Day 17: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP Mark chapter 8

Jesus was clearly a man of power and action, not just words. The miracles he performed came from a motivation of love and a desire to draw people to God.

The more convinced we become that Jesus is God, the more we will see his power and love. His mighty works show us He is able to save anyone regardless of their past. The miracle of forgiveness brings healing, wholeness and powerful change to those who trust Him.

"Lord, I declare Your goodness and that You are the only true God. I thank You that you are still a God of action today. I wait with an expectant, hopeful heart as Your mighty hand touches my life, bringing healing and salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 16: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 20

How fortunate David was to have a friend like Jonathan, someone who stuck by him through thick and thin. Jonathan was a friend that would even feel a righteous anger because of the shameful treatment that David received.

What kind of friends do you have? We must strive to have friends in our life like Jonathan – the ones who will encourage and support us, no matter what. In addition, we must always strive to be a “Jonathan” kind of friend to others.

“God, please help me to surround myself with people that will always point me towards Your best. Today as I fast and seek You, I ask you to reveal to me the people that You have placed in my life that will help me become the person You are calling me to be. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 15: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 19

The Israelites were under attack. Jonathan, an intercessor for David, saw the hand of God upon David’s life and knew that he stood blameless before God.

Our victories may cause jealousy to surface in others and may result in us being undeservingly persecuted. However, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ intercedes for us and gives us favor. He also surrounds us with people who will support and encourage us. We can’t always control how people treat us, but we can control how we honor God.

“Lord, help me to honor You as I seek to draw closer to You during this season of prayer and fasting. Even through persecution, allow my conduct to glorify You. In the name of Jesus, help me to intercede on behalf of others who may be dealing with judgment, jealousy, and unwarranted attacks. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 14: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP Mark chapter 7

The Pharisees and teachers of the law had been given the commands, statutes and teachings of God, but seemed to miss the whole point. Their adaptation of the law had become empty, hollow and heartless.

We are given a solemn warning that if we are not careful, we can fall into this same trap. It is easy to settle into a routine and focus on schedules and to-do-lists. Although we don’t mean for it to happen, the voice of God can get drowned out by these distractions. Let this time of prayer and fasting disrupt the regular patterns of life. Make time to meditate on God’s Word and listen to His Voice. You will experience clarity where there was confusion, and peace during the trial.

“Father, I choose to disconnect from all the distractions to draw closer to You. Let my eyes be steady on what You have set before me and help me never lose focus on the things of substance that produce life. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 13: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 18

Even Saul, who tried to kill David, recognized the hand of God on his life. David’s success and favor was two-fold. First, David understood from his past experiences that his success was a result of the Lord being with him. Second, David was given the responsibility of leading the king’s men into battle against the enemies of Israel. David had determined in his heart to advance the kingdom of his king.

As you fast today, reflect on the victories that God has given you in your life and consider them as preparation and confirmation of the victories to come. Praise God for where He has positioned you in your life and commit to advancing the Kingdom of your King, Jesus.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for all that You have done and are going to do in my life. Help me to acknowledge You and receive Your grace in everything that I do. Allow my life to bring glory to Your name as You empower me to advance Your Kingdom in my world. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 12: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 17

Saul was a seasoned warrior. Who would know better than Saul which weapons would be necessary to defeat Goliath? However, God wanted to deliver His people in a way that would leave no doubt that He had done the work. By using a shepherd boy with a small stone and a sling, no man could take credit for the victory. It was clearly God who delivered His people from Goliath and the Philistines.

When we rely on our own strength, we will experience limitations. But when we trust in God's strength, He gets the victory and the glory, and we get to be a part of His plan.

“Father, putting my name on Your plan is like Saul putting his armor on David. Please don’t let me ever try to cover what You are doing. Let me be transparent, so that You always get the glory You deserve. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 11: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP Psalm chapters 56-57

David decided to put his trust God when people were attacking him. He asks, “what can man do to me?” What a declaration of confidence! What a show of true faith and freedom from the fear of man.

Proverbs 29:25 says, “the fear of man brings a snare.” God wants us to place our trust in Him and fear Him. Not be afraid of Him, but have a healthy respect, esteem and honor for the Lord. When the Lord holds this place in our hearts, we don’t have to fear any other man.

“Father, when I am afraid of others or their opinions of me, I choose to trust in You. I fear, esteem, and honor You above any other. Thank You for peace and freedom from fear of man today in the name of Jesus.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)