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“Hunger and Thirst” Prayer with Fasting. East TN District NMI Based on a Challenge from Dr. Daniel Ketchum Nazarene Missions International Director. Prayer With Fasting is. *Communion with Jesus *Alongside, accompanied by *Denying self. FASTING.
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“Hunger and Thirst”Prayer with Fasting East TN District NMI Based on a Challenge fromDr. Daniel Ketchum Nazarene Missions International Director
Prayer With Fasting is *Communion with Jesus *Alongside, accompanied by *Denying self
FASTING • the most potent practice to enhance focus and power in prayer • births and sustains deeper devotion to Jesus.
EXAMPLES Moses Elijah Samuel Jehoshaphat Ezra Nehemiah Esther David Isaiah Daniel Jonah
JESUS • Practiced prayer with fasting • Taught that it is a powerful weapon
PRINCIPLES of Fasting • Privilege, not a punishment. • Outpouring of the Spirit …in proportion to our desperation for God. • “When,” not “if” you fast.
Unless we draw closer to God in spirit and truth, • fasting will be merely human effort in self-denial, SO… • let’s not merely deny ourselves; • let’s grow in Christ together!
Colossians 3:2-3 • Setting our minds on things above may require forsaking some things below: • Social media Entertainment • Certain places/activities Food
PREPARATION • Confess and repent; avoid assuming that God will reward us for fasting. • Decide what to fast. • Decide how long to fast.
PREPARATION • PRAY. Pray with fasting. • Consider fasting in covenant with someone you love. • Ideas for children: pray while skipping play; pray while giving up special activity.
ANTICIPATION • Expect to know God better… • Expect strength in character… • Expect the heart and hand of God to move, answering unselfish prayers!
ANTICIPATION • Expect self-emptying • Expect prayers to move to a higher, deeper level. • Expect spiritual victory and vitality. • Expect resistance from the evil one.
PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT… • due to the detoxification of our flesh. • In spite of the safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should fast only with medical consultation or supervision.
DEPEND ON GOD FOR COMFORT… • When we fast, our soul and spirit are detoxified.
POTENTIAL • Imagine the possibilities when we pray in power and fast in faith for our own ministries and for missionaries and leaders around the world.
SPIRITUAL NEEDS: • That each local leader or global missionary will recognize importance of time in communion with God to renew spirit; intercede for spiritual vitality.
MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL NEEDS; • Wise choices in diet, exercise, and rest; • practice dependence on the Holy One as well as authority over the evil one • experience constant protection.
FAMILY NEEDS: • That each leader will reserve quality time for marriage and family; • children will adjust well to multiple challenges.
ATTITUDE AND ADAPTATION • That each leader will sustain a positive, faith-filled perspective with capacity to overcome discouragement; • grace persons he/she serves; • develop capacity to learn well the language and customs of the people locally or globally.
PRAY FOR COLLEAGUE RELATIONSHIPS: • That each leader will work in harmony with colleagues and national leaders; • A mature church will flourish in each area of the world.
PRAY FOR MINISTRY • That each leader will establish and sustain strategy in Christ and base decisions on the Word and prayer; • Each will evangelize and disciple lost people; • The Lord of the harvest will raise more laborers.
SERVICE PRIORITIES • That each leader will prioritize care for people over other goals and objectives; • will practice patience, passion for personal evangelism, and Christlikedisciple-making of future missional leaders.
FINACIAL NEEDS • That each leader will practice integrity and balance regarding money and possessions; • that God will provide needs for financial support.
CULTURAL CHANGES • That each leader will adjust to reverse culture shock, will experience strength during travel and ministry, and will inspire the church to pray, give, send, and go missionally.
CHALLENGES • That each leader will discern factors that cam cause discouragement, that God will keep them encouraged in face of many real challenges.
Prayer with Fasting for Missions is still vital. • Prayer remains one of four main objectives of NMI.
When you see God’s blessings on soul & body, • consider a lifetime commitment to prayer with fasting!