Week 1: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer and Fasting
Scripture Reading: Acts 13:1-3
Key Verse: Acts 13:3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
The commissioning of Barnabas and Saul was set forth in a posture of prayer and fasting. Their mission is to bring the gospel message to the ends of the earth. A spiritual commission can only be launch with spiritual empowerment. Fasting moved Barnabas and Saul to a zone of receiving empowerment strong enough for a successful mission. How often do we find ourselves in a position where we grew weary and burnt out due to the ministry’s lack of spiritual empowerment? Serving with our strength and intelligence produces a quick result at the cost of our health and ministry longevity. Only an intentional earnest seeking of God’s empowerment through prayer and fasting promises positive results which withstand the test of time and fire.
Remember that fasting does not move God; fasting moves us! It forces us to a position where we are aligned to receive empowerment from heaven. Are you ready to be realigned and empowered? Fasting takes you there!
Prayer Points
- Ask God to teach you how to wait on Him in prayer before making major life decisions.
- Pray for ministry and church leaders to be intentional in seeking God’s empowerment and direction.