2015 PRAYER & FASTING

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1 How good and pleasant it is when God s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 Each year Revival Temple joins together in a corporate fast to seek and honor God in January for the New Year. By starting each year with a corporate fast, we have found that God meets us in very unique and special ways. His presence grows greater and greater with each day of the fast. Without fail. He always shows up! Corporately fasting in January is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. We will pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33) The constant demands and pressure of daily life on your mind, will and emotions can weigh you down and cause you to lose focus and feel spiritually sluggish and desensitized. Fasting hits the reset button of your soul and renews you from the inside out. Fasting is a way for you to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepare your soul to expand and contain the fresh, new purposes and work God desires to bring into your life (Matthew 9:14-17) Our focus this year is UNITY.in our personal lives, church family, community and the world. When the heart, mind and soul of the believers reach a point of UNITY and when they are in harmony with God s setting, there will be a power surge and great things will happen. Nothing can stop a people whose faith is in God and who abide in one accord. The Holy Spirit will create abilities never before dreamed of. Accomplishments abound when people dwell in UNITY. Our corporate fast will begin at 6 pm on Monday, January 12 th and conclude at 6 pm on Monday, February 2 nd. We invite you to make a special effort to join for times of prayer held each Monday thru Friday at 6 am and each Monday at 6:30 pm in the Main Sanctuary. As a church body, we encourage you to participate in 4 different types of fasts: media, partial, full fast, or Daniel fast. Take a look at the resource sheet which explains the various fasts and you decide for yourself the type of fast you will choose. You may include all types at various times, and we have included a calendar on which to chart your choices. We are decided you have chosen to unite with us in this special time together as a church family. Pastor Wes Courtney

2 2015 PRAYER & FASTING Below are the 4 types of fasting that we are encouraging you to participate in as a congregation. Choose for yourself which and plan your schedule during these 21 days. 1. FULL FAST Drink only liquids - especially water. On this type of fast you may also take in clear broth and 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices in order to maintain your strength. You establish the number of days for your fast in your prayer time. 2. PARTIAL FAST You may give up one item of food or drink such as caffeine, coffee, soft drinks or sweets. You may want to give up one meal for a specific amount of time. 3. DANIEL FAST This is fast is found in Daniel chapter 10, and is a fast from meats, sweets, breads and any drink, except water, for a specific time period. (Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest way to think of this fast is eating only vegetables and fruits, and drinking only water. 4. SECULAR MEDIA FAST This is a conscious, intentional choice to take a break from secular influences such as books, radio, television, internet (this includes social networking sites). This fast is not primarily about what is being abstained from, but really about freeing up time, energy and attention to devote to the most noble pursuit of God and family. COMMON QUESTIONS What if I have a medical condition? Consult your doctor before starting any fast. Decide together what is possible. If your health condition prohibits you from fasting food, try fasting something else and concentrate on prayer and Bible study. God knows your heart. I forgot and ate something that wasn't on my fast; do I need to start again? No, think of fasting as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Don't give up! If you fall down, get up and keep trying. What if I have a manual labor job? If you have a job that requires you to expend a lot of physical energy, you may want to consider a partial fast that allows you to receive enough nutrition to perform your job.

3 Prayer and Fasting - A Definition Prayer and fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, but this is not always the case. You can pray without fasting, and fast without prayer. It is when these two activities are combined and dedicated to God's glory that they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, and wisdom you need. Prayer and Fasting - What the Bible Says The Old Testament law specifically required prayer and fasting for only one occasion, which was the Day of Atonement. This custom became known as "the day of fasting" (Jeremiah 36:6) or "the Fast" (Acts 27:9). Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:3). In response to Jonah's preaching, the men of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting was often done in times of distress or trouble. David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18). Prayer and fasting also occurs in the New Testament. Anna "worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" at the Temple (Luke 2:37). Prayer and Fasting - Required or Recommended? The Word of God does not specifically command believers to spend time in prayer and fasting. At the same time, prayer and fasting is definitely something we should be doing. Far too often, though, the focus of prayer and fasting is on abstaining from food. Instead, the purpose of Christian fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus our thoughts on God. Fasting should always be limited to a set time because not eating for extended periods can be damaging to the body. Fasting is not a method of punishing our bodies and it is not be used as a "dieting method" either. We are not to spend time in prayer and fasting in order to lose weight, but rather to gain a deeper fellowship with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world through prayer and biblical fasting, we can focus better on Christ. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

4 Prayer and Fasting - What Does it Accomplish? Spending time in prayer and fasting is not automatically effective in accomplishing the desires of those who fast. Fasting or no fasting, God only promises to answer our prayers when we ask according to His will. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." In the prophet Isaiah's time, the people grumbled that they had fasted, yet God did not answer in the way they wanted (Isaiah 58:3-4). Isaiah responded by proclaiming that the external show of fasting and prayer, without the proper heart attitude, was futile (Isaiah 58:5-9). How can you know if you are praying and fasting according to God's will? Are you praying and fasting for things that honor and glorify God? Does the Bible clearly reveal that it is God's will for you? If we are asking for something that is not honoring to God or not God's will for our lives, God will not give what we ask for, whether we fast or not. How can we know God's will? God promises to give us wisdom when we ask. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Fasting For Students/Children It is so important to model the principle of fasting to our students and children and it s actually quite simple to introduce different ways they can participate. However, their involvement should come only from a heartfelt desire to, just like our fasting should. The best way to encourage our kids to fast is to keep it fun and simple. An easy way to explain the benefits of prayer and fasting to kids is to compare it to cleaning out old toys that might no longer work, or that they might have outgrown, to make room for new ones. As we clean out our bodies and make time to connect closer to God and His Word, we make room to receive new gifts from Him. We do not recommend that students/children skip meals or drastically reduce their food intake, but a modification of their diet might prove to be an easy place to start. For example, fasting from specific items such as sweets, red meats, fried foods or even introducing a form of the Daniel fast which includes legumes, nuts and whole grains is a great way for children to participate in a safe and healthy way. Another great way to fast is by reducing some of the time and energy spent watching TV, playing video games, using the computer or phone, and instead choosing to spend time praying, reading their Bible or serving others. The main thing is for them to recognize the value behind setting aside special times to disconnect from some of the extra-curricular activities and treats they enjoy on a regular basis and learn how to connect to God in a closer way.

5 Of course, you should always check with your child s pediatrician before fasting. Preparing to Pray Seven Day Prayer Guide Use your Bible so that you can pray according to God s Word( John 5:14-15) Pray in faith (James 5:15). Be persistent in prayer; never give up (Luke 18:1) Come boldly into the throne room of God s presence, seeking His grace (Hebrews 4:16) Pray in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:23-24). Believe that God will hear you (1 Peter 3:12). Engage in spiritual warfare; put on the full armor of God in prayer (Ephesians 6:12-17). Trust in Jesus power and victory over Satan (1 John 4:4). Purge yourself of uncleanness and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35) MONDAY: Praying for our Church Pray that our Senior Pastor, Ministers, and Church Staff will spend time daily with God in His Word, seeking His face and worshiping Him to renew their mind with the mind of Christ (Romans 12:2). Pray that our church leaders; small group leaders, deacons, elders, program leaders etc. will seek the Lord continually and have the courage to follow His vision for our church, specifically God s plan to reach out to our community and the world with the Gospel of Christ (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Pray for godly unity in the church and peaceful relationships (Ephesians 4:3) Pray that our church will acknowledge, receive and use their God-given gifts, abilities, and talents for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Pray for the witness of our church, that our neighbors, co-workers and friends will be drawn by our Christian lifestyle to the truth of the Gospel and into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). TUESDAY: Praying for our Families Pray for our families to experience God-centered relationships among family members (Genesis 28:14). Pray that our parents will boldly instruct their children in biblical values and spend time with their children in Bible reading and prayer; that the hearts of the parents will turn to their children (Ephesians 6:4). Pray that our children will learn obedience to parents so they will in turn obey God, their Heavenly Father; that the hearts of the children will turn to their parents (Mark 10:14; Psalm 144:12). Pray for an extra measure of God s strength, grace and protection for our single parents; especially that God would provide for all their needs (Psalm 5:11).

6 WEDNESDAY: Praying for our Schools Pray that our school administrators will exercise their authority with wisdom, fairness and justice (Proverbs 2:6). Pray that our teachers will demonstrate love to students, even in difficult situations (1 Corinthians 13:4). Pray that our support staff members will carry out their responsibilities with love and care, recognizing the highest interest is the well-being of the children (Proverbs 16:3). Pray that our students will learn at their God-given potential, gaining wisdom and knowledge for life (Proverbs 4:7). Pray especially for our Christian administrators, teachers, and students, that they always demonstrate Christ-likeness and that God would use their witness to draw people to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. THURSDAY: Praying for our Community Leaders Pray that our mayor and city administrators will do what is right and honorable for our community (Matthew 5:14). Pray for our judicial system, that judges, attorneys and juries will reflect God s love and justice and that truth prevail in court decisions (Micah 6:8). Pray that our city and county council and board members would seek God s counsel as they make decisions regarding what is best for our communities (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pray that our police, firefighters, and emergency personnel will be kept safe, protected from evil and able to carry out their responsibilities with courage, competence and integrity (Proverbs 10:9). FRIDAY: Praying for the Poor, Needy and Outcasts Pray for God to raise awareness within the church for the cause of those who are suffering (Micah 6:8). Pray for God s care and protection among those who suffer for the name of Christ in hostile nations (1 Peter 1:6-7). Pray for God to establish the poor so that their physical and spiritual needs are met with dignity and stability (Psalm 140:12). Pray for the cause of orphans and widows, asking God to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs (Jeremiah 49:11). Pray for love to be shown to those in prison and for prison ministries to be able to reach prisoners with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Psalm 69:32-33). Pray for those who are suffering with mental, emotional and physical illnesses; asking God to use their plight for their greater good and His glory; believing still that God would heal them for His glory (Isaiah 14:3, 40:31 and Jeremiah 17:14).

7 SATURDAY: Praying for the Spiritually Lost Pray for spiritually lost family members, those whom you love and care deeply for to turn to Christ for salvation; pray for specific people who need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38-39). Pray for neighbors, co-workers and friends; that they will seek and find God: lift up their names to the Lord (Acts 8:26-39). Pray for the churches of our community to be filled with people hungry for the power of Jesus living in them and for the churches to preach and disciple people faithfully, for our churches to meet the real needs of the people in our community (Acts 17:16-34). SUNDAY: Praying for Ourselves Pray that you would seek God with greater passion; that you would be faithful to God in spending time daily in His Word and in prayer. Pray that God would cleanse you from all known sin, and reveal to you those things that are hindering your closeness with Him. Pray that you would live in reconciled relationships, forgiving those who have wronged you and seeking forgiveness from those you have wronged. Pray that you would be holy and pure before the Lord. Pray that you would live your life for God s glory alone. Pray that you would surrender to God s direction in your life. Pray that you would witness for Christ with great boldness and love. Pray that you would always maintain a humble and teachable spirit. Pray that you would honor God with your time, talent and treasure.

8 31 DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR STUDENTS/CHILDREN The following is a list for each day of the month, complete with brief suggestions for prayer from Scripture. This will help you pray specifically and purposefully for you to experience and evidence: 1 - Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10). 2 - Growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18). 3 - Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22). 4 - Honesty and integrity May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT). 5 - Self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6) 6 - A love for God's Word May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10). 7 - Justice God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8). 8 - Mercy May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36). 9 - Respect (for self, others, authority) Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a). 10 -Strong, Biblical self-esteem Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10). 11 -Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3). 12 -Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6). 13 -Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10). 14 -Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15). 15 -Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] layup treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

9 16 Peace "Father,let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19). 17 -Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6) Perseverance Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1). 19- Humility God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2) Compassion Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12). 21 -Responsibility Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5) Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation.... Through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13). 23- Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40) A servant heart God, please help my children develop servant hearts that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV). 25- Hope May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13) The willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23) A passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followed hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV) Self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3) Prayerfulness Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18) Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20) A heart for missions Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

10 Personal Commitment FAST AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT AND BE SPECIFIC Fasting involves a spiritual commitment to God. Be clear and follow the guidelines of your commitment. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself (Daniel 1:8) Before beginning the fast, write down a plan and make a verbal commitment to the Lord. When you approach your fast with determination and a clear goal, you will be less likely to waiver in weak moments. My cause or reason for fasting: I will fast: Begin Date: End Date: Type of fast: Who will I ask to fast with me, if anyone? By the strength and grace of God I commit to the above fast. Signed Date