Prayer & Fasting. IDENTITY: Becoming Who You Really Are Week of

Transcription

1 2012 Week of Prayer & Fasting Phone/Fax: (206) SUNDAYS at 10:00am Regal Cinemas at Northgate 301 NE 103rd St. Seattle, WA Church Office and Mailing Address Lake City Way NE - Suite 212, Seattle, WA IDENTITY: Becoming Who You Really Are

2 con se crate [kän(t)-sə-ˌkrāt] Page 1 to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity; to devote or dedicate to some purpose. Notes (prayer requests, answers to prayer, journal) Page 14 We encourage you to join us during this week of prayer and fasting. This is a special time for us to corporately consecrate ourselves, our families, and ministries to God. Let s believe God for His will to be done in every area of our lives and our church as we seek Him together. Practical Guide to a Week of Prayer and Fasting 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 tool God uses to advance His kingdom, change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring about His will 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. We typically have a special time of fasting and prayer at the start of each year. It is our way of humbling ourselves before God and consecrating to Him the upcoming year of life and ministry. It is also the time when we corporately come into agreement and believe together for breakthroughs in our personal lives, families, and church. We are especially praying for people who are not yet walking with God to come to know and follow Jesus Christ. As you begin your fast, believe in your heart, by faith, that God will respond with supernatural answers to your prayers. Why Fast? 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 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

3 Praying the Scriptures Page 13 ADORATION: (use this to springboard into worship and praise) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:1-5 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Psalm 43:3-4 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11 CONFESSION: (use this to lead you into a time of confession and repentance) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:10-13 Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12-13 RENEWAL: (use this to lead you into a time of prayer for your heart toward others) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. Psalm 86: Jesus fasted. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After 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 (James 4:6). 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 over our emotions and desires. 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 our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become more attuned. 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 more of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 4. Fasting brings revival.... 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. So 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 can break unhealthy addictions in our lives. Page 2

4 Preparing to Fast Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us. Bill Bright Page 3 This year I am believing God for... MY CHURCH FAMILY & ITS MINISTRIES Page Be in faith! Prayerfully fill out the prayer points on page 12 of this guide. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specific about your faith goals in your personal life, family, church, and people you are reaching out to. These are what you will be believing God for during the fast and the upcoming year. Expect God to answer. Maintain a thankful heart throughout and after the fast. 2. Commit to a type of fast. We encourage everyone who is able to commit to fast in a meaningful and sacrificial way. Here are a few suggestions: Abstain from eating one or more days: Drink plenty of water (if water fast) or juice (if juice fast). Abstain from one meal a day or more for several days and drink lots of water. In addition to fasting from food, you might also abstain from things like Facebook, TV/Movies, and various other good things where you are denying your appetites and feeding your spirit/soul. Important Note: During those times you would normally eat, spend time meditating on God s Word, listening to sermons, worshipping to music, & praying. The point is not merely to starve body, but to focus on feeding your soul/spirit. If you are pregnant/nursing or it is medically unwise for you to fast, or if you have struggled with an eating disorder we recommend you not fast from food but find other things to fast from. If you are on medication or have any health concerns, please speak with your doctor before fasting from food. 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, we are believing God for a fresh encounter with Him. Be prepared to have the Holy Spirit put His finger on areas in your life that need to change. Repentance is the foundation of prayer and fasting. Be ready to repent and change, and be transformed. Surrender everything and be wide open to Him. 5. Prepare physically. Be smart as you enter into an extended fast. Do not go to a buffet restaurant on the eve of the fast, hoping to stock up on food in your body (it doesn't work!). The key is to gradually prepare your body. Start eating smaller portions and meals before you begin your fast. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat. MISSIONARIES: Sapna Jain (Cambodia); Abby Northcott (Afghanistan) The Matienzo Family (Madrid, Spain); Ria Llanto (coming to work w/ youth); Kelly Kalalau (restricted nation, SE Asia); Bruce & Emma Behnken (Asia) MINISTRIES: Community Groups; Sundays; Children & Youth PASTORS: Pastor Perry & Family; Pastor Nik & Family OTHER: PEOPLE I AM REACHING OUT TO Salvation of Friends, Family Members, Co-workers, Neighbors, etc. PERSONAL FAITH GOALS Spiritual Revival, Physical Healing, Guidance, Provision, etc.

5 Fasting Schedule Monday I will call this person or go to this meeting to pray: Wednesday I will meet with or call this person to pray together: PRAYER PARTNER Friday I will come to the Night of Worship & Prayer, 6:30p at Aljoya. Tuesday I will meet with or call this person to pray together: Thursday I will meet with or call this person to pray together: Page 11 Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 During the Fast 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. 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. Where & When to Pray * Pray on your own each day, using this daily devotional guide. * Commit the times you would normally eat to prayer and Bible reading. * Go to a Community Group this week to pray and seek God in community. * Finish the fast by joining us for our All-Church Prayer & Praise Meeting: * Jan. Aljoya (450 NE 100th Street, Seattle 98125) Page 4 2. Commit to change. Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationship with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately. Talk with a friend about what God is speaking to you, and ask them to support you along the journey of change and possibly provide accountability. 3. Practical tips a. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advice of your doctor. b. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly. c. Rest as much as you can. d. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, 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 a greater likelihood of impatience, irritability, and anxiety. If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical benefits, success in prayer, the enduing with power, spiritual insights these must never replace God as the center of our fasting. Richard Foster

6 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 1. Reintroduce solid food gradually. You should break your fast the same way you prepared for it. It will take your body time (possibly several days) to adjust to a normal diet. Begin eating gradually. Start with fruits, juices, and simple foods. Take it slowly. 2. Continue praying. Don t stop praying on the day you finish 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 fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation. Wesley Duewel We believe God has great things in store for your life in 2012, and for us as a church family as well. This week of prayer and fasting is an opportunity to realign our lives according to God s will and consecrate the coming year to Him. As we humble ourselves before Him in prayer & fasting, we can expect Him to move mightily in our midst. We are trusting God to move in power both in and through our lives, and to enable us to discover and live out our identity in Christ in a greater way as we continue to Love God, One Another, and the World around us. Page 5 IDENTITY: Disciple When Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), notice that he didn t tell us to go make converts or draw a crowd. He told us to make disciples and teach them to obey Jesus in all of life. In Jesus day, the crowds chased miracles while the disciples hung around for private mentoring. The crowds showed up for the free lunches; the disciples fed the crowds after Jesus blessed the loaves and fish, and they learned about faith in the process. The crowds listened to Jesus messages, but when He started talking about repentance and the necessity of the Cross, people lost interest. Crowds thin out when the message gets tough. Jesus wants disciples, or apprentices who practice what they learn. He wants followers who know Him intimately, who have surrendered fully to His will, and who can impart His life to others. He wants mature sons and daughters who reflect His character. So, are you a disciple? The answer to that question is yes, if you have placed your trust in Christ. The question is, are you living out your identity as a disciple? Does this identity inform the decisions you make, the values you hold, how you handle money, time, entertainment, relationships? A disciple is someone who has dethroned self and enthroned Jesus as Leader of their lives (Mark 8:34). A disciple follows Jesus together with other disciples, and embraces Jesus call to help others become His disciples (Matthew 4:19). 1. Do you see yourself as a disciple of Jesus? Is there a difference between a Christian and a disciple in your mind (note: they are one and the same in the Bible)? 2. Read Matthew 4:19; 11:28-30; Luke 9: What are the different invitations Jesus gives in these passages? Which stand out to you personally at this time? Why? Page 10 Day 5 1. Disciple and discipline are the from the same root word. As we abide in Jesus through the spiritual disciplines of reading God s Word, prayer, worship, etc., our lives will become more fruitful (John 15:5-8). In what ways are you committing to practically abide in Christ this year? Write down your goals. 2. Who is one person you can help grow as a disciple of Jesus at this time? How can you share what God has given you with someone else?

7 IDENTITY: Servant GOD designed you to make a difference with your life. Many self-help books offer advice on how to get the most out of life. But God s Word shows us that we were created not merely to take from this life, but to give something back. You were created to contribute. We are told in Ephesians 2:10 that God has actually prepared good works in advance for us to do. God s will awaits us. It s right in front of us every day. The question is, will we embrace the call to serve? Many will serve if the task seems noble. But Jesus taught that it s not the nature or size of the task that matters, but the heart with which we do it (Colossians 3:23-24). The smallest things done for Jesus sake are noticed by Him and will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42). While the world measures greatness in terms of status, Jesus measures greatness in terms of service. The great news is that anyone can be a servant. All it requires is willingness. Are you available to God anytime? Will you not only serve where you are gifted, but also wherever you re needed at the moment? Will you be faithful even when it is inconvenient or requires sacrifice? You are going to give your life to something. What will it be a career, a hobby, wealth, enjoyment? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance. So what about you? Are you living out your identity as a servant of God? 1. Read John 13:1-17. How did Jesus understanding of His identity empower Him to serve (v. 3-5)? What else stands out to you in this passage? Page 9 Day 4 IDENTITY: Worshiper WHAT is worship? To some it is singing songs to God. To others it is attending a church service. Worship includes these things, but is so much more. The word worship comes from an old English word ( weorthscipe = worth-ship ) which refers to humans honoring God because He is worthy. However, the term worship is misunderstood if it gives the impression that the focus is on what we do or offer to God. The Bible is concerned primarily with what God does for His people (Mark 10:45). Worship is human response to a gracious God. Worship is more than a weekly ritual or a style of music. True worship is a daily lifestyle that receives God s great love and truth and responds with adoration, praise, faith, obedience, and more. Worship is a heart and life set on seeking, pleasing, and rejoicing in the God who made us and loves us. Worship is vital, not only because God merits our praise; worship also transforms the worshiper. We become like what we worship. As we behold the beauty of Jesus, we become more and more like him. So, what about you? Are you living out your identity as a worshiper of God? Day 1 Page 6 1. Read John 4: What did the woman think was essential to worship? What two things did Jesus say are essential to worship? Why do you think these are important? 2. Read Romans 12:1-2. How does this passage say we can worship God? What does it mean to offer yourself as a living sacrifice? How can you do this in your life? 2. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7, 1 John 4:19, and Matthew 20:28. How do these truths empower us to embrace and live out of our identity as servants of God? 1. Take a moment to pray and ask God if there is anywhere He wants you to serve regularly (e.g., Sunday, in your community, etc). 2. Pray that God will cultivate a humble heart for service in you, where no person and no task is beneath you, because the One Who made you died for you and lives in you. 1. What is the motive of your heart as you fast? Is it to earn God s favor? Or are you responding to the favor already shown you? Offer yourself afresh to God as a living sacrifice, intent on worshiping God in response to who He is and what He has done. 2. What is God saying to you today? Is there anything that is keeping you from living a life of worship? Is there a sin to repent of? A relationship to mend? A commitment to renew (e.g., to Bible, prayer, Church attendance, etc.)? Meditate on God s love for you shown in Christ, and ask God to empower you to live a life of worship in response. 3. See p. 13 for Scriptures you can use for worship and prayer throughout the week.

8 IDENTITY: Family I IN THE Scripture God reveals Himself as Creator, King, Provider, Redeemer, Savior, Friend, and more. But when Jesus was asked by his followers to teach them how to pray as he did, he taught them to address God in this way: Our Father in heaven (Matthew 6:9). The entire Bible is the story of God building a family who will love Him, love one another, and reign with Him forever. When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become His son/daughter, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family. God is love. He longs for us to know and rely upon His love for us (1 John 4:19), and for us to love one another the way He loves us (John 13:34-35). When we do, the world will know that Jesus really is the Son of God. But for the world to see this love, we must be growing in relationship with one another as a family. It is only as we stick it out in relationship with other ordinary, imperfect believers that we can grow in love and maturity. Being included in God s family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Nothing else even comes close. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to Whom you belong. So, what about you? Are you living out your identity as a child of God? 1. Read Matthew 12: What do you think the initial disciples thought when Jesus called them family? How does it feel to think of Jesus calling you His brother/sister? Page 7 Day 2 IDENTITY: Missionary GOD is a missionary God. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they ran and hid from God in shame. God came looking for them, to forgive and redeem them. It s the same today. People are still running from God. And God is still seeking and saving lost people (Luke 19:11). God is a sending God. The Father sent Jesus the Son to save the world. After His work on the cross was complete, Jesus told his followers, As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you (John 20:21). Then the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) to empower the church to be the people of God on mission with Him in the world. God is at work in the world and He wants you to join Him. The word mission comes from the Latin word for sending. Being a Christian includes being sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. The mission Jesus had on earth is now our mission because we are the Body of Christ. As His followers, we are to continue what He started. Jesus called you not only to come to Him, but to go for Him. He saves us to send us out. Although it is a big responsibility, it is also an incredible privilege to be used by God. And remember, God is the One Who changes hearts. Our job is to be a witness, to share the Gospel, to demonstrate His love. His job is to save. So, what about you? Are you living out your identity as a missionary? Page 8 Day 3 1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2. What has God given us? Who has God made us to be? What are we to do? Why? 2. Read Romans 12:3-21 which shows how to be the church. What stands out to you the most? 2. Read Luke 15:1-7. Have you ever lost something valuable and turned your house upside down to find it? How did you feel when you found it? How does God feel when a person turns from sin and becomes a follower of Christ? 1. There are over 60 One Another verses in the NT. We are commanded to love, pray for, encourage, serve, teach, accept, honor, forgive one another and more. Pick one of these to put into practice this week. Plan now when you will do this, and for whom. 2. Is there a relationship that is strained in your life? The Bible tells us that if we have sinned against someone, OR if someone has sinned against us, we need to go to them to resolve it ASAP (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17). Do you need to make a phone call or set up a time to meet with someone to reconcile? Do it today. 1. What fears have kept you from embracing your identity as a missionary ( sent one )? What things keep you from telling others the Good News? Pray for God to give you courage and compassion that you might see and seize the opportunities He gives you. 2. Pick one of the people you listed on p. 12 that you are believing to impact with the Gospel. What is something you can do this week to reach out to them (e.g., set up a lunch date, go on a hike, etc.). Tell a friend and ask them to pray with you about this.