong and impure mindsets. If this isthe case, wouldn’t you agree that we all need some “brain-washing”?

DAY




Reflection:

1. Read Ephesians 4:17-24. What practical steps were the believers in Ephesus

taught in regard to their former life (v.22-24)?

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2. Meditate on the picture of transformation expressed in 2 Corinthians 3:13-18.

How are our “veils” removed?

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Application:

1. Are there parts of the Bible that you have a hard time believing or agreeing to?

Talk to a mature believer about your concerns, and ask God to reveal to you the

mind of Christ.

2. Meditate on the following verses on God’s Word: Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy

3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. If you haven’t done so, commit to a daily time of

reading and studying the Bible.

REFLECTION

APPLICATION




Benefits of fasting- Fasting is abstaining from food as a religious discipline.

1. Spiritual Warfare

Isaiah 58:6

Daniel 10:1-3

Daniel 10:14

Daniel 10:12, 13

Mark 9:25-29

2. Health & Healing Isaiah 58:8

3. Answered prayer Isaiah 58:9

Ezra: 23, 31

4. Guidance Isaiah 58:11

5. Intimacy with God Isaiah 58:14

6. Power over sin Isaiah 58:8

Psalm 35:13

Ezra 8:21

James 4:6

7. Anointing for ministry Isaiah 58:8

Luke 4:1, 2, 14



“So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” John 8:36

Scriptural guidelines for fasting

1. A fast can be absolute, total or partial

Esther 4:16

Daniel 10:3

2. A fast can be either corporate or personal 2 Chronicles 20:3

2 Samuel 12:16

3. A fast may vary in length 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17, 18

Acts 9:9, 17-19

2 Samuel 12:15-23

4. A fast should be combined with extra prayer Daniel 9:3

5. A fast should not be advertised Matt 6:16-18

6. A fast is not self-punishment 1 Samuel 7:6

Joel 1:14

Jonah 3:5-10

John Wesley: “First, let fasting be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let

our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. ”

enpta vw prayer and fast guide (2)

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