A Call to Fasting and Prayer
Here at The Revival Capital of the World ®, God is stirring our hearts on the importance of approaching Him in faith through fasting. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). Beginning Feb. 5, for 21 days, all of KCM, EMIC, KCBC ® and VICTORY Channel ® will be entering a time of corporate fasting.
What Is Fasting?
To combat the constant bombardment of the physical world, fasting—a sacrificial act—is the intentional refraining from food or other comforts. At the same time, we submit those desires to God and position ourselves to clearly communicate with Him and experience breakthrough. When we choose to fast, it allows God to come in; it’s a time to silence the clamor within, allowing everything to quiet so we can hear Him speak to us. As Brother Copeland once shared, fasting simply brings the spirit man, which is in union with the Holy Spirit, into ascendance over the flesh. It also limits the physical appetites so that you can more effectively hear from and respond to the Spirit. Fasting does not change God. It changes you.
The Purpose of Fasting and Repentance
When someone talks about prayer and fasting it does not elicit the same response as when someone talks about blessings and miracles. However, when we commit to a time of fasting and prayer it should be a time of humility and repentance. It is not to live comfortably in this life; it is to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. To fast and pray forces me to stop and be still. It acknowledges my need for repentance, my cry to hear God’s voice, and my need for change. I am not interested in getting what I want; I need to discover what God wants!
In the Old Testament, when God’s people were called to a time of fasting and prayer it was usually in the time of immense crisis. They knew that unless God intervened they were finished. They did not seek God for a miracle breakthrough – they sought the Lord in sincere repentance crying out for mercy. Any time of prayer and fasting needs to be centered upon God’s Word!
Seven Primary Prayer Targets
As we move into a corporate fast, we want to be very intentional about why we are doing it. So, we are aiming this time of fasting like an arrow at seven primary targets:
- An Awakening to God In the Body of Christ: The Body of Christ needs to further awaken to God, individually and as a whole. Our hearts must be increasingly awakened to His Word and His Spirit.
- An Awakening to God In Israel: Israel is not just another nation; it is God’s First Covenant nation. This kind of awakening will equip them to stand successfully in the trying days ahead.
- An Awakening to God In America and In the Nations: God has a plan for the nations, but He has called America to shine His light on that plan for all to see. As America awakens to God, she will be brighter.
The Power of God's Word during Fasting
It is God’s Word alone that is able to divide between the soul and the spirit and that is able to discern between the thought and the intentions of the heart. The following table highlights the attributes of God's Word as described in Psalms 19:7-11:
| Attribute of the Lord | Spiritual Effect |
|---|---|
| The law of the LORD is perfect | converting the soul |
| The testimony of the LORD is sure | making wise the simple |
| The statutes of the LORD are right | rejoicing the heart |
| The commandment of the LORD is pure | enlightening the eyes |
| The fear of the LORD is clean | enduring forever |
| The judgments of the LORD are true | righteous altogether |
As David prayed: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” More to be desired are they than gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.