40 Days with the Holy Spirit

“Breaking the Chains in 2012”

Grace World Outreach Church

Preparation: As you enter a new season of prayer and fasting, allow this prayer guide to aid your focus. First, decide HOW you will fast. Then decide WHEN you will begin and for HOW LONG. For some, this may be fasting a meal or a day each week. For others, this could mean fasting several days or longer. Yet however you decide, use this 40 day prayer guide to enrich your relationship with the Holy Spirit. As you do, may every chain be broken and nothing hold you back from going forward in 2012!

Pre-Fast Day 1 – “Holy Spirit, I invite You to come and walk with me.” Begin to prepare your heart by inviting His companionship and communion. Remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is not a “thing,” “force” or “dove.” While He remains the most rejected person in the world, He is One who desires to walk alongside you as you create a welcome environment for His presence and habitation. As you walk with Him, you will learn more about what He wants and how He feels. Remember, He is not only present everywhere in the world but also has a distinct presence, living inside of you. Yet, there are even special moments where we can actually discern His presence. So be encouraged that as you make Him your primary pursuit, you will not be disappointed. All answers, direction, solutions and provisions are really bi-products from making Him your focus. Remember, there is no LACK in His presence. Jn. 14:16-17 (NKJV) -- And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Ps. 16:11A (NKJV) – You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy . . . Ps. 140:13B (NLT) – . . . the godly will live in your presence. Acts 2:28 (NLT) – You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.

Pre-Fast Day 2 -- “Holy Spirit, grace me for a spirit of reward.” Remind Him of the Father’s promise to release good things to those who diligently seek Him. Yet be careful to seek His face, not just His hand. As you do, expect Him to grace you with a spirit of REWARD. This benefit will follow you far beyond your time of prayer and fasting. First and foremost, this reward will be a greater awareness of His ongoing presence with you. Any answers and provisions you have need of, are really bi-products of spending time with Him. Gen. 15:1 (NKJV) -- After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." Ps.119:2 (NKJV) -- Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! Heb.11:6B (NKJV) – . . . for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Prov. 11:18B (NKJV) –  . . . But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Ps. 84:11B (NKJV) -- ^{. .  .  .} The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

Day 1 thru 10: Unshackled to Hear God’s Voice

Day #1 – “Holy Spirit, teach me how to meditate on Your Word.” Meditation means to pay attention whole heartedly and allow that process to reprogram your thinking. So keep reading and listening until He speaks. Then whatever you hear, pay attention to that Word by rehearsing and reflecting on it. As you continue to meditate, you will begin to feel a “burning” inside your spirit man. Lk. 24:32 (NKJV) – And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" Jer. 23:29 (NLT) -- Does not my word burn like fire?” says the LORD . . . Ps. 119:148 (NKJV) – My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. Ps. 1:2 (NKJV) – But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Ps. 119:15 (NLT) – I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 1 Tim. 4:15 (NKJV) –  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

Day #2 -- “Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear.” Approach this second day with renewed confidence that says, “My ears are being trained to hear God speak. I am His child. Therefore, I have been enabled to hear His voice.” Ask the Holy Spirit to re-sensitize your ears to discern what He is saying about you, your family, and all areas entrusted to you.  Job 33:8 (NLT) – You have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard your very words. Isa. 50:5 (NKJV) – The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. Isa. 30:21 (NLT) – Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Jn 10:27 (NLT) -- My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Day #3 -- “Holy Spirit, remove all distractions.” Be sensitive to discern anything that may be a distraction or hindrance to hearing Him clearly. For some, this may include certain types of media or leisure activities such as sports. For others, this might be the busyness of everyday affairs. Yet whatever you sense standing in your way, be diligent to remove all barriers. Ps. 119:37 (NLT) – Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Luke 10:40A (NLT) –  But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing . . . Heb. 12:1A (NIV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders . . . Gal. 5:25 (NLT) -- Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Day #4 – “Holy Spirit, break every stronghold of bondage as I confess and turn away.” Are you ready to give Him complete lordship in all aspects of your life? If so, then ask Him now to address any area that represents a place of captivity. By allowing Him to fully expose all hidden strongholds out of darkness, the light of God’s truth will cause them to empty their power and hold on you. The fruit of this new freedom will be a new depth of repentance and wholeness. Ps. 139:23-24 (NLT) – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Ps. 101:3 (NKJV) -- I will set nothing wicked before my eyes . . . it shall not cling (or cleave) to me. James 5:16A (NLT) -- . . . Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Ps. 32:5 (NLT) – Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone . . . Ps. 38:17-18 (NKJV) – For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. Prov. 28:13 (NLT) – People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 1 Jn. 1:8-9 (NLT) – If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Day #5 -- “Holy Spirit, deliver me from all falsehood.” A falsehood is any untrue idea, belief or deception that lacks conformity to God’s truth. It may come in the form of gossip, opinions, theories, methods and thought processes that seek justification by the attempt to rationalize. So while they may look good on the surface, they can be viewed as “rational lies” that have no real power and will hinder your advancement in 2012.  Ask the Holy Spirit to steer you away from anything that does not line up with God’s word. Ps. 41:6 (NLT) – They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. Ps. 101:7 (NLT) – I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Ps. 119:163 (NLT) – I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions. Jer. 8:8-9 (NLT) – “‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the LORD,” when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies?  These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the LORD. Are they so wise after all? Col. 2:8 (NLT) -- Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 2 Tim. 4:2-3 (NLT) – Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Day #6 – “Holy Spirit, order my steps down a straight path.” Ask Him to release His ORDER for your life over the months ahead. What you are doing now is critical to establishing His government in your life in the months to come. Allow this time of seeking His communion to set in motion a new cycle of obedience and clear focus. Ask Him to re-align your steps by revealing any area of your life that has been taking you down a crooked path. As He clarifies, be quick to make the necessary adjustments. 1 Cor. 6:12 (NIV) -- "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. Ps. 27:11 (NLT) -- Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path . . . Jer. 6:16A-D (NKJV) -- Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls . . . Ps. 37:23 (NLT) – The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Prov. 4:26 (NKJV) – Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Prov. 3:6 (NLT) -- Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Day #7 – “Holy Spirit, release new strategies for achieving goals with my work and family.” The Spirit is a better search engine than Google.  He searches the mind of the Father Who has all sorts of extravagant individual thoughts about you. The Holy Spirit searches the mind of God to gather the particular ones that He determines to make known to you.  He then takes of those applicable thoughts and brings them to you in word form or in a way you can understand. He does this by declaring or releasing the Word in your spirit. Therefore, ask Him to help you write down His goals for you and your household over the next twelve months. (spiritual / financial /family /physical) Also, ask Him to alert and equip you for the battles ahead. Don’t rely on yesterday’s victories. Nor be paralyzed by yesterday’s failures.  Instead, be discerning of the time and ready to embrace new wineskins and marching orders. There are no limits to receiving Holy Spirit downloads. Pay attention to what He is showing you. Ezra 8:21 (NKJV) -- Then I proclaimed a fast . . . that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. Jn 16:13A, C (NKJV) -- However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth . . . and He will tell you things to come. 1 Cor. 2:9-10 (NKJV) – But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit . . .

Day #8 -- “Holy Spirit, speak to me in dreams and visions.” Be open for Him to speak to you in the night seasons. Do not be surprised that He would visit you even during times of sleep. Be like the boy Samuel and go to bed expecting to hear God’s voice. 1 Samuel 3:9 (NLT) . . . “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.’” Job 33:14-16 - (NLT) – For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. He whispers in their ears . . . Dan. 1:17B (NKJV) –  and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Hab. 2:1 (NLT) – I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says . . . Acts 2:17 (NKJV) – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; . . . Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

Day #9 -- “Holy Spirit, help me write down what I hear.” Be ready to journal and document what He is saying. Trust Him to organize your thoughts. By keeping track of your impressions and what comes to mind, it will help preserve accuracy and feed your spirit by daily reflection. Dan.7:1 (NLT) – Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream . . . Hab.2:2 (NKJV) – Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision . . .

Day #10 -- “Holy Spirit, release over me the sounds of heaven .” Continue to praise Him for answers on the way. A sound is going forth to break all bondage and oppression. Your dedication to seek Him has not been in vain. There is an opening for you to enter into God’s REST. You will not need to strive any longer.  Ex. 14:13-14 (NLT) -- But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Ezek. 3:12 (NKJV) – Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!" Ezek. 43:2B (NKJV) – His voice was like the sound of many waters . . . Isa. 6:4A (NLT) -- Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations . . . Rev.14:2-3 (NKJV) –  And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne . . .

Day 11 thru 20:  Unshackled to Receive God’s Love

Day #11 – “Holy Spirit, bring me back to my first love.” Ask Him to restore any lost intimacy you once had in your prayer life. Let Him know you are re-establishing Him as the center of your focus. Rev 2:4 (NKJV) -- Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Jer. 15:19A (NKJV) -- Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, Then I will bring you back . . .” Jer. 24:7 (NKJV) -- Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. Hosea 6:1-3 (NLT) -- “Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him . . . Jn. 14:21 (NLT) -- Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” Mal. 3:7A-B (NIV) -- Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty . . .

Day #12 – “Holy Spirit, deliver me from the fear of man.” Ask Him to break you free from the opinions of others that are stifling your personal growth and ability to hear God for yourself. These opinions and expectations can even come from well-meaning and respected authority figures. Yet your focus must be to hear and always obey what God is saying without fear of consequences or retaliation. This can be accomplished in a spirit of love and goodwill. Prov. 29:25 (NKJV) -- The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Prov. 15:33 (NLT) -- Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. 1 Jn 4:18 (NKJV) -- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. Mtt. 10:28 (NKJV) -- And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 2 Tim. 1:7 (NKJV) -- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Day #13 – “Holy Spirit, release me from being performance-driven.” Ask Him to liberate you from all false expectations that are rooted in self-righteousness and outward forms of godliness. Instead of being performance-driven, focus your thoughts on working out of your relationship as a son or daughter. From that posture, you always have access to the Father’s love and affection. Gal. 5:1 (NIV) -- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Jn. 5:19-20A (NLT) -- So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.” Gal. 1:10 (NLT) -- Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Eph. 6:7 (NLT) -- Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Heb. 13:21 (NLT) -- may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him . . .

Day #14 – “Holy Spirit, help me forgive those who offended and violated me.” Ask Him to show you anyone with whom there may remain an unresolved  point of offense. He may remind you of an incident where there has not yet been closure. Yet regardless of who was at fault, take the lead and release them completely for your own spiritual health. By unloosing that person and event that has attached to your spirit, you will create a pathway for your own healing and wholeness.  Mtt. 6:12 (NLT) -- and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Mtt. 6:14-15 (NLT) -- If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Jn. 20:23 (MSG) -- "If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?" Eph. 4:32 (NKJV) -- And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Col. 3:13 (NLT) -- Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Day #15 – “Holy Spirit, heal my pain of past disappointments.” Renounce the lie that God has ever failed you. Or that He ever stopped caring for you. Ask Him to free you from the prison of past disappointments and unfulfilled expectations. Erasing the bad memories of whatever you experienced that left you traumatized. Ask him to break off their attachment. As you walk in that freedom, expect Him to create new memories. This act on your part will also have a positive effect on your health. All physical symptoms that came as a result of your crushing disappointment will suddenly go away. Be released to go forward in the truth that He has always been present and has never abandoned you. Ps. 22:5 (NIV) -- They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. Rom. 5:5 (NLT) -- And this hope will not lead to disappointment . . . . because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Nahum 1:9B-C (NKJV) . . . He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time. (meaning this trouble, this affliction, or this matter)

Day #16 – “Holy Spirit, recover what I lost through compromise and disobedience.” Ask Him to restore what the enemy has stolen from you. No matter how severe were the losses, see your heavenly Father running towards you with open arms!  Joel 2:25A (NLT) -- The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost . . . Lk. 15:21-24 (NKJV) -- And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. 2 Cor. 6:17-18 (NKJV) -- Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty ." Ps. 51:8 (NLT) -- Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Ps. 51:12 (NLT) -- Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Day #17 – “Holy Spirit, restore to me a childlike faith.” Ask Him to take you back to that place of feeling totally secure and at peace no matter what a day might bring. Ask Him to restore in you the faith of a child who does not worry about tomorrow.  Renew your sense of security as a child who has complete confidence in the Father’s unconditional love and commitment to take care of him. Ps. 116:6A (NLT) -- The LORD protects those of childlike faith . . . Ps.103:13 (NLT) -- The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Prov. 1:33 (NLT) -- But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. Prov. 3:24 (NKJV) -- When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Mtt. 6:31-32 (NKJV) -- Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Day #18 -- “Holy Spirit, release me from the bondage of comparison and past failures.” Now is the time to let go of “what might have been” or “should have been.” Instead, ask Him to use every failure as a reference point to express His work of grace in your life. Remember, there will never be another person exactly like you.  Move forward in the freedom that you have no need to compare yourself with others. 2 Cor. 5:16A-17 (NKJV) --Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh . . .  if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Prov. 24:16 (NLT) -- The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again . . .1 Tim. 1:12 (NLT) -- I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him . . . 1 Tim. 1:14 (NIV) -- The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:9-10 (NKJV) -- For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . . 2 Cor. 10:12 (NKJV) -- For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. Jn. 21:21-22 (NKJV) -- Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." 2 Cor. 10:13A-B (NLT) -- We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us . . .

Day #19 – “Holy Spirit, help me to put my expectation in You alone.” No matter what you are believing God to resolve or accomplish, continue to express your total dependency on Him. Let Him know you are leaning on Him for the right answers. Present your requests with a thankful heart. Ezra 8:23 (NLT) So we fasted and earnestly prayed (petitioned) that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Mtt.7:7-8 (NLT) -- “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Ps. 62:5 (NKJV) - My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. Ps.138:8A (NKJV) -- The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.

Day #20 – “Holy Spirit, restore my soul through accountable and godly relationships.” Ask Him to lead you into healthy friendships. Connect yourself with godly brothers and sisters who will speak the truth and lead by example. By doing so, you will insure a safe environment of support and protection as you continue to grow in the Lord. Prov. 27:17 (NLT) -- As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Prov. 24:6B (NKJV) – . . . in a multitude of counselors there is safety. Heb. 10:25 (NLT) -- And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 1 Thess. 5:11 (NLT) -- So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Col. 3:16A-B (NLT) -- Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives . . . Eph. 5:21 (NKJV) -- submitting to one another in the fear of God. Heb. 13:17A-C (NLT) -- Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow . . .

Day 21 thru 25: Unshackled to Feel God’s Urgency

Day #21 – “Holy Spirit, forgive me of my passivity and indifference.” Ask Him to renew your sense of urgency to seek His presence. To see Him at work in the local church. The salvation of souls.  Evangelism in all its expressions. Transformation of communities. Citywide awakenings. National revival.  Shaking of nations! Let Him know you don’t want to be sleeping. Nor indifferent to what He feels and wants to see happen. Rom. 12:11 (NIV) -- Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Mtt. 26:40 (NLT) -- Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Rev. 3:15-16 (NLT) -- I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Isaiah 64:7A (NKJV) -- And there is no one . . .  who stirs himself up to take hold of You . . .

Day #22 – “Holy Spirit, give me Your compassion for the lost and hurting.” Ask Him to show you the depth and scope of God’s concern for His creation.  Observe the sensitivity of Jesus when he encountered those burdened with pain and misfortune. Ask yourself,  “Am I willing to make myself available when it’s an inconvenience or an interruption to my schedule? To what extent am I willing to express God’s love?” Mtt. 9:36 (NKJV) -- But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Mtt. 15:32 (NKJV) -- Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." Mtt.14:14 (NKJV) -- And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Mtt. 20:34 (NIV) -- Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Mk. 1:41 (NKJV) -- Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." Lk. 7:13 (NKJV) -- When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Mtt. 9:13A (NLT) – “. . .Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy . . . Rom. 9:15 (NLT) -- For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” Philip. 1:8 (NLT) -- God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) -- Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Pet. 3:8A (NKJV) -- Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another . . . 1 Jn. 3:17 (NLT) -- If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

Day #23 – “Holy Spirit, let me feel Your anguish over broken lives.” Ask Him to allow you to feel the empty void that sin leaves on individuals, families and communities. Feel His deep pain as He longs to breathe life to desolate places and on those who are spiritually dead. Neh. 1:4 (NLT) -- When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Ezek. 37:1-2 (NIV) -- The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. Jer 8:20-22 (NLT) -- “The harvest is finished, and the summer is gone,” the people cry, “yet we are not saved!” I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief. Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people? Jn. 11:33C, 35 (NKJV) -- . . . He groaned in the spirit and was troubled . . . Jesus wept.

Day #24 – “Holy Spirit, enable me to pray Your desires for Restoration.” As you begin to process a measure of His pain over broken lives, let this awareness impact your sense of priority. See His desire for mercy to triumph over justice. Petition His order and restoration.  As you do,  find yourself  connecting with His desires. You will sense a ‘holy tenacity’ to keep on praying until there has been a breakthrough or relief. Neh. 1:5-7 (NLT) -- Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. Rom. 8:26-27 (NKJV) -- Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Lk. 18:1-5 (NLT) -- One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Day #25 – “Holy Spirit, show me what it means to stand in the gap.” A ‘gap’ may represent any unguarded opening that left unattended, can leave a community vulnerable to the enemy. Whenever you intercede for a lost soul or wayward brother or sister, you are standing in the gap as a redemptive agent. Allow Him to show you how to function in this way. Stand in the gap for your home, your marriage, and your children. Believe that your prayers are making a difference. Ezek. 22:30 (NKJV)  -- So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ps. 106:23B (NLT) -- . . . But Moses, his chosen one, stepped between the LORD and the people. He begged him to turn from his anger and not destroy them. Num. 16:48 (NKJV) -- And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped. 1 Thess. 3:10 (NLT) -- Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.

Day 26 thru 30: Unshackled to Speak God’s Hope

Day #26 – “Holy Spirit, impart to me a message of hope.” Keep praying until you feel a release in your spirit.  Feeling His grief is connected to both weeping and feeling joyful. Weeping is one part of His brokenness but joy is where He desires to take you. The first part is to feel His anguish over broken lives. Yet, this brokenness must not end there. Your participation in His grief is what qualifies you to become infused with His divine HOPE. Because on the other side of your intercession, something within your spirit man will begin to burst open with new vision and hope about that situation. When that happens, begin to declare what you are hearing. Ps. 30:5B (NLT) -- . . . Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Ps. 130:5 (NKJV) -- I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. Ps. 94:19 (NLT) --When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Isaiah 40:31 (NAB) -- They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . . Jer. 31:17A (NLT) -- There is hope for your future,” says the LORD . . . Jer. 29:11 (NAB) -- For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.

Day #27 – “Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to know how and when to speak.” As He enables you to become a redemptive agent, expect that nothing of what He has imparted to your spirit will be in vain. Trust Him for the right opportunity to convey His heart to others. At just the right time, He will clothe you with favor and everything you need for your assignment. Isa. 50:4 (NKJV) -- The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. Isa. 55:11 (NKJV) -- So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Neh. 2:16A-18 (NLT) -- The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans . . . But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.

Day #28 – “Holy Spirit, anoint me to speak words that liberate.” Ask Him to anoint your lips to speak good news. The good news is a Word of hope and grace that is like light shining in darkness. It is God’s answer about a particular problem or situation that brings life, not death. Isa. 61:1 (NLT) -- The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. Ezek. 37:4-6 (NIV) -- Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'"

Day #29 – “Holy Spirit, help me to speak healing words.” Never underestimate His power in using you to speak WHOLENESS into your atmosphere.  When your words are in agreement with His, there is great power when you release it. Jn. 15:7 (NKJV) -- If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. Ps. 107:20 If you are receiving a word of healing, it may be because He is intending to send you to speak it. (NKJV) -- He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Prov. 12:18B (NLT) -- . . . the words of the wise bring healing. Prov. 16:24 (NLT) -- Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Mtt. 8:16B (NLT) -- . . . He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. Prov. 18:21A (NIV) -- The tongue has the power of life and death . . .

Day #30 – “Holy Spirit, help me dare to take risks.” Now that you’ve come this far in your fast, how willing are you to step outside of your comfort zone? What if He were to challenge you with something you’ve never done before? How would you respond?  Would you try to talk Him out of it?  One of the signs you are being set apart for a supernatural mission from God is that you have gone through a season of preparation where everything about you has been tempered by feeling His brokenness. And somehow in the process, there is a Word that has been birthed in you that only you can speak. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself embracing the very assignment that you took the time to become broken about. Isa. 6:8 (NLT) -- Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Ex. 4:10-12 (NLT) -- But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” ¹¹ Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? ¹² Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Mtt. 14:28-29 (NLT) -- Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

Day 31 thru 35: Unshackled to Advance God’s Mission

Day #31 – “Holy Spirit, connect my future with the last day harvest of souls.” This refers to your personal dreams, ambitions and aspirations. As you surrender them to the Holy Spirit, it then allows Him to conform everything about your life to winning souls for the Kingdom. When that happens, expect Him to wrap His coat of favor around you. So that just like Joseph, your dream will be in the context of a harvest field. Jn. 4:35 (NKJV) -- Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! Jn. 4:38 (NKJV) -- I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." Mtt. 9:37-38 (NLT) -- He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Mk. 10:28-30 (NKJV) -- Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.

Day #32 – “Holy Spirit, release me to walk in the fullness of my assignment(s) and purpose.” Expect Him to do a quick work in you this year. The Word is ACCELERATION.  Have you ever thought of asking Him to speed up your appointed time? Is that even possible? Then consider this. Amos 9:13A-C (MSG) -- "Yes indeed, it won't be long now." GOD's Decree. "Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won't be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once . . . 2 Pet. 3:12B (NIV) – . . . as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. Mtt. 24:21-22 (NKJV) One thing is for sure. We can ask Him to help us redeem the time. Eph. 5:16-17 (NLT) -- Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 1 Pet. 2:2C (TLB) -- . . . Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation.

Day #33 – “Holy Spirit, position me to experience the unity that brings revival.” Ask Him to help you be a gatherer, not a divider. Expect great things to happen as you seek to bring strength to others around you.  Acts 2:1-2 (NIV) -- When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Ps. 133:1-3 (NLT) -- How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Day #34 – “Holy Spirit, align my prayers with Your plan and purpose for Israel.” As you pray for this tiny nation surrounded by enemies on all sides with imminent threats of war, keep in mind that what you see happening in Israel is also a picture of spiritual warfare and attacks threatening the church. This struggle will become more pronounced as we approach the “fullness of the gentiles.” Certainly, all eyes will be on Jerusalem as we get closer to the coming of Jesus. Ask Him to help align your prayers to what He is getting ready to do there. Gen. 12:3 (NKJV) -- I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Ps. 122:6 (NLT) -- Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. Ps. 102:13 (NIV) -- You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. Zech. 12:10 (NLT) -- “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.

Day #35 – “Holy Spirit, start a “fire” in me to spread revival in my circle of influence.” Nothing about what you have experienced during this fast will have been wasted . . . if you do nothing more than begin praying for REVIVAL!  It first starts in you. Then it begins to impact others. Why? Because whatever He does on the outside is really an outworking of He has been cultivating on the inside! Ask Him to ignite the embers of revival fire in YOU. Then as you catch fire, you may never know to what measure you become a harbinger (or forerunner) of that revival to others.  Just ask Him to keep fanning the flame! Acts 3:19-20A (NLT) -- Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord . . . Luke 3:16 (NKJV) -- John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Ps. 119:107B (NKJV) -- . . . Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. Ps. 138:7 (NKJV) -- Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me . . . Ps. 71:20B (NKJV) – You . . . shall revive me again . . .  Ps. 85:6 (NKJV) -- Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Ps. 80:18B (NKJV) --  . . . Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. Hab. 3:2B (NKJV) -- . . . O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! . . .

Day 36 thru 40: Unshackled to Show God’s Power

Day #36 – “Holy Spirit, may others be attracted to my witness.” Ask Him to grace you with the fragrance of Christ. 2 Cor. 2:15A-16B (NKJV) -- For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved  . . . the aroma of life . . . Understand that your greatest asset is the Holy Spirit’s presence. Your attraction has little to do with your abilities and everything to do with His enabling power. Depend on His help. Jn. 15:26-27A (NKJV) -- But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness . . . Acts 1:8A-B (NLT) -- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere . . .  

Day #37 – “Holy Spirit, help me win souls to Christ.” Ask Him to begin His work at home and wherever you go. The best strategy will be your readiness to obey whatever He tells you. Simply follow His instructions.  Lk. 5:4-6 (NKJV) -- When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. Acts 11:14 (NLT) -- He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!

Day #38 – “Holy Spirit, stretch me to believe for healings and miracles.” Don’t let anyone convince you that the supernatural is not for today. Why? His ACTS have never stopped. As you follow His direction to reach the lost, it is more about Him than it is about you. He will equip you with whatever is necessary to confirm the Word that goes forth!  And sometimes you won’t even need to speak. Just use what you have and watch Him increase your faith. Remember, the greater the resistance, the greater the growth. Ask Him to challenge you to do the impossible. You’ll never know unless you ask! Acts 19:11-12 (NLT) -- God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled. Acts 8:13 (NLT) -- Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. Heb. 2:4 (NLT) -- And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. Jer. 32:27 (NKJV) -- "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Lk. 1:37 (NLT) -- For nothing is impossible with God.”

Day #39 – “Holy Spirit, may Your glory rest on my house.” Ask Him to mark your house for His glory. Give Him ownership of your house. Begin to declare His blessing over your property and real estate. Then ask Him to bless all your relationships in that house. May His presence be felt as people enter and leave. May there be a grace on your house that expresses His righteousness, peace and joy.  May every part of your household be protected and enabled to prosper. Prov. 3:33 (NLT) -- The LORD curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. Ps. 112:3A (NKJV) -- Wealth and riches will be in his house . . . Ps. 112:2A (NIV) -- His children will be mighty in the land . . . 2 Sam. 6:11 (NLT) -- The Ark of the LORD remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.

Day #40 – “Holy Spirit, grace me to go forward in new boldness and power.” As you begin this final day of your fast, rejoice that He is just beginning His work in you. For every wilderness experience you go through, expect to come out with POWER! The number twelve is a reference to government, order, and divine connections.  May you go forward with all three blessings.  1) living under His government 2) expressing His divine order and 3) connecting with all that relates to His new assignments for you. Mk 6:7 (NKJV) -- And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Lk. 4:14A (NLT) -- Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. . . Acts 4:33 (NKJV) -- And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.