June 2023: Three-Day Prayer and Fasting
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, from our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
On Wednesday, June 7 through Friday, June 9, 2023, we will be engaging in our three days of Prayer and Fasting. We aim to be fasting each day from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm.
The Theme will be “A call to Forgiveness” The pertinent scripture reference is St. Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…”
The definition of forgiveness is an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger (Oxford Dictionary). Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. In the Bible, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” literally means “to let go.” The word “forgive” appears 127 times throughout the Bible. It is important to understand that if we do not forgive others their trespasses our trespasses will not be forgiven. The Apostle Peter asked the Lord in St. Matthew 18:21 “How many times should he forgive his bother or his sister, is it seven times?” The Lord’s response (in verse 22) was, “we should forgive seventy times seven within a day”. In essence, we should forgive always. It is vital to understand that forgiveness is beneficial to both parties (the one to whom the offense was done and the offender).
Research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between forgiveness and positive mental health outcomes, including a notable reduction in anxiety, depression, and major psychiatric disorders. There are also medical benefits of forgiveness such as: (a) lowering the risk of heart attacks; (b) improving cholesterol levels; (c) better sleep; (d) pain reduction; (e) decrease in blood pressure; and (f) a stronger immune system. So not only is forgiveness Biblically rewarding but it is also physically and mentally rewarding. Unforgiveness is a sin that causes bitterness in our lives. We read in Hebrew 12:15 “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled”.
Unforgiveness allows the seed of bitterness to be sown in our lives and causes us to be defiled. So, at all cost, we must ensure that we do not harbor unforgiveness. We must be willing to forgive quickly, allowing our line of communication with Christ to always be open. As we read this prayer document it is imperative to do an introspection, to see if we are walking in the spirit of unforgiveness. After we have done a thorough examination, if it is revealed that we are walking in unforgiveness, let us allow the Spirit of Reconciliation to precede us, so our prayers will not be hindered.
In Scripture, there are numerous instances where patriarchs sought forgiveness from God for those who persecuted them. One notable example is Stephen, who, even as he was being stoned to death, uttered these words in Acts chapter 7:60 “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Joseph was able to tell his brethren this statement in Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive”.
Many people have expressed their unwavering refusal to forgive those who have caused them hurt, vowing that they will never forgive or forget the offense. We should be mindful that unforgiveness will imprison us and keep the pain alive. It never lets the wound heal and we go through life rehearing the wrong done to us.Let us take a moment to contemplate the countless times we have wronged God and yet He has chosen to forgive us. It is important to remember that we can only control our own behavior and not that of others. Moreover, if we withhold forgiveness from others, we risk not receiving forgiveness ourselves, which can lead to eternal damnation. Is holding onto our unforgiveness truly worth it? We should keep in mind that God serves as our perfect example, and we should strive to emulate Him. Even when Jesus was on the cross, He asked his Father to forgive those who had wronged Him, including those who shouted for His crucifixion; spat on Him; slapped Him; and placed a crown of thorns upon His head. Despite having the power to call upon ten thousand angels to destroy them, He chose to offer forgiveness instead. He understood that His purpose in coming to Earth was to serve as our sacrificial lamb, and nothing could sway Him from that purpose. As we dedicate ourselves to serving God, let us be willing to forgive those who have wronged us, for this act is highly pleasing to our heavenly Father.
UAC Prayer Schedule & Prayer Points
Day 1 – Wednesday, June 7, 2023
(5am – Hebrews 12:1-15); (12pm – St. Luke 6:22-35); (8 pm - Psalms 103:1-14)
Focus – Pray that we will walk in the spirit of forgiveness.
- Pray that we seek God’s forgiveness daily (Psalms 86:5).
- Pray that we will walk in forgiveness in our Christian journey (Hebrews 12:14).
- Pray that we will not walk in bitterness as we serve God (Hebrews 12:15).
- Pray that we will forgive those that have hurt us in the past (St. Luke 6:28).
- Pray that God will create in us a clean heart and renew within us the right spirit (Psalms 51:10).
Day 2 – Thursday, June 8, 2023
(5 am – Ephesians 4); (12pm – Colossians 3:1-13); (8pm -2 Timothy 2:1-10)
Focus - Pray that our leaders will walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they have been called and that they will not harbor any seed of unforgiveness in their life.
- Pray that there will be unity amongst fellow Pastors, Ministers, and Departmental Leaders at UAC and among fellow laborers within New York Metro District (Colossian 3:14).
- Pray that there will be no schism in the body, but that all members have the same care one for another (1 Corinthians 12:25).
- Pray that our leaders will be good examples of the body of Christ and lead with love, honesty, and forgiveness (St. Luke 23:34).
- Pray that UAC Leaders will bind together for the purpose of winning the lost for Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9).
- Pray that God will give our leaders the strength to stand in these last and closing days of time (Ephesians 6:13).
Day 3 – Friday, June 9, 2023
(5 am – St. Matthew 5:1-16) & (12 pm – Isaiah 55:1-7)
Focus - Pray that we will reach the lost with this great Apostolic truth.
- Pray that we will be a light to those who are in darkness by showing forth the attributes of Christ (St. Matthew 5:16).
- Pray that our lifestyles will mirror the word of God and that people will be drawn to Christ by our behavior (1 Peter 2:12).
- Pray we will see those who are lost as Christ sees them (St. Luke 5:32).
- Pray that we will be good examples of believers in words, thoughts, and deeds (Titus 2:7).
You are being asked to pray at least thrice daily: Morning, Noon, and Evening/Night. Please make a special effort to participate in all prayer sessions. The number for UAC Prayer Line is (551-258-6254).
Members who are taking medications are encouraged to consult with their doctors before participating in fasting. If your doctor advises you against fasting, we encourage you to give full participation in praying each day for the prayer needs previously stated.
God bless you richly!