Yesterday my 1 Peter 3 online group fasted and prayed again. I did this a few weeks ago and it was amazing. This time was a struggle in many different ways. I woke up hungry, and in two hours I had fixed 3 breakfasts and packed 2 lunches. My husband was home sick with the flu. I sat down to write a prayer and my pen died. I started to pray and a telemarketer called twice. I had an annoying ringing in my ears that would not stop. Ironically it is gone today! And I just didn’t feel well. My stomach hurt, I was queasy and light headed to boot! I was under attack, both physically and mentally. But I persevered and called on the Lord for my strength, and He provided. He sustained me all day, until around 8:40 last night when I was able to eat. I know that satan was scared of all the praying I was doing, and that’s why he was trying to pull me away. It was hard yesterday, and I really struggled. I was surprised to get online last night and find messages from several others in the group who struggled as well. It is proof that there’s power in prayer. I prayed for everyone that I prayed for last time, and added 8 more to the list. I really prayed for a breakthrough in my family. In the afternoon I got the chance to just sit and listen for Him after I prayed. That was hard for me because of the distractions, and I just kept interjecting with more prayers and thoughts. What I got from it was the number 6, and I kept hearing/singing a song we sang at church last week called On My Cross by Ffh. Another song that was playing both times I got in the car to pick up my kids was Casting Crowns East to West. I thought both of the songs reflect working on me spiritually, and I was unsure what the number 6 meant. A friend from 1 Peter 3 did some research on the number 6, and it is really interesting. I’m having trouble uploading it, so I’ll have to post on that later. The overall impression of yesterday’s fast was Faith, Obedience and Discipline. God is at work, and He’s changing me too. More later on the fast and meaning of number 6.
Category Archives: Fasting
Prayer and fasting
Today was awesome in the most amazing way! I prayed for over 31 families today, some that I’m close to and some that I’ve never met. I prayed specifically for their needs, each and every one of them. I feel so honored that they all shared their requests with me, and that I could do something that is so simple for me, yet can be so profound. To everyone that emailed me, please know that I covered you in prayer on at least two separate occasions today, and many of you just popped into my head as I was doing something else so I prayed for you again. I have faith that God is going to bless you all with His favor. He is in control. I learned so much today. Sometimes a person has to be at rock bottom before they finally reach out, or cry out to Jesus. When I pray for strength and endurance for my dh, maybe what he really needs is to feel empty and hopeless, so he has nowhere to turn but God. That might be hard to surrender to, but I’m game if it works. Surrender…
In a way, that’s what I did today. I surrendered myself and put all else before me and it felt so good. Did I get hungry? Yeah! You know those days where you’re just so busy you don’t have time to eat? You don’t even really notice it! Well I’ve done that before, and this is so much different. I knew today that I couldn’t eat because I was giving that up for the greater good, and I got hungry. My stomach was growling, and I was thinking of food. But the Word of God sustained me. He filled me up!
In the words of Andrew Murray, “Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.”
I need to do more of this, and I’m trying to listen and follow God’s leading, so I’m going to have to get back with you on what that actually means. For now, I want to leave you with some very wise words from one of the women from the 1 Peter 3 group that I’m in. We all participated in this fast today, and prayed for the salvation of each of our loved ones. R wrote this. “He will speak. Expect it. Don’t be surprised by the revelations or the confirmations. Don’t be surprised by the power of your prayers or the desires to worship. Do as the spirit of God leads and watch Him work through your surrendered hearts to bring about transformation. He is doing a new thing. Don’t be afraid of that new thing. For some, your prayer life will change. For others, you will understand worship in a new way. And for others, you will be given the direction you’ve asked for. This isn’t about giving up food, but about seeking His presence and His will above all else. Enjoy your fellowship with Your creator. Rest in His arms. Give Him your cares and concerns. Trust Him with what you’ve held onto. The attack of the enemy will be strong. But your God, He is bigger than the enemy’s attack! Put on your full armor and wage war against the prince of darkness through worship. Enter the holy of holies and dwell there. Just hang out. Drink up His presence and soak in His truth. He Will Speak.”
Prayer and fasting
This morning has been awesome. I’ve only missed my frosted mini wheats and Cranberries once, and then God filled me up with love and adoration! I’ve had 7 people request prayers, with 27 specific prayer requests so far, and I’ve spent the morning covering these friends in prayer. I know God has heard and will respond to those in need, and I feel so blessed already. I’ve discovered a new Psalm that is so beautiful I want to share it, but now have my little one who needs mommy’s attention. I’m off to snuggle and pray some more for my 1 Peter 3 group. If I can pray for you, please leave me a comment and I will be happy to include you. God is so amazing!
Fasting
I’m in a 1 Peter 3 group that is taking today to fast and spend in focused prayer for our husbands and families. I’m sending this out to open the floor up to your prayer requests, and I’ll add you to my list. I would be happy to cover you in prayer, so just comment on this with your requests and I’ll pray. I look forward to this time of worship and prayer, and can hardly wait to listen to what God has in store for us. I’ll be blogging about it throughout the day, with verses regarding fasting, so check back for updates.