Overcoming Church 21-Day Prayer Focus and Fasting Schedule

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Sep 14, 2015 - Theme: “Seek – Serve – Sow”. Psalm 65:11 ... Meditate on the Word of God partic- ... Ask God to f
Overcoming Church 21-Day Prayer Focus and Fasting Schedule Preparing for Overflow Theme: “Seek – Serve – Sow”

Sow

Serve

Seek

Psalm 65:11 (NLT) “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance”.

September 14th - October 4th

Preparing for Overflow - (Seek, Serve, Sow) Psalms 65:11 (NLT) “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance”. The Holy Spirit is extending an invitation to anyone who is willing to partake in this season of preparation. During this season, what you sow, you will reap. Therefore, the magnitude of the outcome will be dependent upon our posture in prayer. Our cry is for more of HIM! More surrender, more faith, more of His character, and more grace upon our lives to seek, serve and sow. Throughout scripture, whenever a fast was established, it is followed by a season of growth and blessing. Our prayer and expectation is for a great outpouring as we prepare ourselves for what the God has prepared for us. Why Pray? Prayer is two- way communication with God. Prayer is not just you talking to God but also listening to God to hear what He has to say. During these next 21 days, we encourage you to pour your heart out to the Lord and listen for what He is saying. As you pray, totally surrender to the Lord casting every care upon Him. Set aside some time every day to spend time in prayer. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” If you don’t plan to pray, you won’t. Why Fast? The purpose of fasting is to be strengthened spiritually, mentally and physically. By incorporating fasting as a part of our Christian walk and coupled with seeking God through prayer, you will grow closer to the Lord and mature in your faith. During this time of fasting, be diligent in your study and meditation of God’s Word. Our primary focus and objective is to seek God’s direction for our lives on how to be a better Son, Servant and Steward.

Preparation (Spiritually and Naturally) The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Un-confessed sin can hinder your prayers. Begin to prepare yourself spiritually by meditating on the following:

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Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit brings to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; Luke 17:3, 4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to blend in with the world (Romans 12:1, 2). Meditate on the Word of God particularly the character of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace and compassion (Psalm 103:1-8; Psalm 103:11-13). 2

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Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His Word in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14, 15. Meditate on the Word of God particularly the character of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace and compassion (Psalm 103:1-8; Psalm 103:11-13). Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). Be prepared for spiritual opposition, the enemy will come to attack and test your commitment during this set-time of prayer and fasting (1 Peter 5:8-9). Pray in the spirit (Jude 20) – using your prayer language (tongues). If you have not received the evidence of the speaking in tongues., then seek God for the fullness of all He has in store for you. Expect God to speak to you personally. Journal any insights or instructions the Lord gives you during this time.

Note: Prepare your body by eating smaller meals before starting the fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods prior to the fast. Use wisdom if you take prescription medication; consult your physician first while believing God for total healing. Remember fasting is a spiritual discipline that begins in the physical realm. So prepare and command your body to submit. Make the necessary changes in your daily routine (modify exercise and sporting events). Our desire over the next 21 days is that you will experience a closer relationship with the Lord and have greater vision, clarity and focus. FQA (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: Can I skip a fast day for special occasions? A: This time of consecration is not intended to be legalistic, use your own desecration. Q: Can I start early and end early? A: By all means start when you feel prompted. However, this settime is designed to be a corporate experience. Q: What time can we eat on the last day of fast? A: We typically end the fast at the close of Sunday’s Harvest Celebration service Q: Can we eat veggie pizza on the second week? A: Just no leaven (recommend gluten-free)

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Week One - SEEK September 14th- September 20th THE FAST Eliminate the following foods from your diet Beef, Pork, Bread and all fried foods Sugar/Sweets i.e. candy, cake, pies & all related junk food

WHAT TO EAT Chicken (not fried) Turkey, Fish, Vegetables, Pasta, Fruit, Unleavened Crackers Seeking the Lord means to seek his presence. “Presence” in the Hebrew translation is the word “face.” Literally, we are to seek his “face.” This is how we have access to God. Therefore, seeking requires a "setting of the mind and heart” on God. It is the conscious fixing or focusing of our attention and our heart’s affection on God. “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 22:19) “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1–2) Personal Application: Make a conscious decision to focus all of your mental and emotional efforts to seek the face of God (one day at a time) trust God to be your daily provision. 1. List 2-3 activities that you are willing to surrender during this time of consecration. 2. Ask yourself what areas can I come up higher? 3. Listen for what God is saying personally to you - what is your response to the things He is saying or showing you? Prayer: Father today I pray for increase. I desire to have more of your spirit living and moving through me. I pray for increase in our spirit-man. Raise up the spiritual temperature in this congregation and send revival. According to Psalms 85:6, revive us again, that we your people may rejoice in you. Refine us so that we burn hot for you. Give us singleness of heart and action so that we always fear you and obey your word and your plan for our lives. Pour out a spirit of Josiah on us so that we will turn to you with our whole heart, soul and strength. Open our minds to understand Your Word so that our hearts will burn with fire. Amen 4

Day 1: Seek God for spiritual growth in the lives of every member in this body. Pray that we would all develop in the love of God (Matthew 22:37-40; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 13). Pray that we would all bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 1:9-11),. Pray for disciples to be made (Matthew 28:19-21; Matthew 10:7-8) and pray for deliverance from strongholds (Mark 9:14-29). Day 2: Pray for unsaved loved ones (Ezra 8:21; Acts 16:31); pray for our nation (Psalm 33:12; Jer. 29:7). Day 3: Pray for the 5 fold ministry (Ephesians 4:8-11), pray for wisdom/knowledge and understanding (Colossians 1:9), and pray for the leadership of our local church to walk in unity sharing vision of this ministry. (Numbers 11:16-17). Day 4: Pray for God’s manifested Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:27); pray for godly families (Genesis 18:18-19); pray for broken marriages to be healed; pray for children to love the Lord and follow after Him and obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3). Day 5: Pray that we become kingdom minded and kingdom focused (Matt. 6:33; Psalms 27:4; Amos 5:4). Seek for greater sensitivity to hear and to spiritually discern good from evil. Day 6: Seek the Lord for prayer lives to be strengthened and faith to increase (Luke 18:1; Heb. 11:6). Pray for the strength to remain focused on your commitments during this fast. (Galatians 6:9; Philippians 1:3-6) Day 7: Continue to seek the Lord and His strength. Pray for divine protection (Psalm 91; Psalm 3; Isaiah 54:17; Isaiah 58:8). Pray for God’s favor to be released (Psalm 102:13; Psalm 5:12; Psalm 30:5; Psalm 41:11). Pray for God’s wisdom (James 1:5; Proverbs 4:5; Proverbs 5:1-2; 5

Week Two - SERVE September 21st - September 24th Monday through Thursday THE FAST Eliminate Meat - Eat Only Fruits, Vegetables & Pasta September 25th - September 27th Friday through Sunday YOU CAN EAT - Fruit Only Serve defined: to attend, wait upon, work or supply. We were created to serve and function in the body of Christ - Rom. 12, I Cor. 12 and Eph. 4. Serving provides the opportunity to develop relationships, to mature and bear fruit. As we have received gifts from God, so are we to cheerfully share our gifts with others. Col. 3:23:24. Thank God for the many gifts and talents He has blessed you with. Take a moment to think about how you are utilizing those gifts. (Paul gives the illustration of the body in Eph. 4:16 – stating that every part of the body has a purpose). The word Join" means: "to glue or cement together ... to unite, to join firmly" (Vine; cf. Thayer). It implies a firm bond. As it relates to people (the body), it generally implies purpose, intent, and commitment. (Rom. 12:9-13). Personal Application: 1. Besides being joined to the Lord, which is our first ministry, what areas of the local church are you joined to? 2. “Find your fit” – do you know your strengths? Un-wrap and use your gift to the Glory of God. 3. Consider asking 2-3 people what they perceive as your strengths, then pray and ask God how your strengths can impact the kingdom. Prayer: Lord, I call forth the operation and use of spiritual gifts in our church. Help us understand the various gifts and how they function. Teach us to use what we’ve received to serve others and faithfully administer your grace—whatever form that takes. Help us exercise our gifts in love. Help us purify ourselves by obeying the truth so that our love for each other will be sincere, deep and from the heart. Give us a spirit of unity so that we may glorify you with one heart and voice. Remind us to stir up the gifts you’ve entrusted to us and that in all we do, you be glorified. Amen 6

Day 8: Pray for clear opportunities to share the gospel with others (Colossians 1:9-27) look for opportunities to give of yourself…share your talents and your testimony. Day 9: Pray for those in our church who are sick (James 5:13-16). How can you serve someone today? Day 10: Pray that the members of this body will discover God’s purpose in their life through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 29:11-13) and for hearts receive the light of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:14-16) Day 11: Pray for the courage to obey God in all areas of your life, no matter the opposition (Joshua 1:6-7) Day 12: Pray for our children and youth ministries to be effective in impacting the next generation (Psalm 78:1-7) – are there ways you can serve and support the next generation? Day 13: Pray for God to pour out special favor upon us for our communities as we reach out to those who need Jesus (Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 84:11 and Matt. 25:40). Pray for the salvation of the lost. Day 14: Pray for the vision and purpose of Overcoming Church to come to pass that we might serve and meet the needs of His people. (Habakkuk 2:2-3; Prov. 29:18)

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Week Three - SOW September 28th – October 4th During this week, the Fast will continue on one of two levels: Level I (complete fast) Nothing but liquids at all for the next 7 days Level II Nothing but liquids until 6 pm daily at which time you can eat fruit, vegetables & pasta The bible speaks about two types of seed that we can sow as believers the first is sowing the word of God and the second is sowing financially. Spiritual Seeds (Sowing the word) The Kingdom of God operates on the principle of seed time and harvest. Within every seed is the ability reap or produce once it is planted. If you plant the seeds of God’s Word in your heart and speak it out of your mouth, it will produce life. On the other hand, if you plant seeds of murmuring, complaining, backbiting, fear, doubt, unbelief, gossip, lack, and weakness will also produce death. Only God’s Word produces life. The Word of God is what governs our thoughts, actions and conversations. Therefore, the Word has to not only be heard, but we must meditate upon the Word, apply the Word, obey the Word, speak the Word and pray the Word. Psalm 1 'But this delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers' Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” Jeremiah 1:12, “I will hasten My Word to perform it”. Isaiah 43:25, 26, “Put Me in remembrance”. As you sow the word of God expect results. Remember Isaac’s life; wherever he sowed he got results. Wherever he dug wells he got results. Have an expectation for God to manifest in your life before the end of THIS YEAR! Personal Application: Using the word of God, write a prayer of declaration or decree of what you expect God to do in this season.

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Natural Seed (Finances) In the time of famine Isaac sowed in the land. Beware...the accuser will come to hinder you from giving in faith. That is the time to continue to confess the Word; plant the seed of the Word; pray the Word throughout your trial; hold onto the Word; keep moving forward and don’t squander your seed; in other words don’t use it foolishly or waste it, but honor the Lord with your finances. We honor the Lord by being good stewards over our time, talents and the treasure He has given us. To honor means to recognize the value of someone and act accordingly. Another word that implies honor is "glorify" which in the verb form means to give honor to. Therefore, the basis of honoring God must come from the heart. If God is not in high regard you cannot really honor him. Personal Application: Before we can honor God we must recognize his position and authority in our lives. 1. What does the scripture in Prov. 3:5-10 mean to you? Prayer: Lord, today I lift up every financial need in this body. Your word says in Phil 4:19 that you will supply our need according to Your riches in glory. We declare that we are a generous church and we are obedient to your word. Thank you that I am blessed abundantly, in all things and at all times and that your grace abounds in every work you’ve assigned to me. Keep reminding us of your promise to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessing upon us according to your word in Mal. 3:10. Father, I honor you with everything I have, for the earth is yours and the fullness thereof. Amen.

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Day 15: Continue to pray for a true spirit of repentance and righteousness. Let us walk upright before God and always be upright in our character (Hosea 10:12). Day 16: Pray and call forth fruitfulness in you natural and spiritual life. (2 Kings 19:29) Day 17: Pray for wise financial stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:8; Deuteronomy 8:18); pray for Kingdom businesses to be established (Deuteronomy 28:8) pray for sufficient resources for the church, families and businesses (Philippians 4:19); pray for economic empowerment. Day 18: Pray for consistency in our personal giving. (Ecc.11:6) Day 19: Pray for financial provision to supply the ministry needs of Overcoming Church (2 Corinthians 9:6-15); pray for 100% tithers. (Malachi 3:10-11) Day 20: Today, purpose to sow the Word of God continually. Allow the Word to take root first in the heart and that we may obey the Word and speak the Word and have Godly success (Joshua 1:8, James 1:22) Day 21: This is the last day of the corporate fast, but it’s the beginning of personal cultivation. Continue cultivating your ground. (Read “The Parable of the Sower” Matt. 13:3-9). The lesson is: the condition of the heart is what affects and sustains growth. Choose not to allow the enticements of the world, distractions or the cares of life to uproot your fruit!

“Let’s Keep Building Momentum”

Dates Marriage Intercession Prayer Friday September 18th 7 pm - 9 pm Corporate Morning Prayer Monday 9/28 - Friday 10/2 6 am– 8 am Harvest Celebration Sunday, October 4th

Overcoming Church www.overcomingchurch.org