The Rock Church Raleigh, Inc. Pastor Derrick L. Phillips www.rockthecitync.org 1
The following information is provided with the understanding that The Rock Church Raleigh (TRCR) is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other healthcare profession. The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of publication. DO NOT rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or fail to consult with health-care professionals, should the need for medical attention arise. The Rock Church Raleigh, Inc. or the Senior Pastor, Derrick Phillips takes any responsibility for any possible consequences from any action taken by any person reading or following the information in this publication. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care professional before undertaking any change in your physical regimen, whether fasting, diet, medications and supplements, or exercise. 2
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Consecration 2014 Letter from Pastor Derrick Phillips God bless you! I wish you a happy new year and I pray God s greatest blessings upon you in the months to come. I would like to invite you to join my family, and The Rock Church family on our Consecration 2014. What Is Consecration 2014? To consecrate means to make or declare something sacred; to dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose. At the end of 2013, the Lord spoke to me about challenging the body of The Rock Church Raleigh to join together at the beginning of the year in order to consecrate or dedicate to Him a portion of the first days of the year by fasting and praying. Each year during consecration, I believe we will see God operate powerfully in the ministry of The Rock Church as we deny our flesh for a spiritual and natural purpose. Indeed, our spirits, souls, and bodies are cleansed and renewed during this special time. So we take this sacred time of prayer and fasting seriously as we look forward to what God has in store for us collectively and individually each year. This year, I want us to make sure that we are ALL IN meaning we give in totally to seeking God earnestly for his wisdom, Guidance, and supernatural provision. This year we are doing 21 days of fasting and 40 days of Prayer! I really believe God is going to move!! If you are a Member/Visiting Member of The Rock Church, you ought to be determined to be in the flow of what the Lord is saying to us together. As your Pastor, I have to answer to God for your growth and ability to hear a Word from the Lord. I also want to see your faith grow, and challenge you to be the best that you can be. So you should want to fast with us, and I trust that you will. Standing on The Rock, Pastor Derrick L. Phillips In addition to growing strong corporately, there are many individual benefits of fasting. As is my usual method, I will give you seven benefits of fasting. Fasting: 1. Is a practice that God commands. I have provided some scriptures on fasting at the end of this pamphlet. 2. Moves God, and moves you! 3. Quiets your flesh, making it easier to hear the Holy Spirit, and your inner spirit. 4. Is an opportunity for you to show your flesh who is in control. You rule you! 5. Strengthens your spirit as you dedicate that time to prayer. 6. Creates a bond with your Kingdom family as we unite together in prayer. 7. Cleanses toxins from your body, helping you to start the year healthy How Long Is It? This year, we will be consecrating 21 days of the year to God, from Monday, January 20th until Sunday, February 9th. We will continue with the 40 days of prayer until February 28, 2014. 4
Why Should We Fast? If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts: Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you! Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience. Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others. Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God's face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God. Who Should Fast? If we go to the Bible and to the history of Israel and the early church, we find that fasting was a regular part of the life of God s people. Under the Old Covenant, Israel was required by God to fast collectively at least once a year on the Day of Atonement and other occasions. There are also records of individuals who fasted Moses fasted, David fasted, Elijah fasted, and many of the prophets and kings of Israel led the people in fasting. In the book of Acts, there are records of the early church fasting together in groups for special needs. Particularly when they were sending forth apostles, but also when they were appointing elders in local churches, the early church would collectively fast and pray for God s guidance. Church tradition and historical accounts suggest that for several centuries the early church practiced fasting regularly on Wednesday and Friday of each week. 5
TYPES OF FASTS There are two basic types of fasts, Total (water only) and Partial (abstaining from specific items). Jesus fasted and prayer 40 days and 40 nights, and though we are to be like Him, I am not asking you to abstain from nourishment for such a long period of time. But I am asking you to do something! For instance, you can join with me and split up the 21-day fast into equal periods of fasting as follows: DATES PASTOR DERRICK & LADY LATONYA S FAST Jan 20-26 7 days of water & juice only Jan 27 Feb 9 14 days of The Daniel Fast I will not be having bread, sweets, candy, cake, etc. for the whole 21 days, and once I start eating again, I will be drinking water, no juice, tea, etc. Since I will not be eating for the first 7 days, I will not really exercise, but as soon as I begin to eat I will begin working out again. If you re going to do this fast with me, I suggest you drink distilled water since spring water keeps your digestive system awake --- not good when you re not eating! I do not expect everyone to do what I am doing. It is hardcore, and if you are on medication, or under a physician s care, or pregnant, or if you work a job that is very physical, this is not the fast for you. But that does not mean that you cannot fast. Here are some other options. Other Ways to Fast 1. Denial: No food from 6am to 6pm Sun up to sun down 2. Daniel: Fruit, vegetables, juice, and water only! 3. Dedicated: No solid foods for the duration of the fast 4. Desert: Water is your only beverage option for the entire period of time. You may eat what you like! 5. Drought: No television with the exception of the news and religious programming. 6. Deliverance: Refrain from sinful habits or habitual behaviors (examples: cursing, gossip, overeating, alcoholism, ungratefulness, sexual sins) Prayerfully after the fast you won t look back 7. One meal per day (no sweets, no caffeine, no soda!) 8. No caffeine: coffee, chocolate, or soda, or tea (This may be a great time to give up soda altogether since it is so bad for you.) 9. Fruits and vegetables only, no meat 6. No complex carbohydrates: bread, pasta, potatoes, sweets 7. No tobacco (If tobacco has you, this is a great time to kick it out of your life.) 8. No television, social media, video games (take the time you normally dedicate to these to prayer and reading of God s word) We present these options for fasting so that everyone can participate. Please join with us. Do something! The benefits are great. How Should I Prepare For the Fast? Spiritual Preparation In preparation for this special time with God, I strongly urge you to examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. King David said: Come and hear, all of you who reverence the Lord, and I will tell you what he did for me: For I cried to him for help, with praises ready on my tongue. He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it! Blessed be God who didn't turn away when I was praying, and didn't refuse me his kindness and love. (Psalm 66:16-20) 6
In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. These may be experiences leaving your first love for our Lord: worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, and unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God's Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with your spouse, your children, your pastor, or other members of your church. The fast is a great time to find an accountability partner, someone with who you can be accountable to believe God for addictions and other sins to be broken in your life. Another great way to prepare for your fast is to practice what I call "Spiritual Breathing." The concept is simple, but it has changed my own life and that of millions of others. Like physical breathing, Spiritual Breathing is a process of exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure. If you knowingly sin, breathe spiritually to restore the fullness of God's Holy Spirit in your life. You exhale by confessing your sins immediately when you become aware of them, and you inhale by inviting the Holy Spirit to re-take control of your life. As an act of faith, trust Him to empower you. During the fast, spiritual breathing-constant reliance on the Holy Spirit-will enable you to resist temptation, not only to sin but to abandon your fast. Physical Preparation Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not fast without specific physical preparation. If you plan on fasting for several days, you will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that "last big feast" before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable. Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before starting a fast. I also recommend weaning yourself off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast. What Physical Effects Should I Expect? Although fasting can be an indescribable blessing, it is not always easy for everyone. In this time of discipline, self-sacrifice and reflection do not be surprised if you experience mental and physical discomforts. To begin, you may experience some inner conflict when you deny yourself the pleasure of eating delicious food. Any sort of fast may sometimes leave you feeling impatient and irritable. During a 3-day fast, this struggle can intensify toward the end of the second day. That seems to be a favorite time for the "self" to rise up and say, "This is as far as I want to go. I have done enough." 7
Physical Effect Hunger Pangs: These are greatest usually during the first three days of the fast. Your body is adjusting from using the food in your digestive tract (which remains about three days) to consuming stored fats. Suggested Relief: Psyllium Bulk: Help eliminate hunger pangs and also aids in cleansing the body. Several capsules can be taken throughout the day with plenty of water. Silymarin tablets may also be helpful, for they are believed to protect and enhance the cleansing of the liver. Physical Effect Coldness, bad breath and heightened body odor, changes in elimination (constipation or diarrhea), light-headedness, changes in sleeping and dreaming patterns, aches and pains. A white-coated tongue at the beginning of a fast may be a part of the body's pattern of throwing off toxins Also expect to go the bathroom often (you will be drinking lots of water!) Suggested Relief After the first week of an extended fast, many of these symptoms subside. Continuing aches in a certain area of the body usually means elimination of fatty tissue is going on in that area, which is not harmful. However, any extensive pain should be examined immediately. Carry sugar-free mints during your fast. YOU SHOULD STOP FASTING IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SEVERE PAIN OR SWELLING. Physical Effect Headaches or stomachaches may be a result of salt, sugar, or caffeine withdrawal. Suggested Relief Eliminating those items from your diet prior to fasting is the best way to avoid these pains. Physical Effect Lower back pain may indicate that you are dehydrating Suggested Relief Drink more fluids (DISTILLED WATER IS GREAT FOR THIS or Sugar Free GATORADE) Physical Effect Dizziness may be caused by a sudden change in position, such as rising suddenly from a chair. Suggested Relief Stop for a second or two, and then recover. Move slowly. (A word of caution: these conditions may be symptoms of other problems requiring medical attention). Physical Effect Minor fasting discomfort Suggested Relief Take one teaspoon of psyllium seed powder morning and evening. Mixed in lukewarm water, it becomes like Jell-O. This powder will hasten the elimination of toxins from your colon and help to prevent headaches and dizziness for most healthy people. Alfalfa tablets can help control bad breath and cleanse the system. Two tablets at a time can be taken several times a day. 8
In my desire to be absolutely faithful to my first 40-day fast, I stopped taking my usual vitamins and minerals. However during subsequent fasts, I have felt strongly impressed to continue my vitamin and herbal therapy and also using psyllium. I do this to keep my "temple" healthy while continuing to deny myself the pleasure of eating solid food. During your fast, you may have your struggles, discomforts, spiritual victories, and failures. In the morning you may feel like you are on top of the world, but by evening you may be wrestling with the flesh-sorely tempted to raid the refrigerator and counting how many more days are left in your fast. This is especially true if you are new at fasting. To counteract temptations like these, take extra time with the Lord to spend with God. Step outside for fresh air and a moderate walk of a mile or two, and talk to the Lord as you walk along. And in the process always keep on sipping water or juice frequently during your waking hours. How to Deal With Others During the Fast? Many people are reluctant to tell others that they are fasting so they will avoid the sin of the Pharisees: fasting just to gain recognition for themselves. I strongly believe that attitude is a result of a wrong interpretation of our Lord's teaching and that it is a trick of the enemy who does not want us to fast, nor to share with your loved ones, neighbors and friends the benefits of fasting. By isolating ourselves from the support of other Christians, we will be more susceptible to doubts and negative influences (both human and demonic). We need the prayer shield of our Christian friends and family members to help us continue when we feel alone and when the enemy tempts us to give up Our Lord as he did Jesus Christ. Eventually, people will notice you are not eating. However, I have found that unless you see them daily, they do not consider your skipped meal much of a concern. If you are asked, nonbelievers may be satisfied by such a brief answer as, "I have other plans for lunch today." Or Christians should be satisfied when you answer that you are fasting today. If friends and family express concern for your health, ease their fears by telling them that you will stop fasting the moment you feel you are harming your body or if the Lord leads you to end your fast. Tell them you are fasting under your doctor's care, which I urge you to do if you have any question concerning your health. There is usually no reason for telling strangers or casual acquaintances that you are fasting. If you do, they may subject you to a lot of questions that you may not want to answer. But in any case, use your best judgment and the Lord's leading in telling people about your fast. 9
How to Make Your Spiritual Experience the Best it Can Be Receiving God's best blessing from a fast requires solid commitment. Arranging special time each day with God is absolutely crucial in attaining intimate communion with the Father. You must devote yourself to seeking God's face, even (and especially) during those times in which you feel weak, vulnerable, or irritable. Read His Word and pray during what were mealtimes. Meditate on Him when you awake in the night. Sing songs to Him whenever you please. Focus on your Heavenly Father and make every act one of praise and worship. God will enable you to experience His command to "pray without ceasing" as you seek His presence. As you enter this time of heightened spiritual devotion, be aware that Satan will do everything he can to pull you away from your prayer and Bible reading time. When you feel the enemy trying to discourage you, immediately go to God in and ask Him to strengthen your resolve in the face of difficulties and temptations. The enemy makes you a target because he knows that fasting is the most powerful of all Christian disciplines and that God may have something very special to show you as you wait upon Him and seek His face. Satan does not want you to grow in your faith, and will do anything from making you hungry and grumpy to bringing up trouble in your family or at work to stop you. Make prayer your shield against such attacks. Most major reasons for fasting are for personal revival, revival for our nation, for the world and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. But praying for our own needs and interceding for others are also important reasons to fast and pray. Bring your personal needs before the Lord; intercede for your loved ones, your friends, your church, your pastor, your community, your nation, and the world. By your prayers of humility, as you fast, you will help the Great Commission be fulfilled. However, do not become so caught up in praying for yourself and others that you forget about simply reverencing and praising God. True spiritual fasting focuses on God. Center your total being on Him, your attitudes, your actions, your motives, desires, and words. This can only take place if God and His Holy Spirit are at the center of our attention. Confess your sins as the Holy Spirit brings them to your attention and continue to focus on God and God alone so that your prayers may be powerful and effective. A renewed closeness with God and a greater sensitivity to spiritual things are usually the results of a fast. Do not be disappointed if you do not have a "mountaintop experience," as some do. Many people who have successfully completed extended fasts tell of feeling a nearness to God that they have never before known, but others who have honestly sought His face report no particular outward results at all. For others, their fast was physically, emotionally, and spiritually grueling, but they knew they had been called by God to fast, and they completed the fast unto Him as an act of worship; God honored that commitment. Your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, not to have an emotional experience, and not to attain personal happiness. When your motives are right, God will honor your seeking heart and bless your time with Him in a very special way. 10
The Daniel Fast Food List Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods. Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn. All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter. All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans. All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. (sugar-free Gatorade if needed) Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, natural honey, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices, Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products: including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products: including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, yogurt, and eggs,. 11
All sweeteners: including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, syrups, molasses, and cane juice. All leavened bread: including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods. All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol. PRAYER In addition to fasting, we will be praying, communicating with God, on a consistent basis. I trust that as you are denying your flesh, your spirit man is better able to hear from the Lord. Here at the beginning of the year, there is no time like the present to focus on what the Lord is saying to you concerning your future. It is extremely important to pray during the fast! Many special blessings and miracles are a result of prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Ask God for the impossible!! Prayer is extremely important during this fast, and each day we need to be sure that we are praying coupled with reading the word of God. Daily Prayer: During this year s consecration, I want you all, wherever you maybe, to pray three times a day at 5:30am, Noon, & 7pm, everyday throughout the prayer for 40 days. The first 21 days of the 40 days of prayer we will pray towards specific prayer targets. If these times don t work for you, find times that will accommodate your schedule. Make a place for prayer, include worship and praise music, and shut out all distractions (cell phone, computers, etc.) Remember keep a list or journal of things to pray for during the fast. 40 Day Prayer Schedule Day 1 Personal Repentance Day 2 Unity and Harmony Day 3 Keen Discernment Day 4 Godly Wisdom Day 5 Supernatural Provision Day 6 Pastor & Family Day 7 Divine Protection Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 The Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Single Day 14 Healthy Salvation of City of Submission Children, Believers in Connections Church Growth the Lost Raleigh and the Triangle to the Will of God Youth, Teenagers our Church & Relationship Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Timing & Property, Financial Church Divine Witness & Vision: Dreams Territory Prosperity Leaders Healing Servitude Church & Personal 12
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Day 1 Prayer Focus: Today, we focus in on Personal Repentance Scripture: Matthew 4:17 Prayer: Lord, I truly repent of all my sins. I repent of the sins about which I know and the sins about which I don t know. Forgive me Lord of pride, rebellion, vanity, jealousy, judging, distrust, prejudice; all sins that I have committed that grieve your heart; greed, dishonesty and theft. Please forgive me for my refusal to forgive others. Please Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me; a spirit that will worship you, glorify you and serve you for the rest of my life; in Jesus name. Amen! DAY 2 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for unity and harmony in our local church Scripture: I Peter 3:8, 9 Prayer: Father, I thank You that Jesus has given to us the glory and honor which You gave Him, that we may be one, even as You and Jesus are one. God, I understand that we are stronger together so help me to do my part in order to enhance the spirit of unity among us until we become united. I pray that in The Rock Church, Your Kingdom will come and Your Will be done in Jesus name. Amen! DAY 3 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Keen Discernment; that we are able to discern the evil from the good. Scripture: Proverbs 3: 1-6 Prayer: Father, I trust in you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I acknowledge you, so that you will make my path straight. Through your precepts, I gain understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp on my feet, and a light to my path. I thank you for a discerning heart today; in Jesus name. Amen! DAY 4 Prayer Focus: Today, I pray for Godly Wisdom Scripture: Proverbs 2:2 Prayer: Father, you said if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of You, who gives to all men liberally. Therefore, I ask in faith, nothing wavering, to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding concerning my life and our ministry. Today, I incline my ear unto wisdom and apply my heart to understanding so that I might receive that which has been freely given unto me. In Jesus name, I receive godly wisdom and instruction, in Jesus name I pray. Amen! DAY 5 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray that the struggle would be removed from our meeting our daily needs, and that Supernatural provision would manifest. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-11 & Psalm 37:25 Prayer: In the name of Jesus I confess with the Psalmist David, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed beg bread. I thank You that all my needs of our ministry are being met. I pray that there will be no struggle doing so for it is You, O Lord that releases all wealth into the earth realm. Again, I pray that Your kingdom will come and Your will be done in my life and in our ministry in Jesus name. Amen! 14
DAY 6 Prayer Focus: Pray for Pastor Derrick Phillips, First Lady, and his family Scripture: I Timothy 2:2 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for Pastor Derrick Phillips, that you will give him strength, even now; I pray that You will place upon him an anointing to Finish in this season. I pray that he s healthy in his body and whole in his mind. Keep him and his entire family covered with the blood of Jesus. I pray that neither hurt nor harm come near his dwelling, that he can see the fruit of his labor. I pray that new doors of opportunity are open to him and that you would literally put his name in the wind. I pray for the family that they too are strong in Your might, that they put no burden on each other, but that they walk in agreement and on one accord. Let them not tear each other down, but build each other up, as they walk in unity. Keep their minds stayed on You; O Lord I pray that they have good success in their ministry efforts in Jesus name. Amen! DAY 7 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for divine protection Scripture: II Timothy 4:18 & Psalm 91 Prayer: Father, today in Jesus name, I confess your word over my life and all those connected to me and know that Your Word does not go out and return to You void, but it accomplishes what you say it will do. I give you thanks for moving quickly to perform Your Word and fulfill its promises. I rejoice in the promises that Your Word holds for protection and safety. I trust in You and dwell in Your protection. If I shall face any problem, I will run to You. You are my strong tower and shelter in a time of need. Believing in the Written Word of God, I speak peace, safety and success over all of my movement today in Jesus name. As a child of God, I stand confident that my planned moments will not be disrupted or confused. Thank you Father, that in every situation you are there to protect me; in Jesus name. Amen! DAY 8 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Healthy Church Growth, Church Facility, and Church Finances Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:15, 16; Haggai 2:9 Prayer: Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus, Our Loving Father, We believe that Church is the body of Christ founded on the rock that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. The Scripture says that neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who increases. Relying on this promise, Father, we enter into Your presence, for the growth of our Church. As the Living Word says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it", we are totally helpless. Apart from You, we can do nothing. We beseech You, Lord, to pour out Your life-giving Spirit and Your enabling power upon the Church in an abundant measure and thus, bring about a total revival in the Church. Purge away all the sins, iniquities and uncleanness from the Church. Let Your ears be open towards all the prayers that come to You from this Church, day and night. May it be pleasing to You Lord, as sweet incense before You. Let Your glory cover this Church. Father God, place Your mighty outstretched hands on every member and the leaders of the Congregation. Let the gift of prophecy operate in our Church Lord so that Your Word which says "but he who prophesies edifies the church" may be realized in the Church. Help us to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Father, let Your grace always abide. In Jesus' most precious name, we pray. Amen. Day 9 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for the Salvation of the Lost Scripture: I Timothy 2: 1, 2 15
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, we bring the lost of our city of Nassau to you this day; and every man, woman, and child throughout our country before you. As I intercede, I use my faith believing that 16
thousands on this day, have the opportunity to make Jesus their Lord. For everyone who has that opportunity, today we loose the enemy from his assignment against them. We ask the Lord of the harvest to thrust willing and able laborers around these lives this day to share the good news of the gospel. We believe that they will not be able to resist the wooing of the Holy Spirit from you Father. Bring them to repentance by your goodness and love. We thank you now for souls, many souls. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! DAY 10 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for deliverance to come to our city, Raleigh/Durham. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus I have received Your power, ability and might because the Holy Sprit has come upon me and I am Your witness in the city and to the ends of the earth. I fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near the throne of grace that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in every need while being Your witness. I pray that Deliverance will come. I will not let false prophets who are in our city deceive us; I pray that their schemes are destroyed; I come against spirits of strife, and confusion in our church, our city, our country and in my life. Holy Spirit, I ask you to open the eyes of our people that they may turn from darkness to light. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! DAY 11 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for total submission to the will of God Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6 Prayer: Father, I thank you for Pastors and Leaders who are submitted to you and are an example to the congregation. I pray that in this season as they are submitted to You Father, that I may submit all my ways unto you. Father, you are the Supreme Authority, the God of order. You have instituted other authority structures that will support healthy relationships and maintain harmony. It is my decision to surrender my will to you that I might find protection and dwell in the secret place of the Most High. I shall not walk out of the order that you have set for my life whether in my home, the marketplace or the church. I will remain submitted to you and the authority you placed over me in the earth realm. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! DAY 12 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Children, Youth & Teenagers Scripture: Proverbs 22:6, 15:31 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I affirm Your Word over our sons and daughters. I commit them to you and delight myself also in you. I thank you that you delivered them out of rebellion and into right relationship with you. Father, I thank you that they too walk in great knowledge of who you are, and have made You Lord over their lives. Keep them safe is our prayer, increase their knowledge and give them wisdom is our prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! DAY 13 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Single Believers in our Church Scripture: II Timothy 2:22 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all Single members of our ministry. I pray that the conduct of the old man continues to pass away and I pray that they are united to You Lord, and will become one spirit with You. I pray that Singles will shun immorality and all sexual looseness in Jesus' name. I pray that they will flee from impurity in thoughts, words, or deed; that they regard their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit, whom he/she has received as a gift from God. Lord, help them to 17
understand that they were bought with a price, and they are covered with the Blood of Jesus. I thank you for their protection, and their understanding in Jesus' name. Amen! DAY 14 Prayer Focus: Pray for Godly Connections & Relationships Scripture II Timothy 2:26 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I bring all Marriages in our ministry before You, whether they are troubled or not. I pray and confess Your Word over them; I use my faith, believing that Your Word will come to pass. Therefore, I pray and confess that all married couples in our congregation will let bitterness, indignation, wrath, passion, rage, bad temper, resentment, slander, abuse and evil speaking be banished from them. I pray that they are, kind to one another, tenderhearted, and understanding, loving and forgiving one another as You forgave them. I thank you that they shall walk in love, and bring no shame to your name, In Jesus' name we pray. Amen! DAY 15 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Timing & Dreams Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, We decree and declare that we are functioning and moving in the anointing of the sons of Issachar and that we are not behind schedule. We pray that we are healed and spirit filled and have the audacious faith to accomplish our dreams, visions, and goals according to your divine timing and syncopation. Let us be in tune with your schedule and timing. In Jesus name we pray. Amen! DAY 16 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for property & territory Scripture: Joshua 24:13 Prayer: Father, I thank you for property and territory today. We ask according to your word that you will release property and territory into our possession. Let every place that the soles of our feet tread are transferred to us. We thank you that we will obtain unused resources and property that will be used as a testament of your covenant with us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! DAY 17 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray that the Financial Prosperity Scripture: Hosea 6:1, 3 Prayer: Lord, I thank you that Financial prosperity is our portion. Cause divine and fresh winds of the Holy Spirit to blow. Let the west winds of replenishment, prosperity, the north winds of abundance, and the south winds of restoration and supernatural supply blow profusely. We pray that we become financial underwriters of your kingdom agenda. Bless the works of our hands and provide multiple streams of income, work opportunities, favor with creditors, advancements, creative ideas, and assets. In Jesus Name. Amen! DAY 18 Prayer Focus: Pray that church leaders will come and be developed at the Rock Church Scripture: Isaiah 59:16 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for a great birthing of leaders in the ministry. Today, we pray for the birthing of intelligent, bold, and powerful leaders to support and undergird the ministry. 18
Let them come and operate with a sense of urgency, excellence and in the spirit of the Pastor & First Lady. We pray that they shall come forth head first. In Jesus name. Amen! DAY 19 Prayer Focus: Today, our corporate focus is on Physical healing the children s bread Scripture: Psalm 103:1-3 Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have promised to pardon all our iniquities and to heal all our diseases. I know I am forgiven and I know I am saved. Today, I received my healing that Your Son and my Savior died for many years ago. In Jesus name I pray. Amen! DAY 20 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for our members to bear witness of being people with the Fruit of the Spirit Scripture: Galatians 5:19-23, Acts 1 Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will begin this process with me. I pray that my life would be a walking example of what a believer with the fruit of the Spirit should be like. I thank you for the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in our ministry. In Jesus name we pray. Amen! DAY 21 Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Vision Scripture: Matthew 16:18 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the vision of The Rock Church. I pray that you would provoke all of us to celebrate each of us and the personal visions that we have. I thank you that a Spirit of Celebration that has hit our ministry will also come to my home. In Jesus name. Amen! 19
THE ZONE DIET: A Partial Fast 20
THE ZONE DIET The aim of fasting is to gain self-control, to be dominated by the spirit, and not by the flesh. A total fast is one where a person only drinks water; anything else is a partial fast. Whether total or partial, the goal is the same, to deny the flesh for a higher purpose. The Zone Diet is a partial fast alternative, and it is a great way to improve your physical health since this plan focuses on dramatically cutting your intake of carbohydrates and increasing your intake of proteins. What To Expect During the days of the Zone Diet or partial fast, here are the DO S & DON TS. DON T DO DO! Eat within one (1) hour of waking in DO NOT! Eat the following: the morning and regularly throughout the Bread Pasta day, taking your last snack no later than ½ Juice Milk hour before bed Potatoes Grains **See schedule below for an example what Rice Beans The ZONE Diet: Meal Plan & when to eat Corn Complex Carbs, Sugars For detailed ZONE diet information, I recommend that you purchase Dr. Barry Sear s, Enter The Zone. For your convenience, we have included an example of a typical Zone meal plan for men and women in DO! Drink plenty of Water DO NOT! Drink juices that are high in the pages to follow. Keep in mind that the aim of this fast/diet is to help you achieve the best balance of artificial flavors or preservatives. A Note About Water: You can drink as much carbs and proteins for optimum physical health. This is a good start to a lifestyle change. The Strict Zone: For Men 1 Block = 7 Grams 4 Block Meal/ 3 Block Snack EAT EVERY 2-2 ½ HOURS (To help speed up metabolism, try to EAT EVERY 2-2 ½ HOURS) Breakfast (choose one): 1. 1 ½ Scoops of Protein and ¾ cup of Oatmeal OR 2. 2 pieces of Large Fruit Snack (choose one): 1. 1 Balance Bar or 1 Zone Bar OR 21
2. 1 piece of Fruit and two slices of Turkey Breast or Turkey Ham Lunch Options (choose one): 1. 1 can of Tuna and 2 pieces of fruit OR 2. 3 eggs and 2 pieces of fruit OR 3. A garden salad with grilled chicken breast on it Snack: see above Dinner Options: Choose from a variety of options, eating one helping of Protein, and two helpings of Carbohydrates (consisting of vegetables only), helpings no larger than the palm of your hand. Snack: see above. Last snack should be ½ hour before bedtime. The Strict Zone: For Women 1 Block = 7 Grams 3 Block Meal/ 2 Block Snack EAT EVERY 2-2 ½ HOURS (To help speed up metabolism, try to EAT EVERY 2-2 ½ HOURS) Breakfast Options (choose one): 1. 1 Scoops of Protein and ½ cup of Oatmeal OR 2. 1 piece of Large Fruit Snack Options (choose one): 1. ½ Balance Bar, or ½ Zone Bar OR 2. ½ piece of Fruit and two slices of Turkey Breast or Turkey Ham OR 3. Grapes and a slice of cheese Lunch Options (choose one): 1. ½ can of Tuna (water packed) and 1 piece of fruit OR 2. 2 eggs and 1 piece of Fruit OR 3. Grilled chicken salad with low fat dressing OR 4. Tuna fish on a salad bed with low fat dressing Snack: see above Dinner Options: Choose from a variety of options, eating one helping of Protein, and two helpings of Carbohydrates (consisting of vegetables only), helpings no larger than the palm of your hand. Snack: see above. Last snack should be ½ hour before bedtime. Some Scriptures About Fasting 2 Chronicles 20:1-15 Ezra 8:21-23 Isaiah 58:1-9 Joel 1:13-14 Jonah 3:3-10 Matthew 4:2 Matthew 6:16-17 Mark 2:19-20 Acts 13:2-3 Acts 14:23 Zone Diet Information www.zonediet.com Practical Tips Drink lots of water! Water transports nutrients, carries away wastes, & hydrates cells, so drink up, and remember to drink distilled water if you are not eating. Did you know? Drinking cold beverages makes your body work harder to stay at a normal temperature. During periods of fasting, this could consume lots of energy and make you tired. To help preserve energy, consider drinking beverages at room temperature. 22
CLARIFYING YOUR PERSONAL GOALS My specific purpose/reason for fasting is: 1) 2) 3) I will observe the following kind of fast: 1) My accountability partner(s) will be: (can be as few as 1 or many as 5) 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) As a result of this fast, I hope to see God: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) There are people who God has laid on my heart. As a result of this fast, I hope that God will move in their life in this way (write their name in parenthesis, along with a prayer request): 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Fast Memory Verse: (To Be Quoted Everyday) Hebrews 12: 1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 23
Other Resources Prayer Commanding Your Morning by N.Cindy Trimm Prayers That Activate Blessings John Eckhardt Fasting How to Fast Successfully by Derek Prince Fasting Edge by Jentezen Franklin Fasting by Jentezen Franklin www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting Prayer Conference Call-In Information: (218) 862-1300 Access Code #937420 5:30am EST 24