Prayer is the key to an ongoing, intimate relationship with God. When you pray, you acknowledge God as an authority in your life and your dependency on Him. God wants us to not only recognise Him as an authority in our lives, but wants you to see Him as a loving Father.
The disciples saw the effects of prayer in the life of Jesus and asked Him to teach them how to pray.
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1
They knew that the power and authority Jesus had was a result of Him developing a lifestyle of prayer.
Jesus taught them to pray.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:9-13
Prayer is a powerful weapon that each believer has. Prayer gives you the advantage over the enemy who constantly seeks to steal, kill and destroy God’s plan for your life.
- Reasons for Prayer
- Honour God
- Put God First
- Unity
- Power
- Reasons for Fasting
- Grow closer to God
- Hear God’s voice
- Breakthrough
- Prepares our hearts
- Connect with God as your Father
“Our Father, hallowed be your name…”
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15
God loves us to call Him “Father”. Connect with Him as your Father. Give thanks for the relationship you have with Him.
- Worship His Name.
“…hallowed be your name.”
God’s name is a place of protection – good people can run there and be safe. – Proverbs 18:10
What are His Names?
• Righteousness (He makes me righteous)
• Sanctifier (He cleans me and sets me apart)
• Healer (He heals all my diseases)
• Provider (He supplies all my needs)
• Shepherd (He leads and guides me)
• Peace (He is my peace in every storm)
• Victory (He gives me victory because He has defeated my enemy, Satan)
- Pray for Alignment
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. – Luke 12:31
God’s Priorities:
• Saving the lost
• Guiding those in Authority (Parental, Spiritual, Government, Workplace)
• His will in us
- Depend on Him for Everything
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Ask God for what you want and need. Believe and trust that He will answer.
- Get your relationship right with God and people
“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”
• Ask God to examine your heart and motives regarding your relationships.
- Ask God to forgive you of any sins that come to mind. As you receive God’s forgiveness, forgive those that have hurt or offended you.
- Pray for Guidance
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way – Psalm 37:23
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Pray for those in authority and those under you.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
– 1 Timothy 2:1-4
- Personal Prayer Guidelines
My Government
- President
- Local Government
- Area Leaders
My Church
- Pastor
- Church Staff
- Volunteers
My Family
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
My Life
- Employer
- Co-Workers
- Employees
- Teachers/Professors
- Those who need God
1. Pray that the father would draw them to Jesus
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” – John 6:442. Bind the spirit that blinds their mind
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:43. Loose the spirit of adoption (sonship)
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:154. Pray that other believers will cross their paths
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” – Matthew 9:385. “Loose the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation on them so they may know God better
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” – Ephesians 1:17 - Types of Fasts
Complete Fast
Water only.
(We recommend getting medical advice before doing this type of fast for an extended period)
Selective Fast.
This is when you cut out certain foods for the period of the fast.
(Example: Daniel fast – Eat no meat, no sweets, no breads. Drink water and juice and eat fruit and vegetables.)
Partial Fast
This is for specific times.
(Example: 6AM – 6PM you may do complete or selective fast during this time.)
Soul Fast
This is cutting out something other than food.
(Example: Social media or TV)
Selective Fast | Daniel Fast
- What foods can I eat?
– All fruits
– All Vegetables
– All Whole Grains
– All seeds and nuts
– All legumes
– All quality oils, herbs, spices and seasonings
– Pure water, fresh fruit juices and smoothies
– Meat substitutes such as tofu and soy products
- What foods should I avoid?
– All meat and animal products
– All dairy products
– All sweeteners
– All leavened bread
– All refined and processed foods
– All deep fried foods
– All solid fats
– Carbonated Beverages
