
PRAYER
WHAT IS PRAYER?
Prayer is considered as a lifestyle for those who know Christ. However, there are times when we, as Christ-followers, need to set aside a time of prayer.
A very simple approach to prayer is to use the A.C.T.S. method.
A - Adoration (Psalm 148)
C - Confession (1 John 1:9)
T - Thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
S - Supplication (Philippians 4:6)
SUGGESTED PRAYER LIST
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The salvation of family, friends, employees, acquaintances, and neighbors. Mention them by name.
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The Spirit of God to work in our lives.
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The opportunity to invite a guest and bring them to service with you.
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The pastors and leaders of Christ Fellowship and for God’s favor and protection.
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People to get connected to a Small Group.
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The worship teams and the music selected.
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Our volunteers.
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Special projects our church will promote.
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Our mission opportunities (locally and globally).
WHAT IS BIBLICAL FASTING?
It is denying yourself food for the purpose of prayer and to focus on Christ.
It is to be done:
In humility
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)
In secret
So that it will not be obvious to others 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 6:18)
When making important decisions
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)
In response to a specific need
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)
GUIDE TO A 24-HOUR FAST*
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A 24-hour fast is a time of denying yourself food for 24 hours. The purpose is to devote time to God in prayer and have a prayerful attitude throughout the day.
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Be sure that you know why you are fasting. It’s not to lose weight.
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Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best.
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Have a specific prayer list to guide you (see our suggested list).
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Journal what you prayed for. You will be amazed!
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Consult a doctor if you have any medical issues before starting your fast.
SAMPLE PRAYER SCHEDULE
The evening before you begin
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Eat a normal, but not excessive, dinner at your regular dinnertime.
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Before bed, spend time reading Scripture. (Suggested Scriptures to read: Psalm 1, Psalm 63, Luke 4).
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Spend some time praying for God to increase your passion for Him. Confess any sins you know are hindering your relationship with God.
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Once you get in bed, pray until you fall asleep.
Morning of your fast
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Wake up at your normal time.
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Instead of eating breakfast, spend time with God. Read Philippians 2:1-11.
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Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for you. Pray that God will enable you to have His attitude today.
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During the hours when you are hungry, view those hunger pains as God nudging you to pray.
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Pray quietly throughout the morning, even during your regular routine.
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Engage your normal responsibilities, but do so with an awareness of His grace.
Lunchtime
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During your lunch hour, remove yourself from the day-to-day rush and spend 20 or 30 minutes in prayer.
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Walk around outside of your office or home. Shut off the noise and spend some time listening to God.
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If there is a decision or a struggle in your life, ask God to give you clarity.
Afternoon
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This will be the time when you are most hungry and weak.
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Each time you are hungry, thank Him for filling you spiritually.
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Each time you feel weak, thank Him for being the One who truly satisfies (Psalm 63:8).
Evening
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The last few hours of the 24-hour fast are often the most intimate with God and the most clarifying.
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Devote time praying for your personal spiritual health.
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Spend time declaring God’s greatness and thanking Him for all He has done.
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Confess any ongoing struggles or sins you wrestle with.
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Yield to Him. Submit to Him.
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Devote time praying for Christ Fellowship, your church.
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Do not rush to eat. Eat at your normal dinnertime.
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Conclude your fast. While you eat, reflect on God’s provision for all your needs.