Fasting and Prayer

What is the relationship of fasting to prayer? Is prayer made more acceptable to God if we fast? Is there virtue to fasting if we do not pray? What is the spiritual significance?

We will be looking at these questions over the next several days.

Isaiah 58:1-9 NKJV

Pastor Winston

God Hears All Prayer Part 1

There can be no doubt but that God hears all our prayers. The universe is His, and He is fully aware of all that goes on within it. The unsaved individual who, under stress of circumstances, promises to turn over a new leaf or vows to live differently is quite clearly heard by God.

When God hears us, He is willing to move on our behalf. Will you allow him to do so for your today?

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 NIV

Pastor Winston

God Answers Prayer Part 5

Daniel prayed three times a day. Even when it was against the law of the land, he prayed three times a day. This gave his political enemies an occasion to accuse him and forge a plot to have him executed.

So he was discovered praying and sentenced to to a den of lions to be torn to pieces. But, as he prayed, the lion's mouth was shut and Daniel was delivered. Prayer nullifies and disarms your enemies.

Read Daniel 6:1-24

Pastor Winston

God Answers Prayer Part 4

Nehemiah was the cupbearer of King Artaxeerxes, a heathen King. He was a part of the King's inner circle and so expereienced all the privileges of such a high office. But, there was another side to this lauded position. If the King was displeased with him, his life was worth nothing.

Nehemiah had heard that his beloved home and place of his heritage was lying in ruins and his people were despondent and depressed. He wanted to return to the land of his heritage and rebuild it but how will he ask the King? Would the King be displeased with him or would he find favor?

It was so heart rending for Nehemiah as he prayed by placing himself between God and the people, he became an intercessor for his people. Then he prayed for God's favor and he went to the King and made his request. King Artaxerxes favored him tremendously and blessed him with the resources and endowed him with authority to fulfill his desire.

It is amazing what God is empowered to do when someone prays.

Read Nehemiah 1:5-11
Read Nehemiah 2:1-8

Pastor Winston

God Is Abundantly Able Part 5

Let’s look at Elijah’s (and God’s) triumph on Mount Carmel before all Israel. Throughout the long day the air had been filled with the voices of the prophets and priests of Baal. Hundreds of them praying in unison to a false god and nothing was forthcoming.

Then about the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah comes forward in simple reverence to God. He sets the altar in order, prepares an almost impossible to be consumed sacrifice and voices a simple yet profound prayer to Jehovah.

The result is electrifying! God answers by fire, and His testimony is preserved for men of all ages to see. There was no doubt about His answer that day.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. – Psalm 19:7 KJV

Pastor Winston

God Is Abundantly Able Part 4

We are reminded of the story of the young and inexperienced David as he stood before the giant of the Philistines, Goliath. Arrogant and defiant to Israel and God and issuing threats of violence Goliath engages the people of God. I’m sure Goliath and the Philistine army were anticipating their imminent victory. God will not be defeated by a heathen people or by gods of wood and stone.

The people were victorious in answer to the simple prayer of a humble boy of Bethlehem. God fought on the side of David that day and gave an unequivocal victory to His people.

6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. - Nahum 1:6-7 KJV

Pastor Winston

God Is Abundantly Able Part 2

Based on God’s own word, it is an unquestionable fact that God loves us with an everlasting love. He has overwhelmingly shown, for the scrutiny of all ages the validity of His love, in that He gave his well beloved Son to die to redeem us. Throughout the Bible He has promised again and again to help us. The pages of His book are filled with expressions of His willingness to aid us in answer to our prayer.

“… I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love.” - Jeremiah 31:3 TEV

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). – Jeremiah 33:3 AMP

Pastor Winston