GIVING GOD 40 DAYS A FASTING AND PRAYER JOURNAL

Transcription

1 FIRST EMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 1829 CARONDELET STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 1933 WOODDALE AVENUE, BATON ROUGE, LA GIVING GOD 40 DAYS A FASTING AND PRAYER JOURNAL YOU ARE INVITED TO EXPERIENCE AN INTIMACY WITH GOD LIKE NEVER BEFORE! ENTER INTO HIS PRESENCE MIDNIGHT SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 THROUGH 11:59 p.m. NOVEMBER 5, 2012 Charles J. Southall, III, Pastor

2 A message from our Pastor: Our 40 day fast is different this year. This is the first year of our fast in which we find ourselves in a Presidential election cycle. This fast is not to pray for a particular party or candidate, but it is a solemn time set aside by God for reflection. We have domestic unrest; war abroad, war in our neighborhoods, and international crisis in almost every hemisphere on this earth. We recognize that God is not a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Tea party member. God is a God who has ordained peace. God is a God who has declared that there is a season for war. God is a God who has ordained government and leadership of his creation. God is a God of the least of these and will not ignore the 47%! Our forefathers founded this county on God. It is evident in the Preamble to the United States Constitution: Preamble to United States Constitution We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Let us go back to the beginning of the foundations of this great country. Over the next 40 days we will reflect, meditate, fast and pray as we seek God for clarity of thought in the selection of leaders in our various cities, states, and as President of the United States of America. Finally, use this season, as your personal time of prayer, meditation, and reflection. Seek God for the desires of your heart. Go back and revisit the conversations between you and God since our last 40 day fast. Inventory your life. When the inventory is complete, honor God with true worship and praise! Walk into this fast expecting, anticipating, and believing! For this is the only way we will walk into victory on November 6, 2012 and thereafter. A Note on Fasting Since ancient times, fasting or abstaining from something (not health threatening )along with a simultaneous season of prayer has been a spiritual discipline that believers have practiced for strengthening their relationship with God, direction in decision making, power to break certain habits or to resist the attack of the enemy, healing for the body and mind, adoption of healthier lifestyles, and as a support and an aid in prayer while certain requests are being laid before Our Lord...

3 Season One (September 27 September 30, 2012): A brief grammar lesson: WE We is a first person plural pronoun. A pronoun takes the place of a noun. A noun is a person, place or thing. The first word of the preamble to our constitution did not name a specific person or group of people. When we speak or write in first person, we use the pronoun I. But when there are a buncha I s coming together for a common purpose, plan, and cause, then a conversion takes place and the I s become We. We connotes inclusion and not exclusion. In Season One, our focus is honoring, loving and respecting all of God s creation without regard to ethnicity, social, or economic status. Our desire is to be delivered from all the isms that have crept into our lives racism, sexism, elitism List the isms you desire to have banished from your life. Include isms that have come against you and those isms that you have branded others with and/or inflicted upon others. DAY 1, Thursday. September, 27, 2012 Scripture: Romans 2:11: For there is no respect of persons with God. Prayer: God we thank you for creating us. Thank you for creating us in your image and not the image of each other. We thank you for extinguishing the isms in our lives. We seek your strength to love others as you loved your darling son Jesus and us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen. Daily Reflection:

4 DAY 2, Friday. September, 28, 2012 Scripture: Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Prayer: God our Father we thank you that you are an equal opportunity God. We thank you that your grace and mercy is not dispensed based on our status in life. Father we thank you that you do not hide your word from us but openly reveal all truth. Amen. Daily Reflection: DAY 3, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building. Prayer: Father you have equipped us with all that we need to live, work, and fellowship with all walks of life. Lord, teach me tolerance and love for all. May your sweet Holy Spirit remind me all day and each day that Christ came not to condemn our souls but to save our souls! We lift up those that walk in hate and condemnation of others and beg your forgiveness for the times we have fallen into the trap of condemnation and hatred of others. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Daily Reflection:

5 DAY 4, SUNDAY, September 30, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity! Prayer: Lord, there are leaders and citizens of this great nation that govern themselves by the principle by any means necessary to accomplish their political agenda. Lord let us not fear what man can do to us. Father your word promises us protection, provision, and favor. Father it is our pledge to you this day and forever more that we will walk in faith clinging to your word: Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (Isaiah 43:1) Amen. Season Two (October 1 October 4) United Antonyms for untied include (1) divided; (2) segmented; (3) disharmonious; and (4) fragmented. Fragments of a whole will never represent the full potential of an object or ones intended purpose. There are many areas of our lives that are not whole. There are schisms in our communities. There are stalemates, filibusters and endless mindless rhetoric on the floors of congress and in the many state capitols and governors mansions. This behavior makes it almost impossible to confront the true issues facing God s people. Finally, there are breaches of harmony and union within our families and churches. Season Two requires us to call upon God to: help us identify the areas in our lives in which we are not whole seek God s restoration from that disconnect in our lives. pray that our leaders sincerely seek God for knowledge and wisdom in the governance God s people. pray for the eradication of any divisions, strife, or animosity within our church families and our families.

6 Day 5, Monday, October 1, 2012 Scripture: 1Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. Day 6, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Scripture: will be meddling. Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool Day 7, Wednesday, October 3, 2012 Scripture: Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

7 Day 8, Thursday, October 4, 2012 Scripture: Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Season Three (October 5 October 8) perfect union Can perfection truly be achieved when you unite diverse personalities, beliefs, ideologies, and experiences? Our forefathers seemed to think that not only can we have a perfect union, but that we can form a more perfect union. As imperfect beings saved by grace, perfected through the blood of the lamb, by way of Calvary, and sealed on resurrection day, we experience that perfect union through our relationship with Jesus Christ. In Season Three we are seeking God to perfect our fellowship and relationships. God s word equips us with all that is required for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12). With this power, we, as one body, can effectuate change in our cities, states, and nation. Day 9, Friday, October 5, 2012 Scripture: Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

8 Day 10, Saturday, October 6, 2012 Scripture: Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Day 11, Sunday, October 7, 2012 Scripture: Romans 6:5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection Day 12, Monday, October Scripture: Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

9 Season Four (October 9- October 12) Justice Many cry foul when the unjust define justice. We as believers have to be careful not to accept as the norm injustices in our society. God used prophets like Amos and Jeremiah to warn the people about the consequences of oppressing his people. In season four, intercede on behalf of people all over the world that suffer from inhuman treatment by their governments and military. Lift up those that are wrongfully incarcerated. And, pray that our leaders do not fall to temptation of greed and corruption. Day 13, Tuesday October 9, 2012 Scripture: Ezekiel 45:9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD. Day 14, Wednesday October 10, 2012 Scripture: Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

10 Day 15, Thursday, October 11, 2012 Scripture: needy. Psalm 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and Day 16, Friday, October 12, 2012 Scripture: 2 Samuel 8:15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people. Season Five (October 13-October16) Tranquility God desires that we live in peace. God also warns us in his word that our peace will be disturbed. At times, it is all out war to maintain peace. In Season five, pray for inner peace. Day 17, Saturday, October 13, 2012 Scripture: Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

11 Day 18, Sunday, October 14, 2012 Scripture: still. Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are Day 19, Monday, October 15, 2012 Scripture: Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Day 20, Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Scripture: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

12 Season Six (October 17- October 20) Common Defense All sports teams want to win! Football teams try to build their offensive line to protect their quarterback. The quarterback is the leader on the field so he must be buffered from injury in order to execute plays with precision. Our quarterback is Christ. Actually, Christ is the offensive line and the entire defensive team. Jesus is our covering. Without the blood of the lamb we are defenseless. In Season Six, our prayer focus is the power and benefits of our covering. Day 21, Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Day 22, Thursday, October 18, 2012 Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

13 Day 23, Friday, October 19, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Day 24, Saturday, October 20, 2012 Scripture: Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Season Seven (October 21 October 24) promote general welfare The drafters of our constitution obviously had in their hearts that the well-being of all citizens of this great nation is to be taken into consideration. Fear, ignorance and hatred have caused a small sector of society to be judgmental and discriminate against those based on the color of skin, economic status, gender, and sexual orientation. In Season Seven, our prayer focus is equality. It is our prayer that we really get what Jesus means when he said Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.(matthew 25:40) Day 25, Sunday, October 21, 2012 Scripture: Jeremiah 38:4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

14 Day 26, Monday, October 22, 2012 Scripture: Judges 18:10 When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth. Day 27, Tuesday, October 23, 2012 (Early Voting Begins) Scripture: Psalm 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Day 28, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

15 Season Eight (October 25- October 28) secure blessings of liberty to ourselves Many of us purchase life insurance policies or burial policies in hopes of alleviating our love ones from a financial crisis upon our death. We ve heard many preachers admonish us that we put more faith in our insurance policies than God s eternal life policy! In Season Eight, our focus is coming to knowledge of the freedom and security of our Salvation. Day 29, Thursday, October 25, 2012 Scripture: Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Day 30, Friday, October 26, 2012 Scripture: 1Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

16 Day 31, Saturday, October 27, 2012 Scripture: Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Day 32, Sunday, October 28, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Season Nine (October 29 November 1) secure blessings of liberty to our posterity In 1 Thessalonians 2:19 it is written: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Some may answer that their joy and hope is in their children and grandchildren. Others may answer that hope is amassing wealth to secure their future. Part B of this verse answers the question with a question: Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? The focus of Season Nine is to walk in the freedom and liberty of your status as a believer! Remember, the only constraints, restrictions, or prohibitions to receiving the blessings of God is YOU! Day 33, Monday, October 29, 2012 Scripture: Acts 13:23 Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

17 Day 34, Tuesday, October 30, 2012 (Early voting Ends) Scripture: Acts 7:5 yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him in possession and to his posterity after him, though he had no child. Day 35, Wednesday, October 31, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 102:28 The children of thy servants shall dwell secure; their posterity shall be established before thee.

18 Day 36, Thursday, November,1, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 37:37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the man of peace. Season Ten (November 2 November 5) ordain and establish God ordained that WE would gather together on one accord in the name of Jesus to intercede on behalf of OUR country. God granted Moses authority to rule and govern his people. In the wilderness God established structure: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. (Ex 18:16) In Season Ten our focus is to return to the precepts, laws, and statutes of God. It has already been ordained by God who will walk into the white house, congress, court houses, city council, and the school board. The democratic process by which God established and ordained for our country is one in which we as believers are to be partakers. Let us walk in obedience and victory on November 6, 2012! Day 37, Friday, November 2, 2012 Scripture: Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

19 Day 38, Saturday, November 3, 2012 Scripture: 1Chronicles 17:9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them anymore, as at the beginning, Day 39, Sunday, November 4, 2012 Scripture: Psalm 90:17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Day 40, Monday November 5, 2012 ((end 11:59 p.m.) Scripture: Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

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