Saturday, January 05, 2008

40 Days

My hubby as you all know is a pastor. A larger group of pastors meet on occasion, but he attends a smaller local monthly meeting. Last month there were six different churches represented in the meeting. After a time of worship, what evolved in the next fourteen minutes was a miracle. These men thought it would be a good idea to start the new year with forty days of prayer and fasting. That all six churches would meet weekly during this time period and pray as a corporate body for our city. Here’s the cool part of this story, other churches heard about it and wanted to participate. There are twenty four churches that are committed to fast for the next forty days. They were inspired by this scripture verse:

2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.”

The only agenda is to ask God for more of His manifest presence in our area.

Fasting for me is a time of giving something up that I enjoy and in its place (when I crave it) spurs me to pray. It’s a time of drawing nearer to God. Some of the people in our church are fasting various things such as; television, sugar, coffee, meats, etc. There is no wrong way to fast. It is something that is between you and God. I decided I should fast snacks. What I’ve discovered is you don’t realize how much you do something until you stop doing it. Let’s just put it this way, I pray a lot lately.

Last night was the first of six weekly prayer meetings. Different churches will host the meetings and the pastors will take turns leading them. Last night two different pastors and various members from their worship team worked together to facilitate the meeting. There were about five hundred people who showed up to pray together. The place was packed out. You can feel the excitement in the air. It was wonderful. I can only imagine this number growing.

I’m very excited and encouraged by this. Unity among God’s people is very pleasing to Him. A lot can happen in forty days. I can’t wait to see what next week brings.

© Nadine Z. 2008

16 comments:

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Yes, it was an amazing beginning, I can hardly wait for next Friday!

Tom

eph2810 said...

Oh - that is so way cool, Nadine. For some reason I think that 2008 is the year of prayer. I am not sure why, but it has been on my mind a lot lately. And guess what - Metro Phoenix is doing the same thing. Churches united to pray for the city, the state, the country, the world...the body of Christ - wow. I guess God has His plan set among His people.

Thank you for sharing - blessings on your weekend and always.

Kate said...

That's incredible. I think it is simply amazing just to have that many pastors get together in unity.
I'm praying for such an awakening in Denver (hasn't happened since the 1930's, but I'm keeping my eyes and ears open with ernest expectation). My church engages in 2 fasts every year. One at the beginning, and one in October. It's so awesome to participate in these...the smallest sacrifice which yields so much life! Praise God! I'm excited for your city...for your state!
Many blessings!

Scarlet said...

24 churches? Can't one of them be in Miami?? ;)

That Bible verse is very encouraging. I'm trying to get with the program.

a woman who is said...

It was a great evening, especially the part when we were asked to pray with people from a different church...the unity factor. It is so easy to pray with those you are familiar with, but having to reach out and pray with those you don’t know, was both a challenge and a blessing. I loved it, and can't wait till next Friday

Vee said...

Thank you for your visit...it's always nice to meet someone new in Blogdom.

May a fire ignite there and spread across the entire country. We need revival. I, personally, need revival and I know that others are expressing the same thing.

I'll be thinking of you...and praying for you when I enjoy a snack, which will be often. ;>

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful thing. What a great community. Happy New Year!

Deb said...

Awsome, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes of your fast! 500 people showed up!?
Unity is the key to the city, may God open many doors in your area as you fast and pray. I love that relationship is being built between that many churches! Go God!!!

Anonymous said...

that sounds very exciting. I'll be praying for everything to go well and for God's blessing on it!

Dianna said...

Woo hoo! I also can't wait for next Friday night.....in fact, I could do this every Friday night! Being with friends I have fellowshiped with over the last 21 years in one one place was totally miraculous. Let the ride begin.....

Keshi said...

lovely to hear abt this.

Im bak for good :) HUGS!

keshi.

Dawn said...

That is absolutely awesome. I can't wait to hear what happens in the 40 days. God will certainly honor this endeavor!

The Edwards said...

This is more then incredible, I'll be praying for everything to go well and for God's blessing on it!
AMAZING beginning to a new year...Praise God! Thank you for sharing! I just love this post!

Knit-Wit said...

Fasting is a powerful tool. I don't do it very often, but there have been times when I have felt led to fast and pray.

Susan said...

Nadine, This is WONDERFUL!!! I will be eager to hear the good reports that come out of this. Some of the pastors of our town are beginning to come together. Our pastor is very strong in this area of ministry. It truly is soooo needed.
Susan

Unknown said...

I am so excited about this coming year! There's no one I'd rather fast in unity with!

Your heart comes through on every post!