PRAYER AND FASTING GUIDE FEBRUARY 6-26 2012 Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Ezra 8:21, 23 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of {New Birth}, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Genesis 1:28 (King James Version) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. FRUITFUL yielding or producing fruit; conducive to an abundant yield. MULTIPLY to make many or manifold; increase the number, quantity. REPLENISH to make full or complete again, as by supplying what is lacking. SUBDUE to conquer and bring into subjection; to overpower by superior force; overcome. DOMINION power or right of governing, controlling; sovereign authority, rule; domination. 1
We make a sincere declaration as Kings and Priests to operate in The Power of One with our Heavenly King and with one another. We declare and decree that we are fruitful, that we multiply, replenish, subdue and have dominion in every area of our lives, spiritually, physically and financially. We are the head, not the tail, forever above, never beneath. We are prospering as Kingdom Citizens in all wisdom, knowledge and understanding of what God's Will is for our lives. We walk in the power and the authority of the Holy Ghost, having full access to the Kingdom of God, in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For 21 days, we are uniting as Kings and Priests in The Power of One through prayer and fasting, with one worship, one witness and one seed. Beginning February 6, through February 26, we are focusing on strengthening our relationship with the Lord, our relationship with one another, and we are preparing the way for others to experience oneness with Christ through salvation. THE POWER OF ONE PRAYER Begin each morning with time in God s presence, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Worship, prayer and increased time in the Word of God are essential for a fruitful fast. As you commune with the King of Kings, you will gain greater intimacy with Him, and receive strategic instructions on how to reign and rule in all of your Kingdom assignments. Pray not only for yourself and your family, but also for Bishop Eddie L. Long, First Lady Vanessa Long, our First Family, our Church Family, the Body of Christ, government, community, families, the unsaved, as well as anything the Holy Spirit places on your heart. At 6:30 a.m. (Monday through Friday), join Bishop Long on the Morning Prayer Call. Connect with thousands of intercessors by dialing 760-569-7676 and entering the access code: 980291#. Standard long-distance rates apply. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21 Throughout the day, we will continue in prayer as we all pray on one accord at 9:00 a.m., 12 Noon, and 3:00 p.m. The 9:00 a.m. prayer is for spiritual wisdom (Ephesians 1:15-23), the Noon prayer is for spiritual strength (Ephesians 3:14-21), and the 3:00 p.m. prayer is for growth in the love of God (Philippians 1:9-11), (see the Daily Declarations attached). Wherever you are at those times, stop for a moment and pray. If possible, take a prayer break, go for a short prayer walk, or call a prayer partner to pray together. 2
Every evening, end the day in the Lord s Presence. Pray together with your family, giving God thanks for who He is, and all He has done. Before you retire, get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His Face" so you can be One with Christ. Week One: February 6-12 One meal a day Week Two: February 13-19 Daniel Fast THE POWER OF ONE FAST For 21 days, we will experience The Power of One through fasting. Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has ever given us for our daily lives. While everyone is encouraged to seek the Lord on how they are to Week Three: February 20-26 fast, please consider the suggested model of fasting by eating one Liquid Fast meal a day for Week One, during Week Two engaging in the Daniel Fast (no meats or sweets), and a liquid fast (water, juice, smoothies, broth, etc.) in Week Three. Remember to limit or avoid television, electronics, or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus. For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His Leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be. 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 praying. 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). Esther and all of the Jews in Shushan fasted for 3 days and nights to turn the heart of the king for their deliverance (Esther 4:14-16). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18). Daniel fasted for 21 days and received an answer to his prayer (Daniel 10:2-3). 3
Prayer and fasting also occurs in the New Testament. Anna worshipped night and day, fasting and praying at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Prayer and Fasting - Required or Recommended? The Word of God does not specifically command believers to spend time in prayer and fasting. Far too often, 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. 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). But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:17-18) 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 God or not God's Will for our lives, God will not give what we ask, 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 him." Fasting can help you recover your passion, recapture your dream and restore your joy, thereby, propelling you to walk in the authority of God, as a king and priest - being fruitful, multiplying, replenishing, subduing and having dominion in the earth spiritually, physically and financially. As we fast corporately in The Power of One we will experience the power of God and fulfill our God-given purpose on one accord, seeing signs, wonders and miracles in our midst. Go forth in Jesus' name. Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to practice. It is not a punishment; it is a privilege! 4
THE POWER OF ONE WORSHIP Beginning February 5, we will experience The Power of One Worship at every service. We will worship corporately on Sundays at 9:00 a.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. as one! Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Worship Service Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Empowerment Service Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Corporate Prayer Saturday at 8:30 a.m. THE POWER OF ONE WITNESS These 21 days of prayer and fasting are preparing us to go into our communities as a witness for Christ. Begin now to pray for souls to experience new birth in Christ and for the insight to be better witnesses in our homes and communities. THE POWER OF ONE SEED As Jesus instructed His Disciples in Matthew 6, He made His Expectations of them very clear. He said, When you give, When you pray and When you fast. Those who walk closest with Him are expected to be those who consistently give, pray and fast. During these 21 days, let us not only unite in prayer and fasting, but also in giving. Prepare to sow a $21 seed to the Lord. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31) Thank you for your faithful devotion to the Lord and your commitment to pray, fast, worship, witness and give. We are moving forward in The Power of One! I m looking for a people who will consent to go all the way through the process and emerge with enlarged spirits, vision, and faith No matter how much we want them, there are no shortcuts to God s process. ~Bishop Eddie L. Long, It s Your Time p.154,158~ Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38 5
Daily Declarations Together we declare, that our Heavenly Father has given us the spirit of wisdom and revelation, of insight into mysteries and secret in the deep and intimate knowledge of Himself. Our eyes have been enlightened with a flood of understanding so that we can know and comprehend the hope of our calling and the immense riches of the glorious inheritance that has become our own in Christ, in Jesus name. Amen. As one, we freely kneel before our Heavenly Father, in whom our entire family in both heaven and earth derives it s name. Out of His glorious riches, He strengthens us with unfathomable power, through the Holy Spirit. Christ (The Anointed One and His Anointing) dwells in our hearts through faith. We are rooted and grounded in love and we are all filled with the fullness of God. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that is in us, in Jesus name. Amen. The love of God in us continues to abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that in every situation we can determine the best action to take and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. In all things and in every situation, we are filled with the fruit of righteousness through Christ Jesus our Lord; to the glory and praise of God, in Jesus name. Amen. The Power of One Declaration Heavenly Father, we humbly thank you for this time of fasting and intercession. We seek first the Kingdom of God and Your Righteousness, and all other things are added to us as benefits. Thank You for blessing us to prosper as citizens of Your Kingdom with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your Will. We rise up in Your Image and in Your Likeness as Your Kings and Priests. We love, live and lead like Christ. We are fruitful, we multiply, replenish, subdue and have dominion in every area. Your Kingdom has come, Your Will is done on Earth, as it is in heaven. We have blessings and favor, and we are moving forward in The Power of One, in Jesus name. Amen. 6
FASTING SUGGESTIONS Start with a plan. Set a goal and make a vow to the Lord and an accountability partner. (2 Samuel 3:35) Consult with your physician about fasting. Before beginning a fast, increase your water intake, begin cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Ease on and off a fast. Drink at least one gallon of water daily. While fasting, the body has more waste to get rid of. So, it is important to consume more water each day. Drinking water also reduces cravings. When you are thirsty, drink water immediately. For better tasting water, squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water. Drinking cranberry juice will help to flush the kidneys. Sodas and sugary drinks should be avoided. Abstain from fatty foods, caffeine and sugar. Resist eating fried foods, fast foods, and lessen salt intake. Use mints or lemon to freshen your breath. Do not be alarmed if you experience normal temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness and anxiety. Physical discomforts are also common, especially mid-day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness or sleeplessness. If you feel faint or become ill, make adjustments to your fast and seek medical attention if necessary. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision and or approval. Limit your activity. Exercise moderately only. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable. Rest as much as your schedule will permit. Make a deliberate increase in worship, prayer and study of the Word. Do not neglect your family while you fast. Generate family unity. Parents, sit down with your children and have them lead devotion. Help your children choose to avoid fast foods, video games, or other types of foods or activities that they find most gratifying. Limit their use of electronic devices. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake. Don't give up! PLEASE NOTE: Bishop Eddie L. Long and the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church advise all members and participants of this consecration to consider their personal health needs and to consult their personal physician prior to beginning this fast. Therefore, we specifically disclaim any responsibility from any physical reaction from this fast. 7
TIPS FOR LIQUID FASTING* In addition to a spiritual routine, a dietary routine is vital as well. Dr. Julio C. Ruibal - a nutritionist, Pastor and specialist in fasting and prayer - suggests a daily schedule and list of juices you may find useful and satisfying to include when you engage in a liquid fast. Modify this schedule and the drinks you take to suit your circumstances and tastes. Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acidic. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives. Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it. Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery and carrots in three equal parts. Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine. Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue. The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth. Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach's sake. Avoid caffeinated drinks. *http://www.creatingfutures.net/fasting.htm 8