21 Days of Prayer

It's hard to believe, but the summer is drawing closer to an end. In one way, I'm excited because that means my travel season is finally coming to a close as well. I am so grateful that we have an amazing team of people who have been empowered to make GC happen week in and week out. Even without me there, church has been amazing this summer!

I want to especially thank Pastor Andy, Steven, Dustin Thompson, and Troy Perry for preaching dynamic messages in my absence. It's an honor to have you all fill in. 

With July coming to a close, that means one of the most important times of the year as a church is quickly approaching: 21 Days of Prayer. Two years ago, as a launch team, we decided that every August we would challenge the church as a whole to join us in 21 days of intentional prayer and fasting. We believe that as we approach the fall, this is an important time to pray for the next step as a church and a new season of momentum in reaching our city for Jesus. Not only is it a time of preparation, but it is a time of renewal. So we focus heavily on prayer and fasting just before the expected fall growth season. I want to fill you in on why we do this and why YOU should join us.

 

First of all, what is fasting?

Fasting: To abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.

Many people say they fast by not watching television, or listening to certain music, etc. But the technical definition is to go without certain foods. There are different kinds of fasts that many people participate in, and we will share a few in this post.

 

So, WHY do we fast?

1. Fasting Disconnects Us From the World

You would be shocked to know that the things we eat sometimes determine how well we hear the voice of God. Foods have a different effect on us emotionally and physically. Consuming large amounts of sugar, caffeine, and salt can leave you feeling sluggish, which leads to less energy or desire to pray and read the Bible. Sometimes, in order to get your body in tune with God, you have to purge it. Fasting can be one of the most fulfilling spiritual experiences ever, if you do with the right heart and attitude. Fasting allows us to hear from God without certain distractions. When you're totally depending on His Word to fulfill hunger, you learn to hear from Him pretty quickly!

2. Prayer Connects Us with God

Fasting MUST be accompanied by prayer or else it's just a diet. We're not asking you to go on a diet, we're asking you to intentionally and passionately seek the face of God for 21 days in order to hear from Him. Prayer combined with fasting leads to powerful results. Jesus even tells us that some addictions, spirits, and demons cannot be cast out without intense prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21) Remember, fasting without prayer is pointless.

3. Fasting Humbles Us to Seek God's Face for Huge Requests

I think of the book of Jonah when God was set on destroying an entire city because of their wickedness. But then the entire city, even the animals, went without food and water. The king declared a city-wide fast to ask God for forgiveness and to pray for mercy. God heard their cry and spared them. In Scripture, when His people fasted and prayed, God ALWAYS responded. Always. We pray intentionally for huge things during the 21 days of prayer and fasting - huge things for our church and huge things individually. 

4. To Show Total Dependence on God, Not Ourselves

Many of us are addicts. Maybe not to heroine, cocaine, or alcohol, but to food. Many people make excuses as to why they can't fast, but the bottom line is they don't want to give up food. They're addicts. People say things like "I get headaches," or "I feel sick when I fast." This is called detoxing. When your body goes without sugars, caffeine, and carbs, it will freak out! Most of those foods are drugs and they control us. Just as many people can't quit smoking or drinking, many people can't stop eating. The apostle Paul encouraged us not let anything master us except the Lord Jesus. If you can't quit something, then it masters you. Fasting requires total dependence on God. Jesus even practiced this, especially before huge moments. He prayed and fasted for 40 days before starting His earthly ministry. He prayed all night without stopping before choosing the 12 disciples. He prayed in the garden just before going to the cross. Total dependence sometimes requires total depravity. 

What are some ways I can fast?

One of the main ways our leaders fast is called the Daniel Fast. This is a diet that entirely consists of fruit, vegetables, and water. You can read about how Daniel used this diet to show the king that he and his men didn't need all the unhealthy food to be in shape or strong. (Daniel Chapter 1)

 

Another way (I wouldn't suggest this unless you have fasted many times before) is a total fast. No food whatsoever for 21 days. I've had friends that have had nothing but water and 100% fruit juices for 21 days. I've never attempted this fast, but it is a powerful fast that I do want to attempt one day. 

 

You can also just choose to fast from certain foods such as caffeine, sugars, breads, or whatever you choose. We just encourage you to make it something that would be a great sacrifice.

What should I pray for?

Pray for the church:  

   Pray for the leadership and for your pastor.

 

Pray for MANY more lost people in our community to find Jesus through coming to GC.

 

Pray that we would have the land that we desire by the end of 2013.

 

Pray that our serve teams would continue to increase.

 

Pray for influence, favor, and blessings so that we can continue this huge vision and mission.

Pray for yourself and others:

Write down huge prayer requests you want to see answered such as lost family, addictions, financial blessings, physical healing, spouses, children, etc.

 

Be specific! Ask God to do the impossible!

 

Also, if you haven't joined GC, an E-Group, or started serving and giving, pray that God would lead you to your next step and be involved.

We have all kinds of resources and book suggestions at our website: www.generationchurch.me. Just go there to find out more information, including what you can and cannot eat on the Daniel fast. 

 

Also, we want to pray WITH you and hear how God is answering your prayers throughout the 21 days. Send all requests and praises to our brand new prayer team email: pray@generationchurch.me 

We have an amazing team that's excited to pray for you and we will send out your requests and praises. 

Let's get fired up, church! 21 Days of Prayer begins Sunday, August 4th and finishes on Sunday, August 25th. We will have an Encounter Worship night that night to cap off the 21 days and celebrate! Let's prepare our requests now, church. We have two weeks. Let's believe God for greater things! I love you, church...heart and soul.