2023 Month of Consecration
United Apostolic Church Memorandum
To: Members of the United Apostolic Church
From: Pastor Gordon
Date: December 25, 2022
Re: 12 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, from our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In January 2023 we will engage in 12 days of Fasting and Prayer commencing on January 11th until January 29th, 2023, fasting 3 days each week and each Sunday starting on Sunday, January 15th.
Our theme is “Building walls Together” derived from Nehemiah 4:6, “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”
Nehemiah, one of the most powerful Jews in Babylon, broke down in tears when he heard of Jerusalem’s miserable condition. He mourned for God’s holy city and scattered people. His compassion compelled him to pray and fast for them. His prayer reflected his heart’s passion and offers a pattern for our prayers.
First, Nehemiah acknowledged who God is, “the great and awesome God.” When we focus on who God is, it helps to put our own problems into proper perspective.
Next, Nehemiah acknowledged who he himself was: God’s servant. When we maintain an attitude of humility toward our heavenly Father, we are reminded of our dependence on God.
Then, Nehemiah confessed his own sins and the sins of the Israelites. He did not gloss over the transgressions but stated them in honest repentance. Repentance freed him and can free us to make the next step in prayer.
Awed, humbled, and forgiven, Nehemiah reminded God of his promises to his people. He recounted God’s promises to the children of Israel and interceded for his people, asking God to hear his prayer and favor him.
What situation has brought you to tears? If it is enough to touch your heart, it’s enough to bring you to your knees. Follow Nehemiah’s pattern - acknowledge who God is and who you are, confess your sins and remind God of His promises. When you do these things, you can come to God knowing that “he hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15: 29).
It is our earnest desire that in 2023 we will all experience greater in our personal lives and in every area of our ministry here at United Apostolic Church, however, like Nehemiah, we must be conscious that before we begin to engage in the important work of building; we must first ensure that we are truly consecrated. In fact, prayer and fasting is the first element of building in God’s Kingdom.
All members are asked to prayerfully read one chapter from the book of Nehemiah starting on January 11th.
Key verses:
• (Nehemiah 1:4) “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
• (Nehemiah 4:6) “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
Scriptures: Isaiah 1, Isaiah 58, Psalm 51, James 1, James 4, Galatians 5, 1 Peter 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 1; Matthew 7
PRAYER SCHEDULE FOR WEEK 1:
Week 1 - January 11th – 13th; 15th
Focus – CONSECRATION
Prayer Points for the Week:
› Pray that God would Sanctify and cleanse us and makes us fit for His use. That we would with open hearts cry out to God for deep cleansing as we examine ourselves against His Holy Word.
› Pray that God would forgive us for not always making Him His will our top priority.
› Pray that God would revive us individually., that we would develop a hunger and a thirst and a longing for a closer walk and a deeper relationship with Him.
› Pray that God would purge us of worldliness, ungodliness, uncleanliness, and unrighteousness.
› Pray that God will deliver us from addiction, unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, covetousness, and complacency.
› Pray that God would restore a passion for daily prayer & study of the Word.
› Pray that God would restore the joy of salvation and a desire to gather with the Saints in the House of the Lord.
PRAYER SCHEDULE FOR WEEK 2:
Week 2 – January 18th – 20th; 22nd,
Focus – DIRECTION
Prayer Points for the Week:
› Pray that God would open our eyes to the ministry that He has called us to.
› Pray for boldness to accomplish His will for our lives.
› Pray that God will give our leaders clear direction for our assembly.
› Pray that the Lord will send more laborers for the harvest!
› Pray that God will give us insight into how to witness to those who are lost.
› Pray that the Lord will give our Pastor and other leaders insight and foresight as they provide servant leadership.
› Pray for our Pastor and other leaders that God will give them wisdom beyond their years to accomplish the task set before them.
› Pray that the anointing of God will rest upon our leaders so the yoke will be destroyed when they minister.
› Pray that we will experience exponential growth in every area of our ministry.
PRAYER SCHEDULE FOR WEEK 3:
Week 3 – January 25th – 27th; 29th,
Focus – UNSAVED
Prayer Points for the Week:
› Pray that all members would have a burden for the lost in our communities.
› Pray that God would give us the wisdom and the Words to speak to persuade men to be saved.
› Pray for the physically, mentally & emotionally Sick, the poor, those grieving, and the oppressed that God will grant them deliverance.
I do pray and hope that we will all discipline ourselves and participate as extensively as possible in this endeavor. In order to derive maximum benefit from this effort, we are encouraging members to refrain from watching movies and other similar kinds of entertainment platforms during the days of the Fast. The use of the internet and cell phones should be restricted to work, study, and other essential activities.
Once again, we ask for total participation. We ask that every member (excluding members who cannot do without food for long periods due to a diagnosed medical condition) limit themself to one light meal per day in the evening (after 6 pm). Water may be had throughout the course of the day.
You are being asked to pray at least three times per day every day; Morning, Noon, and Evening/Night. Please make a special effort to participate in all prayer sessions. The number for UAC's Prayer Line is (716) 4271338 and the Access Code is 574403.
Our two Friday evening prayer meetings are scheduled to be held as follows:
› Friday, January 13th at UAC – 7 PM-9 PM
› Friday, January 27th at UAC – 10 PM-6 AM
We do pray that we will all discipline ourselves and participate as extensively as possible in this endeavor.
If your doctor advises you against fasting, we encourage you to participate in praying each day for the stated prayer needs.
God bless you richly!