The Beautiful Sacrifice of Prayer & Fasting Part II

"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." ~ Andrew Murray


Love this quote! What a powerful statement!  Bringing heaven and earth together.  Bringing the temporary condition of our lives on this earth in alignment with the eternal, everlasting domain and the will of the Almighty. Coming before the throne of grace and power in surrender. Drawing close to Him. Expressing our love and trust in Him. Knowing Him more intimately. Prayers with power behind them. Spirit-led and Spirit-filled. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

The Sacrifice

The power and beauty in the sacrifice of prayer and fasting...

Praise

Repent

Ask

Yield

Focus

Acknowledge

Sacrifice

Thanksgiving

Praise Him. For all He is, all He does and His willingness to humble Himself to commune with us.
Repent and Release your heart. Come before Him with a humbleness and a willingness to learn and grow. Embrace His forgiveness. Surrender.
Ask Him to guide you in Spirit (rather than flesh) as you pray for your heart’s desire for yourself and others.
Yield in submission to His perfect will and in anticipation to His answer to your request whatever the outcome.

Focus on the power and provision of God, His Spirit and the gift of redemption, reconciliation, and salvation rather than on perceived needs of the flesh.
Acknowledge His sovereignty in all things. He is our ALL in ALL; we would not, could not exist without Him.
Sacrifice something of significance such as food, a stronghold or a bad habit. The sacrifice should be something you feel you need but must do without to increase the realization of your weakness and dependance upon Him. Sacrifice your time to be used in prayer.
Thank Him continually during the fast for providing spiritual strength and sustenance during your time of surrender and moments of weakness and revelation. Thank Him for His unfailing love and provision.

Reasons to Pray and Fast
To seek God’s guidance and wisdom
To seek deliverance or protection
To express grief or remorse
To strengthen prayer
To express repentance
To rededicate your life to God
To humble yourself before Him
To overcome temptation or conquer a stronghold
To seek His provision spiritually or physically
To ask for healing emotionally, spiritually or physically

“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3, seeking guidance and deliverance

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
 So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.” Joel 2:12-13, in repentance and mourning.

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah 58:6-9, fasting pleasing to the Lord.


Scripture References for Prayer and Fasting
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Fasting-and-Prayer/