November 2023: Three-Day Prayer and Fasting
On Wednesday, November 1st through Friday, November 3rd, 2023, we will embark upon a sacred journey of three days, marked by prayer and fasting. Our goal is to be in fasting each day from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
The prayer theme is “Presenting My Body as a Living Sacrifice”. The pertinent scripture is Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to wholeheartedly dedicate our bodies to the Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn't apologize for urging us to give ourselves completely to God. He informs us that this isn't a mere sacrifice; rather, it's our reasonable service. Sometimes, as Christians, we mistakenly believe that living a holy and purposeful life for God is doing Him a favor, rather than realizing it's what God expects of us.
Let's take a moment to reflect on what God did for us when He stood in our place. In Galatians 3:13, the Apostle Paul reminds us that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, becoming a curse for us, as it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree." He willingly became a curse so that you and I could live. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”.
Luke 22:42 records His words: "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done”. In St. John 18:37, when Pilate questioned Him about being a king, Jesus affirmed His purpose, saying, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice."
Therefore, the sacrifices we make to serve the Lord cannot compare to what He has done for us. As we embark on these three days of prayer and fasting, let us reflect on all that He endured in carrying His cross, and let us truly follow Him.
Wednesday, November 1st, 2023
Prayer Focus: Praying that we present ourselves totally to God.
Scripture: (5am - Romans 12); (12pm - Romans 6:1-12); (8pm – Colossians 3:1-16)
Prayer Focus
- Pray that our affection will be on things above and not on this earth (Colossians 3:2).
- Pray that we will become followers of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1).
- Pray that the will of God for our lives will take precedence over our desires and ambitions (St. Luke 22:42).
- Pray that we will be steadfast in God as we await His imminent return (St. Matthew 24:36).
- Pray that we will love what God loves and hate what He hates (Romans 6:1-2).
- Pray that we will not allow sin to reign in our mortal bodies (Romans 6:12).
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023
Prayer Focus: Pray for the salvation of those within our communities
Scripture: (5am - Romans 10:1-13); (12pm - Matthew 9:35-38)
Prayer Focus
- Pray for the unchurched within the communities of Saint Albans and Bellmore that they will be receptive to the word of God (Romans 10:1).
- Pray that God will open the hearts of those who are not saved within our families (Romans 10:9).
- Pray that we will nurture a deep concern for the salvation of our colleagues at work, fellow students at school, and the members of our community where we reside, including St. Albans and Bellmore (Matthew 9:35).
- Pray that we will pledge to pray for those who are backslidden so they will be restored (Jeremiah 3:14).
- Pray that we will extend love to those who don’t know Christ and that we will win them by our love (Proverbs 11:30).
- Pray that God will make our faces like flint so we will develop boldness to witness (Isaiah 50:7).
- Pray that God will draw those who are not saved so they can seek His mind and will for their lives (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Friday, November 3rd, 2023
Prayer Focus: Pray for the salvation of those within our communities
Scripture: (5am - Romans 10:1-13); (12pm - Matthew 9:35-38)
Prayer Focus
- Pray for the unchurched within the communities of Saint Albans and Bellmore that they will be receptive to the word of God (Romans 10:1).
- Pray that God will open the hearts of those who are not saved within our families (Romans 10:9).
- Pray that we will nurture a deep concern for the salvation of our colleagues at work, fellow students at school, and the members of our community where we reside, including St. Albans and Bellmore (Matthew 9:35).
- Pray that we will pledge to pray for those who are backslidden so they will be restored (Jeremiah 3:14).
- Pray that we will extend love to those who don’t know Christ and that we will win them by our love (Proverbs 11:30).
- Pray that God will make our faces like flint so we will develop boldness to witness (Isaiah 50:7).
- Pray that God will draw those who are not saved so they can seek His mind and will for their lives (Isaiah 55:6-7).
There are several scriptures that encourage us to remain faithful to the end. If you have fallen during the process of the race, get up and resume the journey. The enemy of our souls wants us to believe that when we have stumbled during our race God has given up on us. But it is a lie from the pit! Yes, we are encouraged to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. We know that God hates sin, but he loves sinners. He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Therefore, when we fall it’s imperative that we look to God in faith to summon the strength to rise again. At times, getting up is the hardest part of the process, for sure - it gets easier thereafter. Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for His children that where He is there we will be also.
Amidst these challenging days, let not distractions veer us from the path. There are many trials yet awaiting us as believers, but that which God has gone to prepare for us is so great that we cannot afford to stop. We cannot afford to allow these light afflictions to prevent us from an eternity of peace, joy, and tranquility. The splendor and grandeur of Heaven await those who endure to the end so, run the race and stay the course - it will be well worth it!
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 the UAC Prayer Line is (551-258- 6254). There will be a Prayer Meeting in the Sanctuary this Friday evening from 7 pm-9 pm.
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!