Day 18: Monday 23rd Jan

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are so privileged in this day and age to have great examples of people in the Bible who have gone before us and have done mighty works for God. The author of Hebrews starts of by mentioning these patriarchs, but then goes on to tell us to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us.

As we continue on this fast, let’s lay aside our distractions and hindrances that are stopping us from really going forward in God. In order to run the race that God has set before us, we need to be free from everything that may weigh us down. Let’s use this fasting period to ‘get it right’ and realign our focus back on to running the race looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!

Prayer Points:

Pray for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit, for dunamis power in the church and in our lives. Pray for continued spiritual hunger and infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Day 17: Sunday 22nd Jan

Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

What great encouragement from these words. In order to find God we need to seek Him. However we can’t just seek Him, we need to seek Him wholeheartedly, with all our heart and soul. It’s like Jesus said, Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind (Mark 12:33).

During this fast, let’s seek God with ALL our heart. Let’s learn to offer our heart and soul and pour them out to Him. Psalm 51:17 shows us how David had a contrite and broken heart. He wasn’t just going to offer God a sacrifice but one that came from a broken, poured out heart.

Prayer Points:

Financial provision and stewardship: Pray for financial breakthrough for those who need it, for good financial management, for freedom from debt and from poverty mentality and mismanagement.

Day 16: Saturday 21st Jan

Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

One of the greatest benefits that comes from fasting is that, as we humble ourselves through praying and seeking God, we allow Him to purge us of the things that don’t belong. Instead of sowing into the things of this world, we are sowing into the Spirit. Instead of feeding our flesh, we are feeding our Spirit.

And as Galatians says, God is not mocked. It is good to meditate on these words and realize we CANNOT deceive God. If we sow into our flesh we will reap death, but when we sow into the Spirit, we will reap everlasting life.

I want to encourage you to keep fasting and to keep seeking Him as we close out on these 21 days of prayer and fasting. Even if you feel like you aren’t seeing any changes, don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 says And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap what we have sown if we do not lose heart!

Prayer Points:

Pray for relationships: in families (children, parents, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters); for friends, work colleagues and bosses. Pray for peace, unity and harmony and love, respect for one another and submission.