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CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIP PRAYER, FASTING AND SPIRITUAL FEASTING 2012

CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIP PRAYER, FASTING AND SPIRITUAL FEASTING 2012.

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CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIP PRAYER, FASTING AND SPIRITUAL FEASTING 2012

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  1. CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIPPRAYER, FASTING AND SPIRITUAL FEASTING2012

  2. TABLE OF CONTENTSGUIDE …………………………………………………………..…… 2SCHEDULE …………......................................…………. 10DEVOTIONALS & PRAYER JOURNAL …………………. 11THEME: SEEKING THE LORD …………….….…… ..12DAY 1: Getting right with God………………..… ..13DAY 2: The Body of Christ, The Church ………. 15DAY 3: Touching the world through prayer ... 17DAY 4: Family’s Well Being ………………….……… 19DAY 5: Jerusalem, Our Mission Field ………..… 21DAY 6: Personal Intimacy with God ……….…… 23DAY 7: Thanksgiving …………………………….……. 25PRAYER LIST ……………..……………………………………… 27 Prayer breaks all bars, dissolves all chains, opens all prisons, and widens all straits by which God’s saints have been held. E. M. Bounds

  3. PRAYER AND FASTING Throughout history, God has called on His people to humble themselves through prayer and fasting. As a spiritual family, we practice prayer and fasting to deepen our intimacy with God. Fasting is a spiritual weapon God used to advance His kingdom, move nations, spark revival and bring victory to the lives of His people. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Prayer and fasting fulfill these requirements. If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God. Fasting is part of a believer’s life of faith in Christ. In a fast, the believer chooses, for a set period of time, to do without something that is hard to do without. Biblical fasting is not just “not eating”, but it is abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. It always occurs together with prayer in the Bible and is also a form of worship. Luke 2:37c says that fasting is a way of serving God, while Acts 13:2 says that fasting is ministering to the Lord. As we begin our fast this year, let us all be reminded that whatever we do, we do for the glory of God. Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Joel 1: 14

  4. WHY FAST? God expects us to fast. Matthew 6:16-17 And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face. Jesus said “When you fast”, not if you fast. This means that fasting, like prayer, is not an option. Fasting is part of the Christian life. Jesus fasted. Matthew 4:2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Before He began His ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days. He knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting may make us feel physically weak, but we will become spiritually stronger and more prepared to do God’s work. The early Church fasted. Acts 13:3 (See also Acts 14:23) Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. The Church fasted for Saul (Paul) and Barnabas whom the Holy Spirit had set apart for His use. Later, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders in various churches, fasting and praying before commending these leaders to the Lord. Fasting demonstrates humility before God. Psalm 35:13 (See also 1 Kings 21:27-29; Ezra 8:21) But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer kept returning to my bosom.

  5. Humility allows us to experience the grace of God, who delights in answering the prayers of His children. When we humble ourselves in prayer and turn from our wicked ways, God promises to hear us and answer us according to His perfect will. Fasting makes us sensitive to the leading and power of the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:1-2 (See also Acts 13:2, Luke 4:1-2, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29) And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended, He became hungry. We are prone to forget our priorities. Fasting is a visible reminder to us that God takes precedence over all our needs. Fasting lifts up the matter at hand to God who is able to bring about awesome works that bring Him great glory. Fasting brings about personal and national spiritual revival. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. Fasting prompts revival to an individual and to the country. It brings forth a stirring that will heal and change us and prepare us for greater things in God’s kingdom. Fasting is good for our health. Fasting improves our physical condition. Many impurities in the body are burned up when the body is denied food, thus, clearing the mind, cleansing and healing the body. “Even people who are underweight who fast for spiritual purposes have been known to gain weight after completing their fasts”. Many Bible teachers say that a three-day fast is especially beneficial for spiritual cleansing and also for breaking addictive habits.

  6. There are probably as many ways to fast as there are ways to pray, butthese four ideas are a starting point:1. Normal fast.In a normal fast, a person goes without food for a predetermined amount oftime - 1 day, 3 days, 1 week or longer. Water is allowed and necessary ofcourse. Extreme care should be taken with long fasts, especially if there areany underlying medical conditions. It is wise to consult your physician ifyou are planning on embarking on a long fast.2. Partial fast.This fast allows certain foods, or is on a schedule that includes limitedeating, possibly one meal or two meals a day, or only eating vegetables forseveral days. Daniel and John the Baptist followed this sort of fast, whileJohn Wesley ate only bread and water for many days as his fast. This is abetter option for those who cannot do a water fast.3. Juice fast.This is the same as normal fast in 1. above, except the one fasting also eatsfresh vegetables or drinks fruit juice.4. Object fast.Some people decide to fast on something completely unrelated to food, such as TV or computer time. This is a very commendable type of fasting also. There are very valid reasons to choose this article series we will deal with food. FOUR KINDS OF FASTING

  7. PREPARING TO FAST 1. Set your objective and commit to a type of fast. Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. Once you know the reason you have for fasting, you must make a commitment. Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. • Choose the type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, water and juices, what kinds of juice, and how often). • Determine how much time you will daily devote to prayer and God’s Word. 2. Be Expectant. Be reminded that the Lord listens to a prayer from the heart. Be true and contrite as we expect results from our God. 3. Prepare yourself spiritually. The very foundation of fasting is repentance. Unconfessed sin hinders your prayers. Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you. Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you. 4. Prepare yourself physically. Fasting requires physical precautions. If you are taking medication or have a chronic ailment, consult your physician first before beginning the fast. 5. Lessen physical activities. Limit your physical and social activity during this period. Conserve your physical energy, and devote more time to prayer and reading the Bible. 6. Be in faith. Be strong and vigilant in prayer as you dedicate more time in fellowship with the Father. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specific about your faith goals in your personal life, family, finances, and church. These are what you will be believing God for during the fast and the entire year. Maintain a thankful heart throughout and after the fast.

  8. DURING A FAST 1. Seek the Lord. Commit to prayer and Bible reading during the times you usually allocate for meals. Remain accountable to your small groups, for what you don’t eat physically you should compensate for spiritually. Be ready to respond when you hear from God. 2. Commit to change. Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationships with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately. Ask your small group leader to hold you accountable. 3. Pray for suggested items. Pray for the items on your prayer list and other items as the Spirit leads. Let us use this time to intercede for our family, for CCF, our country, the government, our D-group and D-12 members, Christians around the world, mission, etc. 4. Saturate your mind with the Word of the Lord. We must fill our mind with the Word of God and saturate it fully. Although our body may hunger, our soul must be filled with the spiritual food that we crave and that is enough to strengthen us to deny our flesh. Consider a fast from food as a spiritual feast.

  9. 5. Put yourself on a schedule. For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be. • Praise and worship. • Confession and repentance of sin. • Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees. • Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will. • Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community’s and nation’s leaders, for the world’s unreached millions, for your family and special needs. • Take short, spiritual walks. • If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer. • Avoid television, computer games, internet entertainment surfing, movies, parties, or other distractions that may dampen your spiritual focus. 6. Have the right motive. Remember that your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, to listen to Him and be more intimate with Him and to bring your burdens to Him. When your motives are right, God will honor your seeking heart and bless your time with Him in a very special way.

  10. BREAKING THE FAST 1. End your fast gradually. Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and your digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks. 2. Continue to Pray. Don’t let your prayer end on the day you finish the fast. Build from the momentum you gained during the fast. Let it transform your prayer and devotional life. 3. Expect greater intimacy with God. If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God’s face, if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). A single fast is not a spiritual cure-all. It takes time to build your spiritual muscles. If you fail to make it through the first fast, do not be discouraged. Undertake another fast until you succeed. God will honour you for your faithfulness. When we have denied our flesh, empowered our spirit with prayer, and solely depend on God for nourishment, there is a joy in the moment we experience God’s magnificent power.

  11. SCHEDULE Day 1. Monday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 2. Tuesday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 3. Wednesday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 4. Thursday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 5. Friday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 6. Saturday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________ Day 7. Sunday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only Other: ___________

  12. DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER JOURNAL

  13. SEEK THE LORD Psalm 27:4One thing I ask from the LORD,    this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD    all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD    and to seek him in his temple. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

  14. DAY 1: GETTING RIGHT WITH GOD(Luke 9:23) Reflection: Getting right with God is simply obeying His will (John. 14:15, Matt. 7:21) Man’s reasoning always misses the mark (Matt. 8:18-22, Luke 14:16-24). God simply wants us to put Him first in our priorities in life. For us to get right with God, we need these two simple approaches (Luke 9:23): 1. Deny yourself- This is to relinquish to Him our right over ourselves and properties. What pleases God is a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17) 2. Take up his cross daily and follow Jesus.—(Cross represents the will of God). Our life should be governed by biblical principles. Application: 1. Whose appetite do you satisfy first-yourself, others or God’s? Write down your experiences that happened in your house, community, along the street, church and work place regarding this matter. 2. Are your principles in life aligned with God’s Word? Can you love God without loving everyone (1 John 4:20-21)? 3. Is it true that “the more you fulfill yourself the less you seek God”? Explain.

  15. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 1 Devotional Getting right with God ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

  16. DAY 2: THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH(1 Cor. 12:12) Reflection: All parts of the body are important to the body just as the parts need a body (1 Cor. 12:12) It should have members that are contributing well to the accomplishment of the body’s purpose. They should be united and take direction from Jesus Christ, the head. Fellowshipping with one another is their delight (Eph. 4:11-13). They share the blessing they received from God (Acts 2:42-47) because they believe everything belongs to God. (Ps. 24:1) Application: 1. What contribution have you made and will make for the growth of the church? 2. Are you a blessing to your fellow church members? Give an example. 3. Do you model Christianity even outside the church? Give an example.

  17. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 2 Devotional Church, taking care the body of Christ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

  18. DAY 3: TOUCHING THE WORLD THROUGH PRAYER (2 Chron. 7:14) Reflection: God honors prayer from a humble heart. His answer will always depend on the condition and motive of our heart. We are to seek the Lord in prayer even in times of hopelessness like King Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:1-15) to ensure victory in life. Surely, we will encounter great troubles in this world (John:16:33) that we need to pray more for each other (1 Thess. 5:17). The good news is we who are in Christ is powerful and effective in our prayers (James 5:17). So wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God and wrestle in prayer for other people. Application: 1. Have you ever lamented for the welfare of others? If so, did you get an answer from God? 2. What particular thing hinders you from fellowshipping through prayer with God? How do you plan to get rid of it? 3. How often do you intercede for others?

  19. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 3Devotional Nations, touch the world through prayer ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  20. DAY 4: FAMILY’S WELL BEING (Job. 1:1-5) Reflection: Job provided for his family’s physical and spiritual needs. He exemplifies the message in Deut. 8:3 which says ”… that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Although Job lived in abundance he always acknowledged God’s presence in his life. He was intentional in passing a good legacy to his children. Every member of the family has duty to perform for the well being of everybody (Eph. 5:22 - 6:4) Everyone should have fear of the Lord which adds length to life (Prov. 10:27), turns a man from the snares of death (Prov. 14:27), teaches wisdom and humility comes before honor (Prov. 15:33), avoids evil (Prov. 16:6) and leads to life (Prov. 19:23). Application: 1. How well do you know the need of every member of your family? How did you manage to know their needs? For the husband: Do you always show your love to your wife? For the wife: Are you submissive to your husband’s will? Do you listen to each other’s plea or idea? 2. (For Men) How do you perform as spiritual leader and provider of your family? (For Women) Do you keep the house always in order? 3. What do you think your spouse and children will say behind your back? Are they blessed by how you treat them? 4. (For Singles) Are you spending time with your family? How do you show your love for them? 5. What does God require of you that you have not yet done?

  21. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 4Devotional Loved ones, salvation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

  22. DAY 5: JERUSALEM,OUR MISSION FIELD (Luke 18:31) Reflection: Jesus, resolutely, set out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) though He knew the persecution and death that await Him in that place. His only purpose was to do the will of the Father. Jerusalem, in the life of our Savior Jesus Christ, was the culmination of His Father’s will upon the cross. In our case, where God placed us to do His will becomes our Jerusalem. Nothing should divert us from pursuing God’s goal for us (Eph. 4:13). Persecution and rejection may come but have no fear because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33 b) It is in Jerusalem that the preaching of repentance and forgiveness of sin begun (Luke 24:47) . It is also the place where His disciples will be clothed with power from on high– the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit was poured out after Jesus was glorified. All that is required of us now is our own spiritual fitness. Your family is part of your Jerusalem that you must give your best to model to them authentic Christianity Your spiritual victories in your family will be used by God to touch others. Application: 1. Are you now working in your Jerusalem? What is your mission? What obstacle have you encountered? What steps have you made to win the situation? 2. Do the members of your family support your mission? How?

  23. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 5 Devotional Street corner ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

  24. DAY 6: PERSONAL INTIMACY WITH GOD. (Job 13:15) Reflection: Job’s life defines the kind of faith that glorifies God. If we seek Him with all our heart we will find Him (Jer. 29:13). Seeking Him is a transaction of the will and not of emotion. Christianity is an intimate growing relationship with the person Jesus Christ. A religious activity apart from fellowshipping with God is an empty ritual. Apostle Simon Peter didn’t always say and do the right things, but constantly seek to be with Jesus. He followed Jesus from afar during the night of His crucifixion (Matt. 26:58). He ran to the tomb when he heard Jesus had risen (Luke 24:12). He walked on water to join Jesus (Matt. 14:29) Persevering faith like Job’s is what we need (Job. 13:15) to experience personal intimacy with God. Application: 1. Have you deliberately committed your will to Jesus Christ? Are you intimately united to Jesus Christ’s idea of prayer in Mat. 6:10 (“your will be done”)? 2. Do you consult Him, moment by moment, in your struggles, decisions, even in taking medicine and in your victorious moments? 3. Are you always aware of His presence in your life?

  25. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 6 Devotional Personal ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Philippians 3:8

  26. DAY 7: THANKSGIVING (Col. 2:6-7) Reflection: Being rooted in Him refers mainly to our faith striking deep into the Word (Col. 3:16) praising and rejoicing in Him (Jesus Christ) with overflowing thanksgiving. Truly, we have everything to thank God for (1 Thess. 5:18)(Eph. 5:20). God is pleased to require us to be grateful and not unmindful of our obligation (Heb. 13:15) King Solomon thanked God for His faithfulness and goodness (1 Kings. 8:14-21). Daniel thanked God for wisdom (Daniel 2:19-23). Paul thanked God for the privilege of ministry (1 Tim.1: 12). The Psalmist thanked the Lord for His Love (Ps. 106:1) Always remember, “every good and perfect gift is coming from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadow” (James 1:17) In Luke 17:17-18, Jesus asked for the 9 (nine) lepers who were healed but didn’t come back. God delights when we acknowledge His good works in us. Application: 1. What is the latest accomplishment/privilege you ought to thank God for? Have you used them to help others know the Lord? 2. What have you accomplished during the Prayer/Fasting week? How did it help you physically and spiritually? Is it a refreshing experience? Is there any lesson you want to share to others for their spiritual growth? 3. Do you have plan of continuing this prayer/fasting day even once a week?

  27. PRAYER JOURNAL Day 7 Devotional Victory, Thanksgiving, Limitless of God ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippian 4:4

  28. PRAYER LIST • Christian Covenant Fellowship Singapore • Core Leaders, D-group Leaders and Preachers • Ministries: Ushering, Praise and Worship, Sunday School, Outreach, Singles, Finance, Prayer • Sunday Worship • Tithes and Offerings • Exodus Team (permanent place for worship and church activities) • Upcoming 2012 church activities (Retreat, Conference and Anniversary) • Members: Full of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and determined to do the great commission • CCF Philippines growth and protection • Nation • 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 • If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. • PHILIPPINES • President Noynoy Aquino’s leadership • Honest and competent VP, Senate and Judiciary • Righteousness, justice, peace and economic prosperity in the land • SINGAPORE • Prime Minister and all government officials. • Ministry of Manpower and Philippines Embassy to work more efficiently and for the welfare of OFWs • MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES • Protection for Israel • Salvation for the Israelites and its enemies.

  29. PRAYER LIST • Personal • Spiritual revival • Breaking of bad habits, curses • Career • Family & Relationships • Salvation • Spiritual growth • Provision • Protection • Ability to initiate loving & God-focused relationships • Others • Those who are sick, suffering from major diseases & loved ones who's at the hospital waiting for healing. • Mr. De la Cruz (Gian’s Dad) • Kuya Ramon (Cancer) • Calvin Tan • Suzette Pena • Gemma Marquez • Kendi’s Lola • AizaSacil (CCF Iligan) • Rommel • Comfort & strength for those who have lost their love ones:

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