Posted on 09/27/2002 10:12:47 AM PDT by Freedom'sWorthIt
The dates begin today, 9-27-02 and continue through 11-5-02 (election day). That encompasses 40 days. However, if algoritis hits and more days of fasting and prayer are needed until the final resolution of the critical elections occur, I will continue fasting and praying on beyond the 40 days. Others who are so led may do so as well.
My personal plans are these: I plan to fast one meal a day for each of the 40 days beginning today.
However, if anyone joins this effort, for the days when others tell me they WILL COMMIT to fast and pray on a certain day, I may not fast a meal that day, knowing someone else is "standing in that gap".
Those who make this commitment - I would like to get an email list and send you email reminders. If that does not work, I will use Freepmail to remind you. If you forget, that's ok. You can fast and pray another day.< We can make revisions as needed to the 40 day prayer and fasting list.
And, again, any and all help, resources, added prayers, spreading of the word, will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you! Thank GOD He is our very sure Refuge and Strength, a Mighty Fortress, and a strong Deliverer in our time of great need! God be with you who commit to prayer and fasting for our nation at this critical time.
If you cannot commit to the fasting part of this effort, perhaps you would commit to the prayer part - for one day - of these next 40 - you will dedicate yourself to prayer throughout that day.
Again, God bless you and be with you and with all who are called to intercede with praise and thanksgiving for our nation and for the people affected by the path America takes.
And, if anybody has a prayer ping list, please use it for this message. If this has been posted by anyone else before now, I did not know it. My apologies if it is a repetition of someone else's message.
Please forgive that omission.
If you think others might want to know about such an effort, please pass the word.
Thank you.
THANK YOU, FWI! May God richly bless you for this! (I'll freep you with my info....)
On my way out the door for daughter's coop class...will pray about this today and let you know where the Lord leads me specifically.
Thank you again...and God bless you both. <><
The correct links are at the bottom of that page.
I will put you down for prayer and fasting as God leads you!
AMEN!
(thank you, Dr. Bill Bright)
I have been eating a LOT Of raw vegetables and fruit - but others may not have. That may help in preparing for your fasting and praying.
I know this - when you fast and pray - you will be a target of spiritual attack. So let's pray for each other that God will protect and defend all who respond to this call to fast and pray - themselves and their loved ones will be under the Blood of Jesus Christ and in His Mighty Fortress for protection.
(NOT ON TO DR. BILL BRIGHT'S 7 STEPS: FIRST 4 OF THESE BELOW:)
How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
STEP 1: Set Your Objective
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.
Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.
STEP 2: Make Your Commitment
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
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How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.) |
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The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often) |
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What physical or social activities you will restrict |
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How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word |
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
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Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins. |
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Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9). |
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Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4). |
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Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you. |
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Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15. |
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Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2). |
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Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13). |
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Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). |
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Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17). |
STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.
Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
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Do not rush into your fast. |
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Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods. |
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Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast. |
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