30 Days of Fasting & Prayer
With great faith and expectation, the NEBC church family has entered a 30-day season of fasting and focused prayer from January 16 through February 14, 2012. Many have committed to spend 24 hours without food in order to intercede for our Pastor Paul Zagrobski and his wife Judy. If you would like to participate, please contact the church secretary.
Information, resources and tips on fasting are included below. Links to Pastor Tyler’s message on fasting and specific prayer requests for the Zagrobskis can be found to the right.
Spiritual Praparation
In addition to praying for Pastor Paul and Judy, many of you will be lifting up personal requests to the Lord. As you prepare to fast and as you fast and pray, consider these things:
- Confess every sin and accept God’s forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- Seek forgiveness from anyone you have wronged.
- Offer forgiveness to anyone who has hurt you.
- Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and control you each day. (Ephesians 5:18)
- With the power of the Holy Spirit, call your body into subjection, refuse worldly desires, and become a “living sacrifice” for God. (Romans 12:1-2)
- Confidently make your requests known to God and have faith that He alone is capable of supernaturally answering your prayers. (Hebews 11:6)
- Expect temptation and attacks from the Devil. Don’t be discouraged by these attacks, bur rather be encouraged! Satan attacks those who are a threat and by fasting and praying today—you are a threat! (Galatians 5:16-17
Some Helpful Tips for Fasting
- Drink plenty of water.
- Spend meal times and snack times in prayer and Scripture reading.
- Listen to music that inspires you and points you to God.
More Fasting Resources
- “The Heart of Christian Fasting” blog entry by Don Green, Grace to You, ministry of John MacArthur
- Celebration of Discipline book by Richard J. Foster (includes a chapter on fasting)
- “The Role of Fasting” devotional article, Ligonier Ministries, ministry of R.C. Sproul
- “7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer” and “Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer” articles by Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ