Preparing For our time of Prayer & Fasting

Unlocking God's Favor and Breakthrough

Esther 4:13-17, 5:1-3

This account demonstrates the transformative power of fasting and prayer. When Esther faced an impossible situation, fasting aligned her and her people with God’s will, opening doors of favor and grace.

When Esther approaches the king—an act that could have cost her life—she found favor in his sight (despite the law), and ultimately the breakthrough and deliverance of her people.

Not only is her life spared, but the king also extends his scepter and opened the door for her to present her request. This act of grace and favor is a direct result of the spiritual preparation through fasting and prayer.

Fasting and prayer create pathways where none seemed to exist. During Prayer and fasting we position ourselves to find God’s unmerited favor, victory over opposition, and supernatural breakthrough. Esther’s story reminds us that fasting and prayer are not acts of desperation but keys that unlock God’s power in our lives.

The Strength of Faith

MARk 9: 14-29 (Matt 17: 14-20)

Faith is essential, but it is not the only key. Faith is displayed in our obedience to God. In certain situations, prayer and fasting are also required.

In other words, there are times to add prayer and fasting to your walk of faith.

Some challenges will never be fully addressed or resolved—and may persist—without dedicated prayer and fasting. Jesus said, that some breakthrough “can only come about by prayer and fasting."

So, what breakthrough are you believing for? Remember, every issue has its specific solution. Lets seek God during this time of prayer and fasting for the resolution you are believing for.

accessing the Holy Spirit's Guidance

Luke 4:1-14 & MATThew 4:1-11

Fasting, combined with meditating on, and confessing (praying out) the Word, as The Lord inspires and reveals to us, positions us to see the Holy Spirit’s power, strengthening our spirits.

It ushers us into deep spiritual encounters with God that mark our lives and transform us forever, as we come into deeper fellowship with God (Daniel 9: 1-4, 20-23, Dan 10: 1-14).

It conditions us to hear and receive clear instructions and direction from The Holy Spirit, like in Acts 13:2-4 when it was reported that “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Do you have any major life decisions you are looking to make? Do you need clarity on certain issues? Do you see recurring cycles or patterns of negativity? This is your opportunity to position yourself to receive clear and distinct instructions, wisdom and solutions from The Lord. As we draw closer to Him, through prayer and fasting (making room to hear His voice), His Spirit speaks to us.

Jesus said to us that after He returned to The Father, He would send us another Helper, The Holy Spirit. Specifically, He said “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (Helper), who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. You know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:16-18 NLT, NKJV.

Further He said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me...” John 16:13-15 NLT

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth about every issue/matter to us, He reveals the root cause of issues to us, and gives us the spiritual strategies to counter these issues. He brings us into victorious living as He instructs us on what to do and the way to go in every life situation, as we fellowship with Him closely.

Goals of Prayer & Fasting:

1. Opens Doors Where None Seem to Exist:
   Prayer and fasting break through the limitations imposed by circumstances, creating unexpected opportunities in the face of overwhelming obstacles. It has the power to create opportunities and pathways where human effort alone would fail.

2. Receiving  Favor and Grace:
   Prayer and fasting align our hearts with God's will, positioning us to receive His unmerited favor even in the most challenging situations. When we seek Him sincerely, He opens doors of grace that go beyond what we could earn or deserve on our own.

3. Brings Victory Over Opposition:
   Spiritual preparation through prayer and fasting empowers us to face challenges with courage and resolve. It equips us to overcome opposition, whether it stems from external conflicts, difficult circumstances, or spiritual battles

4. Facilitates Breakthroughs:
   Prayer and fasting  pave the way for breakthroughs - it transforms seemingly impossible situations into opportunities for victory.

Application for Our Lives:

• When faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, set aside time to pray and fast, seeking God’s guidance and favor.

• Believe that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, often in ways that exceed human understanding or effort.

• Trust that prayer and fasting are acts of faith that invite God’s power into your circumstances.

Our prayer for you over the twenty-one days is that your passion for God and His Word will be ignited, and that you will develop a hunger for His presence that is greater than ever before!