For several months, the pastoral staff and I have been talking about the need for more prayer in our lives, as well as in our churches. Sometimes we are so consumed with coming up with the next “best thing” or the next “great idea” that we forget some of the basics. I have realized that it is always easier to think about a “new” method of doing things or to figure out how to streamline something, than to fast and pray.
This is why when I received an invitation to participate in a fasting and prayer movement, I knew that this was something that God wanted our church to do.
Usually the fasting and prayer movement have been associated with the Korean church, especially in the Christian circles that I have been around. For the last 12 years, I have been trying to make the case that fasting and prayer is not a “Korean” thing. Not only is it arrogant to think that Koreans have an inside track on fasting and prayer, but it is quite offensive because there are many “non-Koreans” who are practicing the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer.
I like to look at it as a biblical thing. Therefore, if we are serious about being Christ-followers, then we should engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer (on a regular basis).
Stovall Weems, lead pastor of Celebration Church has been practicing the spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer for years. He has shared that every January their church goes into a time of fasting and prayer (like many others) for 21 days. Stovall has seen miracles, the supernatural, salvation and other incredible things happen throughout the year as they consecrate themselves for 21 days of the new year to fast and pray.
He, along with many other churches are participating in a movement called Awakening: 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer. We have decided to be part of this movement. You can check out some of the other participating churches here.
You know when you are part of a movement who no one in particular receives the credit or the glory – all the focus and attention is on God. There is also a spirit of unity that crosses denominational lines, as well as ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
I want to encourage all the HMCC churches to participate in the movement. We have set up a special sign up page on our website so that we can get the ball rolling. It is my hope and prayer that we will see many people in our churches participating in this movement.
I am hungering and thirsting for a breakthrough in 2009. There are so many things that God is placing on our mantle for us to accomplish, but without dependence on God through fasting and prayer, we will not be able to experience the blessings.
Start here to join the movement!