A CALL TO FAST AND PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

A CALL TO FAST AND PRAY

FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

January 1

– January 31

, 2018

Theme Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10 (NKJV)

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to

ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual

understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being

fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

“Well done good and faithful servant” are the words that every true follower of Jesus

the Christ should want to hear at the end of their journey here on earth. God calls

believers to be good and faithful servants. Since God owns everything and we own

nothing, we must manage the time, talent and treasure that He gives us as faithful

stewards.

Let us consecrate ourselves for 31 days, starting on January 1 through January 31,

2018, being dedicated to fasting and praying that we are found to be faithful stewards.

Allow Colossians 1:9-10 to be your guiding light Scripture text throughout this 31 day

journey of faith.

***

Print and sign the last page. Hang or post it in a place where it will be a constant

reminder of your commitment to being consecrated to God for the next 31 days.

***

What does it mean to be “Consecrated”?

Consecration refers to persons or things being separated, or belonging to God, for His

purposes. They are holy and set apart for the service of God. Leviticus 19:2 says…

“You shall be holy, for the Lord your God is holy.”

Servants of God let’s agree to the following during the 31 Days of Fasting and Prayer

1. We will dedicate at least 10 minutes (per day) to reading God’s Word.

2. We will dedicate at least 5 minutes (per day) in prayer.

3. We will strive to attend S.H.O.P. (Sweet Hour of Prayer) 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM each

Monday during the 31 days of fasting and prayer.

4. We will strive to attend weekly, Re-fuel (Bible Study) for the following services

during the 31 Days of fasting and prayer.

• Wednesday “Re-fuel” (Bible study) 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM

• Wednesday Night “Re-fuel” (Bible Study) 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM

5. We will strive to attend “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday Morning Bible

Study) 9:30AM – 10:30AM during the 31 Days of fasting and prayer.

Personal Inspection

Unconfessed sin is one of the biggest hindrances or barriers to our prayers. If we

regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (Psalm 66:18). However, if we

confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from

all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

• Is my greatest affection more for material things on earth, rather than spiritual

growth and serving God?

• Is my home a testimony for Jesus?

• Am I stunting my spiritual growth by not consistently having a quiet time with

God (reading the Word, praying, listening to God, meditating on what I have read,

and being obedient to what God is calling me to do or stop doing)?

• When one desires to receive the best from the Lord, one must totally surrender to

God. Seek the Lord and ask, “Lord am I willing…”

o to receive what You give me?

o to lack what You withhold from me?

o to relinquish what You take from me?

o to be what You require of me?

o to suffer what You ordain for me?

o to do what You command of me?

• Have I failed to center my thoughts and actions on reaching the lost and

unchurched?

• Do I tend to worry and fret more than believe and trust God?

• Am I failing to claim God’s promises and cast my cares upon Him?

• Am I robbing God by not tithing/grace giving?

• Am I willing and ready to forgive any wrong against me or against my family?

Have I forgiven everyone?

• Do I know what my spiritual gifts are and am I using them to glorify God? (If

you don’t know what your gifts are, pray that God reveals them to you).

• Do I have a right attitude toward my fellow church members? Am I jealous of

other members’ spiritual gift(s)?

• Do I have any relationships that do not honor God – that are questionable or

have the “appearance of evil”? Do I engage in any conversations or meetings

that do not please or honor God (in body, on internet, text messages, or

telephone)?

Fast & Prayer Guidelines

A biblical definition of fasting is a Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food for

spiritual purposes. Fasting is a spiritual discipline and one that goes so radically

against the flesh and the mainstream of our culture. Fasting is a purifying discipline

that helps us draw closer to Jesus Christ and surrender our will to his ways. Without

a spiritual purpose for your fast it’s just a diet. There is something about fasting that

sharpens the edge of our intercessions and gives passion to our supplications.

Fasting is one of the best friends we can introduce to prayer.

The great saints of the bible fasted. Moses (Deut. 9:9, 18, 25-29), Ezra (8:21-23),

Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), Daniel (Daniel 9:3), and Paul (2 Corinthians 6:5 and 11:27)

were men of faith and action who fasted for spiritual growth. The greatest example

for any of us to follow, Jesus Christ, fasted – Matthew 4:2. When we separate

ourselves from the daily routine of food and its preparation, eating, or whatever

desired activity (watching TV, playing video games, golf, etc.) in our lives, then we

can devote the extra time to prayer and reading/studying/meditating on God’s Holy

word. The hunger pangs or refraining from your designated activity will re-enforce

our human frailty and our dependence on God. When we take time to put God first

in any endeavor, we are preparing well for whatever lies ahead. The result of sincere

fasting and praying is that God responds and brings deliverance and blessings.

Tips for Fasting

1. Do not jeopardize your health.

2. Only do as many days as you feel you can – if you must break your food

abstinence substitute refraining from a desired activity (golf, TV, video games,

etc.).

3. Pray for strength and focus before you start.

4. Make a list of specific things to include in your prayer.

5. Increase your prayer time, especially in the early mornings when you have the

most time to pray and/or can create the most time to pray.

6. Establish a regular quiet time and location to pray.

7. During this fast we are abstaining from food on Wednesdays, consuming only

water or liquid (juice, milk, water, broth, malts, etc.) from 5 AM – 5 PM

8. If your flesh weakens pray to the Lord for strength and perseverance. It’s a good

idea to have a “fast partner” – you can encourage each other and pray for each

other. This is not a competition or test – there is no failing – trust and pray

unto God through this endeavor – follow your heart.

9. Remember Jesus’ teaching about fasting – it should be a normal part of a

Christian’s life and need only to be seen by God. Jesus wants his people to

adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reason; not from a selfish desire for

praise. Matthew 6:16-18 says: “moreover when you fast, do not be like the

hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they

may appear to men to be fasting, assuredly, I say to you, they have their

reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that

you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your father who is in the secret

place; and your father who sees in secret will reward you openly).”

Finally, reading Isaiah chapter 58 is highly recommended prior to starting your fast.

This chapter will feature fasting that pleases God. Ezra chapter 8 and Nehemiah

chapter 1 are other chapters regarding fasting and praying. The Scripture says, “So

we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23)

Day 1 – Monday, January 1

• Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Meditate on Ephesians 6:12-13

• Pray for at least 5 minutes. Ask the Lord to help you to be obedient to His

Word not to please man but to serve the Lord, doing the will of God from the

heart. Pray that God will revive, renew and refresh our spirits that we will

confess our sins, repent and turn back to Him.

• Maintain a Prayer Journal/Log of your prayer requests to track Answers/

Updates. Refer to the template included in this booklet.

• Review the personal inspection sheet.

• Attend “S.H.O.P” (Sweet Hour of Prayer). If you cannot attend then pray

whenever you can during the 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM time frame.

• Fast from TV programming.

Day 2 – Tuesday, January 2

• Read Luke 16:1-10. Meditate on Luke 16:10 and 1 John 4:4

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for your spouse, significant other, family or

other love ones. Pray that Christians will be bold witnesses for Christ

and that the Lord of the Harvest will send out more laborers into His

harvest. Pray for wisdom in the use of time, talent and treasures, and

that the Holy Spirit would provide insight on how to be a more

accountable steward.

• Confess to God the sin that you struggle with the most and ask God to

give you strength to overcome it.

• Fast from the Internet – only use it for work, stewardship education or

key communication needs, nothing recreational.

Day 3 – Wednesday, January 3

• Read Proverbs 21:1-8. Meditate on Proverbs 21:15

• Pray at least 5 minutes for our local officials (police, fireman, emergency

workers, etc.). Pray that children and youth will hear the word of God and

accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray for unity in the church and recognition

of Jesus as the Lord of your life.

• Attend “Re-fuel” (Bible study) Noon-day or 7:00 PM.

• Fast from all solid foods from 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM (if you cannot fast from

food due to health reasons then fast 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM from a favorite

food, dessert, or TV programming).

Day 4 – Thursday, January 4

• Read John 1: 6-13. Meditate on John 1:12

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that Christians will seek God’s will for their

lives, that they will seek boldness to witness to the lost, and that men

will become spiritual leaders of their homes and communities. Pray that

Christians would exercise more patience in all areas.

• Refrain from making any negative or destructive comments.

• Fast from television, streaming or any other visual entertainment.

Day 5 – Friday, January 5

• Read Proverbs 22:1-16. Meditate on Proverbs 22:10-11

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for deliverance from debt or addiction and for

those suffering from injustice such as human trafficking, legal

misrepresentation, child abuse, etc. Pray for divine appointment(s) to

minister to someone and that WBC members will seek opportunities to

serve.

• Review the Prayer Journal/Log entry you made on Monday and record

answers or wisdom God may have revealed to you.

• Spiritual leader of the home bring the family together prior to bedtime

and pray for one another.

• Fast from using credit cards.

Day 6 – Saturday, January 6

• Read Romans 13:8-10. Meditate on Romans 13:8.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that God will bless all WBC ministries and for

salvation for family and friends who are not saved.

• Reflect the love of God to friends, family and others met during divine

appointments.

• Read/Review your “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday Morning Bible

Study) lesson.

• Get plenty of rest and get ready for a powerful worship service.

• Fast from shopping at the mall and on the Internet.

Day 7 – Sunday, January 7

• Read Acts 20:17-21. Meditate on Acts 20:35.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that the sermon is preached with accuracy

and clarity. Pray for salvation for those who are lost and encouragement

for Believers. Pray that the Ministry staff and leadership team will ask

the Lord daily for wisdom and discernment. Pray for the financial

stability of our church.

• Attend and participate in “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday

Morning Bible Study) and attend Worship services giving God praise.

• Reflect on this day – thank God for the Powerful movement of the Holy

Spirit and for answered prayers.

Day 8 – Monday, January 8

• Read Colossians 3:18-25. Meditate on Colossians 3:23-24.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that Christians will work as unto the Lord,

and seek God’s will for their lives.

• Attend “S.H.O.P” (Sweet Hour of Prayer). If you cannot attend then pray

whenever you can during the 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM time frame.

• Fast from TV programming.

Day 9 – Tuesday, January 9

• Read Philippians 4:10-20. Meditate on Philippians 4:11-13.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for your spouse, significant other, family or

other love ones. Pray that Christians will be bold witnesses for Christ

and that the Lord of the Harvest will send out more laborers into His

harvest. Pray your desire for an eternal perspective and contentment

with your current blessings.

• Confess to God the sin(s) that you struggle with most and ask God to give

you strength to overcome it.

• Conduct a random act of kindness.

• Fast from listening to secular music.

Day 10 – Wednesday, January 10

• Read Luke 12:22-31. Meditate on Luke 12:27

• Pray for at least 5 minutes pray for the Deacon Council, Pastoral Search,

Nominating, Pulpit Supply and other supporting committees that will

lead and serve with divine purpose, individually and collectively

submitting to the Holy Spirit.

• Read the “Fast & Prayer Guidelines”

• Attend “Re-fuel” (Bible study) Noon-day or 7:00 PM.

• Fast from all solid foods from 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM (if you cannot fast from

food due to health reasons then fast 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM from a favorite

food, dessert, or TV programming).

Day 11 – Thursday, January 11

• Read Romans 14:19. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 12:25.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for spiritual unity in the church and that the

enemy will not be allowed to create divisions, strife, or misunderstanding

among the church members.

• Fast from the use of social media.

Day 12 – Friday, January 12

• Read Matthew 6:19-24. Meditate on Matthew 6:21 & 24.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for President of the United States & all who

advise him, that our Deacon Council and Leadership team will seek

knowledge, wisdom, understanding and discernment as they lead the

WBC family and God would remove anything in your life that may seek to

rule you or prevent you from being totally committed to serving Him.

• Fast from eating out.

Day 13 – Saturday, January 13

• Read Mark 8:34-38. Meditate on Mark 8:36.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for an eternal spiritual relationship with God

the Father through Christ Jesus, local officials (police, fireman,

emergency workers, etc.), that children and youth will hear the word of

God and accept Jesus as their savior; and unity in the church.

• Read/Review your “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday Morning Bible

Study) lesson.

• Reflect on this day and thank God for a mighty movement of the Holy

Spirit, for answered prayers and deliverance from spiritual and financial

bondage.

• Fast from shopping at the mall and on the Internet.

Day 14 – Sunday, January 14

• Read Matthew 20:26-28. Meditate on Matthew 20:28

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for someone in need of a financial

breakthrough receives it. Confess to God the sin(s) that you struggle with

the most and ask God to give you strength to overcome. Ask God to open

your spiritual eyes regarding the management of time, talent and

treasure. Thank God in advance for meeting the spiritual, physical, and

material needs of WBC.

• Attend and participate in “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday

Morning Bible Study) and attend Worship services giving God praise.

• Reflect on God and His purpose for your life. Be still and know that He is

God.

Day 15 – Monday, January 15

• Read Matthew 6:5-15. Mediate on Matthew 6:14-15.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that God reveal our faults and short comings

and that we are willingly transparent with one another.

• Attend “S.H.O.P” (Sweet Hour of Prayer). If you cannot attend then pray

whenever you can during the 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM time frame.

• Call and apologize to someone you may have been at odds with and/or

forgive someone who may have been at odds with you.

• Fast from TV programming.

Day 16 – Tuesday, January 16

• Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. Mediate on 1 Chronicles 29:11.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that WBC members are freed from personal or

spiritual bondage and God is glorified. Pray for peace in Israel and ask

God for a breakthrough for a member of the church who is in a storm.

• Reflect on an answered prayer – remember that God is all-powerful and

that everything belongs to Him.

• Fast from the Internet – only use it for work, stewardship education or

key communication needs, nothing recreational.

Day 17 – Wednesday, January 17

• Read Matthew 6:16-18. Meditate on Matthew 6:17.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes praying for strength to continue to persevere

in this 31-day fast. Pray for those in need of a breakthrough.

• Attend “Re-fuel” (Bible study) Noon-day or 7:00 PM.

• Read the Guide to Fasting.

• Fast from all solid foods from 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (If you cannot fast from

food due to health reasons then fast 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM from a favorite

food, dessert, or TV programming).

Day 18 – Thursday, January 18

• Read Luke 12:13-21. Meditate on Luke 12:15.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for your co-workers, single parents and your

parents reflecting on a positive time you had with them. Thank God for

each blessing in your life.

• Listen to your favorite Christian song and think about the goodness of

God.

• Hug a family member or friend and tell them how much you love them.

• Fast from all sweets and desserts.

Day 19 – Friday, January 19

• Read Isaiah 43:18-19. Meditate on Isaiah 43:19

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for strength to continue to persevere in

spiritual endeavors, breakthroughs and for all WBC members to commit

to serve in at least one ministry.

• Fast from eating out.

Day 20 – Saturday, January 20

• Read Isaiah 40:28-31. Meditate on Isaiah 40:31.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for singles to seek Godly mates, for

missionaries and their families, peace in and safety of Israel. Pray for

your own power and strength to do God’s will.

• Read/Review your “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday Morning Bible

Study) lesson.

• Reflect on this day – thank God for the mighty movement of the Holy

Spirit, for answered prayers and from deliverance from spiritual and

financial bondage.

• Fast from shopping at the mall and on the Internet.

Day 21 – Sunday, January 21

• Read Isaiah 55:6-11. Meditate on Isaiah 55:11.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that the spirit of the living God moves

powerfully during the worship experience, that lost people come to know

Christ and saved people are encouraged to live out the great commission.

• Attend and participate in “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday

Morning Bible Study) and attend Worship services giving God praise.

• Reflect on God and His purpose for your life. Be still and know that He is

God.

Day 22 – Monday, January 22

• Read Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2-9. Meditate Luke 10:2.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that the Lord of Harvest will raise up and send

out laborers. Pray for spiritual renewal for all those participating in the

31-days of prayer and fasting, and that spiritual gifts are stirred up.

• Attend “S.H.O.P” (Sweet Hour of Prayer). If you cannot attend then pray

whenever you can during the 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM time frame.

• Tell someone your Good News testimony!

• Fast from TV programming.

Day 23 – Tuesday, January 23

• Read Psalms 33:12. Mediate on Philippians 4:19.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for those suffering through depression,

unemployment or underemployment. Pray for parents and their children.

Pray for key local and national issues.

• Reflect on an answered prayer – remember that God is all-powerful and

that everything belongs to Him; now ask God for a breakthrough for each

WBC member.

• Fast from the Internet – only use it for work, stewardship education or

key communication needs, nothing recreational.

Day 24 – Wednesday, January 24

• Read 2 Chronicles 7:12-14. Madidate on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that God will send a spirit of repentance and

revival over the church, our community and our nation. Pray for healing

for the sick.

• Attend “Re-fuel” (Bible study) Noon-day or 7:00 PM.

• Read the Guide to Fasting.

• Fast from all solid foods from 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (If you cannot fast from

food due to health reasons then fast 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM from a favorite

food, dessert, or TV programming).

Day 25 – Thursday, January 25

• Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Meditate on Ephesians 4:23-24

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for peace and direction related to thoughts

and commitments. Seek Godly authority and spiritual tools to manage

feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Pray that you will be equipped so

these things do not infiltrate your Spiritual Home (Your Heart).

• Listen to your favorite Christian song and think about the goodness of

God.

• Fast from eating out.

Day 26 – Friday, January 26

• Read Romans 13:1-2. Meditate on 2 Corinthians 13:5

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that our Deacons Council and ministry

leaders will submit themselves to the power and guidance of God, and

that they consistently seek Godly wisdom. Pray for yourself that God

would remove anything in your life that may seek to rule over you or

prevent you from being totally committed to serving Him.

• Examine your faithfulness to the disciplines of prayer, fasting &

stewardship. Ask the Lord to help you in your areas of weakness.

• Fast from the use of credit cards.

Day 27 – Saturday, January 27

• Read Psalms 91:15-16. Meditate on Philippians 4:19.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that we as a church family remain faithful,

prayerful and good stewards so that financial needs are fully met.

• Read/Review your “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday Morning Bible

Study) lesson.

• Reflect on this day – thank God for the Mighty Movement of the Holy

Spirit for answered prayers and deliverance from spiritual and financial

bondage.

• Fast from shopping at the mall and on the Internet.

Day 28 – Sunday, January 28

• Read Psalms 133:1. Meditate on Romans 15:5.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that unity infuses our church so that our

congregation is bound to Christ in love.

• Attend and participate in “Kingdom Connection Hour” (Sunday

Morning Bible Study) and attend Worship services giving God praise.

• Reflect on God and His purpose for your life. Be still and know that He is

God.

Day 29 – Monday, January 29

• Read Luke 12:22-26. Meditate on Luke 12:26

• Pray for at least 5 minutes for boldness to witness to the lost, that every

Christian will develop consistent daily spiritual disciplines (reading the

word, prayer, journaling, etc.). Pray for God’s plentiful provision for

adequate jobs for the unemployed and underemployed.

• Reflect on your journey in life – go throughout all rooms in your home

thanking God for all your possessions.

• Attend “S.H.O.P” (Sweet Hour of Prayer). If you cannot attend then pray

whenever you can during the 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM time frame.

• Tell someone your Good News testimony!

• Fast from shopping at the mall and on the Internet.

Day 30 – Tuesday, January 30

• Read Deuteronomy 6:5-6. Meditate on Matthew 6:33

• Pray for at least 5 minutes that you will love God with all your heart,

soul, mind and strength. Pray that God’s Spirit will work in your heart

with power and that you will strive to always follow biblical principles.

• Reflect on an answered prayer – remember that God is all-powerful and

that everything belongs to Him. Now ask God for a breakthrough for each

WBC member.

• Fast from the Internet – only use it for work or key communication

needs, nothing recreational.

Day 31 – Wednesday, January 31

• Read Acts 6:3-4. Meditate on Matthew 6:22

• Pray for at least 5 minutes pray for the Deacon Council, Pastoral Search,

Nominating, Pulpit Supply and other supporting committees that will

lead and serve with divine purpose, individually and collectively

submitting to the Holy Spirit.

• Attend “Re-fuel” (Bible study) Noon-day or 7:00 PM.

• Praise God for who He is, what He has done, what He is doing and what

He will do for YOU.

• Fast from all solid foods from 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (If you cannot fast from

food due to health reasons then fast 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM from a favorite

food, dessert, or TV programming).

PRAYER REQUEST JOURNAL/LOG

Prayer Request Answer/Update to Prayer Request

Request

Date

Prayer Request

Update

Date

Prayer Answer/Update

Start Thanking God Right Now for answered prayers.

Praise Him like never before!

If you need an additional prayer partner and/or if you have any questions,

suggestions, or comments as it relates to the 31 Days of Prayer and Fasting you

may contact the Prayer Ministry. As you participate in the 31 Days of Prayer

and Fasting, EXPECT God to show you great and mighty things ...things which

you have never seen before.

January 1

– January 31

, 2018

I Commit to Participating in the 31 Days of Prayer and Fasting

January 1– January 31, 2018.

Sign here and date for your personal reference

900 Bellaire Blvd. Lewisville, TX 75067