Prayer & Fasting

Prayer & Fasting

A Constant Need To Pray & Fast

Within the body of Christ there are sure signs of a constant need for direction and refreshing from the Lord. We can never become too mature or too experienced in our faith not to utilize a fresh wind of the Spirit of God. This move of the Lord will undoubtedly place us on the right track and help us to constantly realize our desperate need for Him. Staleness and dullness often creep in from a perfunctory spiritual lifestyle which is fraught with habits and predictability. Such was the case with the Pharisees and scribes who engaged in empty worship (Mark 7:1-23).  Christ is indeed our Lord and God who wants us to see sin for what it is. He also wants us to discern our constant drifting away from a daily commune with Him as well.

Why Pray and Fast?

  • Freedom from the stubbornness of habitual sin
  • To intensify our prayers on behalf of others who are ensnared
  • Draw us nearer in our relationship with God
  • Looking for direction for tough decisions

Prayer and fasting does not change God. It changes and helps us to be better aligned with His will...to hear from Him. Walk in obedience as you live for Christ Jesus.

How long should I pray and fast?

Until you think it is necessary.  Our church will be committed to corporate prayer as one unified body in Christ for 36 days (prayer & fasting).  However, there is also biblical support for praying 40 days.  But the idea is to follow the Lord and not legalism.  As a united body of believers this provides an atmosphere of harmony and support as we together seek the Lord for various reasons.  In addition, together we pray for the direction and guidance of our church, our nation, and the entire Chicagoland region.

Following is a few areas to pray and fast for using Scripture as our guidance.  May the Lord Himself break through the stubbornness of sin and confusion to deliver those requests for which you seek.  In addition, may He also draw you nearer to His presence!

Prayer & Fasting for Freedom

Isaiah 58:6 - "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Prayer & Fasting because of Sinfulness

Nehemiah 1:6 - "...please let Your ear be attentive and your eyes open, that you may hear the prayer of your servant which I pray before you now, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against you. Both my father's house and I have sinned..." [prayer & fasting began in Neh 1:4]

Prayer & Fasting for God's Guidance

Acts 13:2-3 - "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."

Prayer & Fasting for Appointment in Ministry

Acts 14:23 - "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."

Prayer & Fasting for the Health & Welfare of Others

2 Samuel 12:16 - "David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground."

Prayer & Fasting to Draw Nearer to the Lord

Acts 10:30-31 - "So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.