Our church has set aside time during the day on Saturday, Oct. 15th for fasting and prayer. We would be honored if you would join us.

Too many times I begin to pray without adequately preparing my heart to pray. I want to remind you as we approach a very special day of prayer and fasting tomorrow that we each need to prepare ourselves so that we can effectively intercede for others. It isn’t selfish to begin your time of prayer by praying about your own needs. It is vitally important. Just make sure that you begin with a heart filled with praise, a desire to be right with God, and a hunger for Him and not just what He can do for you. So here is one model of how we can prepare our hearts:

A = Adoration – spend time just praising God and worshiping Him. Don’t ask for anything at this point. “Hallowed be thy name…”

C = Confession – ask God to forgive your sins.  “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

T = Thanksgiving – Thank God for forgiving you and accept His forgiveness. Thank Him for salvation. Thank Him for life and breath and all things!

S = Supplication – Ask God to meet the needs within your family, friends, church family, coworkers, neighborhood, classmates, etc. Pour out your heart for people who are hurting and in need.

I want to encourage you to pray and fast with others from our church family tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 15^th. I am suggesting a fast from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm, 12 hours in which we do not eat so that we will be reminded to pray. Now, if tomorrow is not a good day for you to do this then do it on Monday or Thursday or whenever works for you. If 12 hours isn’t right for you then do 24 or 36 or 8 or what you can do. If you want to fast from food but still drink juice or coffee (I usually drink just water) that is fine. Do it in the way that God leads you. If you would rather fast from your smartphone, tablet, computer, television, music, movies, books, football, entertainment, etc., that is fine. Do it in the way that will help  you to focus on God in prayer. I just hope you will join me in fervent prayer for a nation that has lost its way.

As you begin your fast, start with some specific requests that you are going to be praying for (for example):

1. Praying for lost family members to be saved
2. Praying for revival and awakening in our nation
3. Praying for our Fall Revival and true revival within our church

I wouldn’t make a long list. Make it short enough that it is easy to remember. Prepare for your time of fasting by making your list today. This list will guide you and help you to be focused. It will keep you on track and it will be much easier to remember why you are doing this. Finally, don’t lose heart if it doesn’t go as well or as easily as you hoped. There are no style points involved. Just do it.