61 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING FROM MONDAY MARCH 30TH TO 30th OF MAY 2020
Updated: May 8, 2020
61 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING FROM MONDAY MARCH 30TH TO 30th OF MAY 2020
THEME “AWAKE FROM YOUR SLUMBER CHURCH”
Theme Scriptures: Romans 13:11 “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
JUST ENCASE YOU ONLY WANT TO DO 21 DAYS CLICK ON THIS LINK: https://www.repentancerevival.com/single-post/2020/03/23/21-DAYS-OF-PRAYER-FASTING-FROM-MONDAY-MARCH-30TH-TO-19th-OF-APRIL-2020
This is an event anybody can partake of anywhere around the world within your church groups and home, with the main purpose of getting families to repent and turn back to God with the help of prayer according to 2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”.
With many churches being forced to close due to the current corona virus pandemic, this prayer program is purposed to build awareness of the need to pray not only for revival of the church but for the need of your family to be revived. It is time for the church to awaken from its sleep and stand firm in prayer to bring an end to the corona Virus pandemic across the world. With many people around the world at present are either been in lockdown, currently in lockdown or are near enough to the stage of being lockdown within your cities. This specific prayer and fasting program is designed to bring an awaken to you and your homes. Ephesians 5:14 “Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
Though we are on different timelines, I encourage you to just follow the dates for your respective countries along with your time.
Date: Monday 30TH of March to SATURDAY 30TH of May 2020
This time of fasting and prayer allows us as to prioritise our relationships with the Lord as individuals and families of those that wish to participate during this Corona Virus Lockdown Period. The 61 days of prayer consists of abstaining from food in a variety of four different options as outlines below. It also will include of abstaining from all forms of worldly TV, MUSIC, GAMES, MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA (NONE-CHRISTIAN) etc. Remember the five wise virgins kept their oil full by spending time with the Lord and preparing for the coming of the bridegroom. How much more should we also prepare as wise virgins, waiting for the rapture of the remnant church.
Now you may watch Christian materials during this time as an individual or family, but for those in families doing this with your children, then this is also to break many of the bad habits that are keeping them away from prayer that the Lord may open their spiritual eyes to be revived and see visions and dreams according to Joel 2:28.
The goal of that revival we are also praying for is for God’s glory to be revealed to a watching world that needs to know Him within this time of the Corona outbreak. We are believing the Lord to bring a stop to this spread of pandemic virus across the nations. When large numbers or high percentages of people are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, spiritual awakening is the result. Families and Communities change. Cities change. And yes, nations can change. Revival however in this case has an opportunity of starting within your homes.
Spiritual awakening is what we need in our nations, but revival of God’s people is a spiritual prerequisite. Each day in this prayer guide, you will read one whole chapter of the Gospel of John and then reflect on that chapter as an individual, family or church. Then you will read each days thoughts for revival for the day and I pray they will challenge and encourage you to desire God more and more.
During the 61 days, we will believe God for revival, miracles and breakthrough in our spiritual lives. Whether this is your first time fasting or you have done these many times, the result is always a closer connection with God and a stronger church family.
We are living at a time that the family unit is being under attack to the highest degree since the beginning of time. Satan knows that family is important to God, as it reflects the triune Godhead. In Genesis chapter three we see when satan deceived Eve in the garden, he caused mankind to fall in the home, as the garden of Eden was the home of Adam & Eve.
It is in the home that we sin more than perhaps anywhere else, and it is to the home that revival first needs to come. Revival is desperately needed in the church -- in the country -- in the world, but a revived church with unrevived homes would be sheer hypocrisy. It is the hardest place, the most costly, but the most necessary place to begin.
It is Gods desire for you to have strong families built up and grounded strong in faith, that will be separate from this world and all its trappings. When the Israelites were coming out of Egypt on their way to the promised land, they would camp and when they saw the glory cloud descend upon the tent of meeting, each family would stand at the door of their tent and worship God in one accord.
Exodus 33:9-10 “As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. 10When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his tent.”
How much more does God desire for families to be unified by the bond of HIs Spirit, that they also may worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Therefore I would like to encourage all those that are wanting to go to a deeper level in the Lord and that desire their families to be revived to join in this next three weeks praying for a revival of God’s presence and work in your own life’s, our families and church.
What am I required to fast from?
We want to leave this decision up to you. We do not have any mandatory church-wide requirements for how you fast, but here are a few ideas:
Prayer Type:
Prayer Instructions: Each Day you will be required to read one Chapter of the book of John and then discuss this chapter as a family according to “THINGS TO PONDER” for each day. You also will reflect on the Revival thoughts for the day and pray according to the Holy spirits leading.
Food Fast
When we choose not to eat or not to eat certain foods we allow our physical bodies to hunger and to bring our desires into alignment with our spiritual need for God. There is a clarity in hearing from the Lord which comes when we fast and pray; making a small sacrifice to give up a “pleasure” or comfort to increase your spiritual sight and vision.
We are providing the following options for you to consider:
1. FOOD FAST
You fast from all foods from 6am-6pm each day with fluids allowed.
2. Partial Fast
You choose to eliminate certain things i.e. fizzy drinks; sweets/chocolates, bread, no red meat etc, but the rest of your diet remains mainly the same
3. Fruit and Veg
Eat fruit during the day, with liquids (tea/limited coffee, herbal drinks and water) with a veg meal in the evenings
4. Liquids only during day and veg meal for dinner
Drink water and herbal drinks during the day with a veg meal in the evenings.
Please consult your doctor if there are any medical concerns before you commence the fast.
Media Fast
As already mentioned above during this time we encourage you to turn off the TV, Yes I would encourage all to abstain from all forms of worldly TV, MUSIC, GAMES, MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA etc. Now you may watch Christian materials during this time as an individual or family, but for those in families doing this with your children this is a good opportunity to break many of the bad habits that are keeping them away from prayer that the Lord may open their spiritual eyes to be revived and see visions and dreams according to Joel 2:28. When we do this, we create more time when we can read our Bible, pray, worship and hear from God.
Search your heart in deciding what type of food fast you want to do. If you have never fasted, maybe start off with a partial fast and progress to a fruit and veg option for the last 19 days.
Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting?
What will we be praying about?
We are placing the Lord as first priority in our lives to bring about the breakthroughs, the new, the renewal and the revival; in us and the global body of Christ. It is time to move Forward into God destiny for each of our lives.
Check each day for the next day’s prayer themes & scriptures so you may follow together.
We are trusting the Lord that this time of fasting and prayer will release a passion for His name within us – to cut off what belongs to a past season, to receive renewed hope and vision for our lives/ministries, to be conduits for signs, wonders and miracles and to fulfill the mandate of sharing the gospel to the ends of the earth!
During this time of fasting, be intentional about your priorities. Set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. The more time you spend with God, the more meaningful your fast will be.
If you need an overview or suggestions on what you can do to make the most of the fast in terms of having a daily routine, use the below points:
Morning:
Begin your day in praise and worship
Read and meditate on God’s Word
Invite Holy Spirit to work in you
Noon:
Take a short prayer walk
Spend time in intercessory prayer for the theme of the day
Evening:
Make time for an unhurried time of “seeking God’s face”
If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer and read one Chapter of the book of John and then discuss this chapter, as a family according to “THINGS TO PONDER” for each day. You also will reflect on the Revival thoughts for the day and pray according to the Holy spirits leading.
Avoid television or any other distraction that may affect your spiritual focus
When possible, begin and end each day with your spouse, family or friend for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.
Please let us know you’ll be fasting & praying with us!
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FASTING:
1. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advice of your doctor.
2. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly.
3. Rest as much as you can if needed be.
4. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, missionaries & world missions, etc.
5. Drink plenty of clean water if you are joining the water fast.
6. As your body adjusts, be prepared for temporary bouts of physical weakness as well as a greater likelihood of impatience, irritability, and anxiety.
FASTING BRINGS REVIVAL:
“. . . in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:2,3
Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. Daniel understood that Israel was headed for destruction. He also knew that in times like these, there is only one recourse—intercession through praying and fasting. Throughout human history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting.
FASTING IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY AND CONSECRATION:
“. . . I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting . . .” Psalm 35:13
Humility results in the grace of God (James 4:6). When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are better able to exercise self-control over our emotions and desires.
SPIRITUAL CLEANSING & SPIRITUAL EYES OPENED:
Fasting can be done for one meal, one day, one month or for however long God leads. It depends on how the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Shorter fasts are easier to endure until we have built up our “spiritual muscles”. A three day fast is most beneficial as a spiritual cleansing. An example of this is Paul’s being thrust into his fast upon conversion. After the three days of cleansing, he received the Holy Spirit and his eyesight when Ananias laid hands on him (Acts 9:17-18). We also can be spiritually cleansed by fasting so that we receive more of the Lord’s Spirit and have our spiritual eyes opened to new dimensions. A three day fast is also especially helpful in breaking any addictive habits.
These then are two reasons for fasting: We receive spiritual cleansing and our spiritual eyes are opened, and we also obtain victory over the devil. When Jesus encountered Satan, He was able to overcome Him because His fasting had given Him spiritual strength. Isaiah 58:6 also gives us light on this purpose of fasting: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Many people believe that fasting is to move the hand of God, when in actuality it is to make Satan turn loose of the things he is holding.
BREAKING STRONGHOLDS & BUILDING FAITH:
Fasting looses the bands of wickedness. When Jesus discussed the keys to the kingdom, He told us to bind and loose. When we fast, we loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break every yoke of the enemy. Fasting is an important key to getting the victory over hard situations that do not seem to respond to normal prayer.
Fasting builds our faith. In fact, this is what Jesus meant when he spoke to the disciples in Matthew 17:21 in answer to why they were not able to cast a demon out of a child. He said, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” He was telling them if they wanted their faith to be at such a level as to be able to cast out demons, then they must fast and pray for their faith to increase.
Fasting also makes it easier for us to hear the voice of the Lord. We find an account of this in Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
While fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them and gave them direction. We too can be directed by the Lord if we seek Him through prayer and fasting.
When we deny our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become more attuned. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for more of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Fasting and mourning are closely associated in the Bible. Two examples of this are found in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra 10:6: “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.”
Nehemiah 1:4: “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
From these Scriptures, we see that fasting and travail (a prayer burden from the Lord that brings crying and tears) were combined. Both of these men were fasting for the repentance of God’s people. How we need this same kind of intercession today. Here were men so burdened for the sins of their people that they fasted, travailed and prayed.
PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS
“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)
Prayer Points:
That God would forgive our sins – recognising that every disaster reminds us of our need to repent.
That God would show mercy on us for our complacency – for believing in our own self-sufficiency and the ability to protect ourselves.
That God would forgive our carelessness – for when we have mistreated the bodies and gifts, he has given us and left ourselves vulnerable to illnesses.
That God would forgive us for when we have loved money or comfort more than loving God or our neighbours.
That God would forgive us for when we fear sickness or death more than him.
That God would show mercy on us when we lose perspective by failing to help all those who die daily worldwide through abortion, euthanasia, persecution and other threats to human life.
Day 1: PLEASE FIRST READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 1
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss, as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
What's in a name? Sometimes quite a bit. In these different names for Jesus we see Him as a Lamb (What were lambs used for in Jewish tradition?) and a King. We also see Him as the Son of God and the Son of Man ("the Word became flesh"). He is our teacher, and He is our Savior.
Why not start a list of the names and descriptive words used for Jesus that you find in this chapter of John? We've given you some names here, but there are more you can add.
The hopelessness of the prisoners led to unbridled violence. I heard of a testimony of a young man in bible college within South Africa that ministered in one of the worst youth prisons many years ago and He ministered despite of being very fearful of those that were forced to attend his ministral visit. The most hardest of criminal youth was there. See even the Warden of the prison realized the only lasting change would have to be a moral reformation that starts in the heart from the gospel, so that is why he asked the bible college dean to come to talk to the young people. After the young bible college student ministered the Prisoners came to Christ and soon began to share their faith with others. A reformation was underway. The young men began to grow spiritually and gain victory over sinful behaviors, by praying and ready scripture daily with all completely changing and being released back into society never to be the same. They began to reflect Christlikeness in their actions and behaviors. They shared this good news and hope and new life began to spread and a spiritual awakening took place. Do you believe the God who had transformed these young youth could transform your family, your community? That’s what we are seeking and praying for.
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray that God will increase your faith to believe that the change He can bring to an Ephesus in Paul’s day and to a youth prison in our day will begin to transform your family and community as people come to faith in Christ.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do over the course of the next three weeks to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray for an alertness and an awakening from spiritual slumber, and a grafting in of the saints into the Body.
4. Declare readiness over God’s people for radical change!
5. Decree that lives are being characterised by an increasing hunger for a new move of God.
Day 2: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 2
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Now here's a memorable story: Jesus turns water into wine. But has it ever struck you as kind of an odd miracle? I mean, Jesus is known for healing the sick and the lame and for driving out demons. But did He really get his start performing "social miracles" like this? It's a bit like watching a Before They Were Stars special.
So, why is this story important? That's a good question, but there's a danger to avoid in answering it. Be careful how much you read into the specifics of any Bible story. If you wanted to, you could launch an in-depth study of how the word "water," for instance, is used in the Bible. What was wine like in Jesus' day? The word "bridegroom" comes up elsewhere in Scripture--in Revelation Jesus is seen as the bridegroom of the Church. Is that important here?
These are interesting questions, but the Bible actually tells us quite plainly why this story is here. "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him" (John 2:11). This miracle was done for the disciple's benefit.
A lot of bad theology comes from reading too deeply into the words of the Bible. But God hasn't made the truth hard to find. You just have to accept it when you see it.
When churches conduct “revival” services, they frequently see many people place their faith in Christ. Consequently, many think of revival as evangelistic services. But revival is what God accomplishes with His people when they return to Him. Revival comes when God restores life and vitality to His people. Revival is evident when His power and presence is made know in an individual, family and community. When genuine revival comes to God’s people, God’s activity becomes the talk of the individual, family and town. When John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, he required “fruits of repentance.” I asked, “What is the fruit of repentance for prayerlessness?” …Prayer!
So as an individual or family let us pray to surrender our Life and apathy for a revived heart set ablaze for the Lord, so that people will start to come to faith in Christ!
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray that God will reveal His requirements for genuine revival in your life, family, church and community. Ask God to start that revival in your own heart and life.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 3: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 3
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Two worlds. The world of God and the world of humans. At the beginning of this chapter they seem utterly separate and unique. Nicodemus says that Jesus must be from God because of the things He does. Jesus counters by saying you can't really know about God's Kingdom unless you've been born again. Impossible, right? The barrier between the worlds stands, but not if someone breaks through.
"No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man" (John 3:13). Jesus broke that barrier. Jesus, God the Son, became Jesus, God in the flesh, the Son of Man. But He didn't come for a sightseeing trip. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).
There is a way for us with fleshly human bodies to live forever, to break through into the world of God. And that is by believing in Jesus. This is such an important concept that the next three verses state this truth in three different ways, and then once more in verse 36. The way to be born again, to be born into the Kingdom of God is clear: "whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:15).
Revival thoughts for Today: is lets look at the steps and connection between revival and spiritual awakening. When God disciplines us and we repent and return to Him, He revives us. He then can work through us to draw others to faith in Jesus.
Step 1: God is on mission to redeem a lost world. God calls His people into a relationship with Himself and He accomplishes His work through them.
Step 2: God’s people tend to depart from Him, turning to substitutes for His presence, purposes, and ways.
Step 3: God disciplines His people out of His love for them.
Step 4: God’s people cry out to Him for help.
Step 5: God calls His people to repent and return to Him or perish.
Step 6: God revives His repentant people by restoring them to a right relationship with Himself.
Step 7: God exalts His Son Jesus in His people and draws the lost to saving faith in Him.
Let us Pray:
1. Ask God to reveal where you are and where your family and church is in this pattern. Have you departed? Are you being disciplined? Are you crying out for help? Do you need to repent and return to Him? Are you ready to be used by God to draw others to new life in Christ?
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take to be of maximum usefulness to His kingdom?
Day 4: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 4
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Chapter 4 of John contains the well-known and much-loved story of the woman at the well. But as you read the chapter today, don't skim it. Force yourself to take in every word. Ask God to help you see this amazing passage of Scripture with fresh eyes.
In the last chapter, we saw a theme begin--the theme of a new spiritual life, of being born again into an everlasting life through belief in Jesus. In this chapter, we find that spiritual lives, like physical lives, need nourishment.
Jesus begins by discussing spiritual thirsts. He says that a person only needs to ask Him and He will give water that will drive away thirst forever. The woman asking for this water doesn't quite get it. So, Jesus drives the point home by asking that she go bring her husband to Him. The woman had a spiritual thirst for a relationship but after five husbands, she was still thirsty. That's the thirst Jesus wants to quench--the thirst for a deep, meaningful relationship.
Jesus talks later to His disciples about spiritual hunger that is satisfied through doing the will of God. There's many people who have yet to hear about God, many opportunities yet for the spiritually hungry to be filled. Is your spirit being nourished today?
Revival thoughts for Today: Your life is a living testimony of the power of the gospel. A sinful lifestyle or behaviour can bring shame and discredit the cause of Christ. But Christlike living can demonstrate the power of Christ to change lives and make the gospel appealing to others. The bible says those that hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;”
Therefore as you pray and seek to reach out to those in your families and circles of influence, your life will be like a water jug. People who need Jesus Christ as Savior are thirsting for the Living Water. When they look at Christ through your “glass-jug” life, will they be thirsty enough to drink? Will they see the pure, clean Water of Life and decide to drink deeply. Or will they see impurities and uncleanness that cause them to put off a decision for Jesus Christ? How clean is your water jug?
Let us Pray:
1. Ask God to reveal to you anything in your life that might hinder others from choosing to follow Him. Ask Him to enable you to live in such a way that others will want what they see in you—Living Water.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 5: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 5
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