RECLAIM REVIVE RENEW FAST
DAY ONE:
Under Jacob
When the people needed a “New Thing,” (Revival), God told Jacob to make a move. So, Jacob, under the direction of God, told the people three things to bring about this “New Thing,” (Revival). He told them, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your clothes…” In other words, get rid of the old things because I’m about to do new things for you; purify yourselves or empty your minds and your hearts so that I can pour into you a new revelation; and change your clothes, get rid of your old garment of rags, so that I can replace them with your new garment of praise.
Key Passage: Genesis 35:1-4
Fasting Thought:
Just as the people of Israel needed a “New Thing,” (Revival), there are times in our lives when we need a “New Thing” (Revival) as well. Whether it be collectively as a community of faith or individually as a person seeking a new direction, revivals are needed.
PRAYER:
Lord God as we embark upon this “New Thing” and rededicate our lives to you, we thank you for the opportunity to be renewed, restored, and revived. The old things are gone, our minds and hearts are cleansed, and we wear new garments of praise representing our revived relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY TWO:
Under Samuel
When God raised Samuel as the Judge of His people, Israel, they needed deliverance. Samuel told them that if they were to put away their foreign gods along with the Astartes, and direct their hearts to God serving Him only, then God would deliver them from the hands of the Philistines. He called Israel to assemble so that he could pray for them and that they could fast as a people together.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 7:3-6
Fasting Thought:
When God’s people needed to be delivered from the Philistines, He raised a Judge, Samuel, and delivered them from their enemies. They applied two spiritual disciplines (praying and fasting) to their situation. God, in turn, recovered their territory, restored them to their homes, and revived them in their hearts.
PRAYER:
God, thank you for the times when our enemies are near us and seek to destroy us, that you are there to deliver us from all evil. Thank you for our communities of faith, so that when circumstances arise, we are not alone, and You, our Judge, can restore and revive us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY THREE:
Under Moses
The Israelites witnessed God’s mighty power when they were “trapped” at the Red Sea. The Israelites needed a way out of their seemingly impossible situation, and God provided them with what they needed. Once again, God came through and delivered them. They celebrated and honored God when they arrived on the other side of the Red Sea by singing and dancing with a song in their hearts, and tambourines in their hands.
Key Passage: Exodus 15:1-21
Fasting Thought:
Celebration is a time of joy, a time of singing, and a time of dancing. Celebrations are held when good times are upon us, and good things are being done. What a celebration it must have been when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea! Can you imagine the joy they had when they realized that they were free of the oppression that they had been under for over four hundred years and that now they were free to serve, honor, and celebrate their God? Surely their Spirits were revived!
PRAYER:
Lord God, we pray that you continue to place singing in our hearts and dancing in our feet as we praise you for all the wonderful things that you have done; for all the wonderful things that you are doing; and for all the wonderful things that you will do in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY FOUR:
Under David
When the Ark of the Lord came to the city of David, the Israelites celebrated. They celebrated life, they celebrated hope, and they celebrated freedom. David assigned tasks to everyone including his officials and priests, because no one’s position was considered more noblier or higher than the other. He blessed the people in the name of the Lord and distributed the same and equal shares to everyone: a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. The people became one and did all things together as they worshipped, praised, and celebrated the Lord, the God of Israel, as they brought the Ark of the Lord into the city of David.
Key Passage: 1 Chronicles 16
Fasting Thought:
The Israelites were celebrating because they were finally getting the Ark of the Lord back into their territory. It had previously been lost in a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines during the period of the Judges, before there were kings, and the Israelites lost the battle. The people were ecstatic about the return of the Ark of the Lord, so there was plenty of singing, dancing, and music celebrating the revival that was taking place.
PRAYER:
God, let there be singing, dancing, and music in our lives as we, too, celebrate the things of You. Let us rejoice in your goodness and shout out loud about your love for us! Thank you for reviving the song in us as we celebrate the battles that we win daily with you on our side. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY FIVE:
Under Solomon
Under Solomon’s rule, the Temple of the Lord was built. The unique and exceptionally fine furnishings for the Temple were put into place. Solomon then dedicated the Temple to the Lord saying, “I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell forever.” He then gathered the assembly and spoke to them about the Lord and his father, David. He prayed a prayer of dedication, blessed the assembly, and finally offered sacrifices to the Lord.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 6-8
Fasting Thought:
Solomon was doing a “New Thing” for the Lord, and he was using the best of the best artisans, the finest of the finest furnishings, and the choiciest of the choiciest materials to put in place in God’s Temple. The people needed renewing, restoring, rejuvenating, and restructuring. The Ark of the Lord would finally be moved from the “tent” of instability where it had been constantly moved from place to place, to a “permanent stable home.” The assembly of people were revived in their Spirits, as well as in awe at the splendor of God’s Temple.
PRAYER:
Lord, let us always be in awe of your majestic splendor and all the things that you do in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY SIX:
Under Asa
Asa, another one of David’s sons, followed the Lord as David did. He removed from Israel all things that were displeasing to the Lord, (including the idols); however, he did not remove the high places where idol worshipping took place. Israel was guilty of many sins and iniquities and needed a revival.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 15:11-15
Fasting Thought:
God oftentimes gives us instructions that we sometimes may not agree with, nor do we understand them. However, the instructions are a part of His plans for our lives. When God told the Israelites to destroy the “high places,” they disobeyed and did not follow his instructions. There were consequences, and the Israelites finally realized that God was their One and Only True and Living God. He delivered them, restored them and revived them so that they once again became his redeemed people.
PRAYER:
Father God, please forgive us for our sins and iniquities as we realize that you alone are in control of our destinies, and we are your humble servants, trusting and believing in your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 7:
Under Jehoshaphat
In his reformation, Jehoshaphat ordered the Temple to be cleansed of all unholy things that had been taking place there. He appointed judges to rule over the land as well as certain Levites, priests, and heads of families to give judgment on the behalf of the Lord. This was a revival that Jehoshaphat led to return the people to God.
Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 19
Fasting Thought:
When revival happens, a cleansing follows. A cleansing of the heart; a cleansing of the mind; a cleansing of the soul. Everything unclean is removed and the way of the Lord is revealed. Allow the Lord to purify you, so that a revival can take place in your life.
PRAYER:
Lord, create a clean heart in me, so that a revival of my mind, soul, and heart, can take place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 8:
Under Elijah
At Mount Carmel, Elijah triumphed over the 450 prophets of Baals. His victory allowed the people of Israel to open their eyes and see the sovereignty of God. They witnessed the miracle of the One and Only True God at work and the failure of the Baal prophets that they were idolizing.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 18:21-40
Fasting Thought:
Elijah displayed his full faith in God on Mount Carmel. His actions are our witness to what God will do for us when we need and trust in Him. When the Church needs a revival, it is necessary that prayer and fasting takes place. This will assist in increasing the faith of the Congregation.
PRAYER:
Lord God, please assist the Church in this season of Revival. Come, Lord Jesus, bringing with you grace and mercy, love and joy, peace and harmony, restoration and rejuvenation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 9:
Under Jehu
Jehu was careful of the company that he kept. Before he allowed Rechab into his chariot, he asked him, “Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours?” Rechab answered, “It is.” Satisfied with Rechab’s answer, Jehu then invited him into his chariot. Just as Jehu, we should be mindful of the company that we keep. Parents should be more aware of who their teenagers ride with; singles should be more aware of who they give their hearts to; and married couples should be more aware of who they allow into their lives as friends.
Key Passage: 2 Kings 10:15-17
Fasting Thought:
“Birds of a feather, flock together.” How many times have we heard this statement? Character is very important. Romans 5:3-5 says, “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Who we keep company with can possibly develop our character because we tend to be around those who are just like us.
PRAYER:
Lord God, please keep us in right company so that our characters will be in aligned with you. Bless us with people in our lives who personify the very essence of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 10:
Under Jehoiada
A covenant is an agreement between two parties. Several covenants have been made between God and man: Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and The New Covenant. God always has and always will keep His side of the agreement…man however… Jehoiada was a godly high priest. He led the people in a covenant in which they forsook the Baal idol gods, destroying them and the house of Baal, and began to worship the Only True and Living God.
Key Passage: 2 Kings 11:17-20; Numbers 30:2
Fasting Thought:
When one makes an agreement (promise) it is not meant to be broken. Everyone should let their yeas be yes, and their nays be nay. Numbers 30:2 says, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
PRAYER:
Lord God, although we break many promises, both to you and to our fellow man, we thank you for aways understanding that we are your people working hard to keep our word. We pray that we, as your people, realize that once spoken, our yeas should be yes, and our nays should be nay. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 11:
Under Hezekiah
Just as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah ordered the Temple to be cleansed of all unholy things that had been taking place. The Temple doors were repaired, and all uncleaned things were removed and carried out to the Wadi Kidron. The Levites and the Priests were called with cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpets, and the songs of the Lord began. The whole assembly worshipped, the singers sang, and the trumpeters played. They sung praises and worshipped the Lord with all their hearts and might. The much-needed revival had begun!
Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 29-31
Fasting Thought:
When a choir ministers it sings with a heart for the Lord. The words of the songs are to encourage, uplift, and empower the worshippers. The music and instruments are to create a dance not only in our hearts, but in our feet as well. Remember how David danced when the Ark of the Lord was being returned to its proper place in the City of David? David embraced the Lord and allowed the Spirit of the Lord to lead him in his worship. This is how the songs of a choir are meant to bring about a revival in the hearts of those who are assembled and ready to praise and worship the Lord.
PRAYER:
Lord God, open our hearts, our minds, and our souls, so that when the music begins and we gather in your name, we can sing your praises and worship through dance, song, and the proclaimed word. As we boast on you, your goodness, your grace, and your mercy may we do so with a song of gladness in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 12:
Under Manasseh
Manasseh was a wicked king who rebuilt the high places for idol worship, built altars and sacred poles to the Baals, and worshipped and served the sun, stars, and the moon. He made his son walk through fire, practiced sorcery, and dealt with mediums and wizards. He was an evil king in the sight of the Lord, so God removed him as king from Jerusalem. But one day, when he was in distress, he prayed, and God heard his plea. God restored him as king of Jerusalem. Manasseh then recognized in his heart that the Lord was truly God, and he removed the idols, altars, and sacred poles that he previously installed for worshipping of the Baals in the Temple.
Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 33:11-20; Hebrews 5:11-6:12
Fasting Thought:
Apostasy is rejection of religious belief or practice. Sadly, this is the state of some people who may have been disappointed with their church community, their church ministry, or just one individual involved in the church. However, God is a loving, compassionate, caring, and forgiving God. Even when we turn our backs on Him; He does not turn His back on us. Conversion is still possible when we choose to walk away from God, because He is always waiting on us with open arms. Manasseh did what was evil in the Lord’s sight but because of his conversion, God welcomed Him with opened arms.
PRAYER:
Lord God, thank you for forgiving us and accepting us back when we walk away from you. Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us during our times of distress. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 13:
Under Josiah
During Josiah’s rule, he commanded that the money in the Temple be counted so that the workers could be paid. At this time, the Book of the Law was discovered in the Temple. Once read to King Josiah, he tore his clothes because for many years, the people had not been living as godly people. They had stopped telling the stories of old regarding their ancestors and what they had been through as a people of God. He called an assembly of the people and read the Book of the Law to them. The revival of the people began when they heard the reading of God’s Word and celebrated the Passover. They rejoiced because they realized that although their ancestors had left God’s presence and worshipped other gods, they now had the opportunity to return to God and worship Him alone.
Key Passage: 2 Kings 22-23; Joel 1:3
Fasting Thought:
Remember when Great Grandparents, Grandparents, and even parents would gather the family together and talk about the “good old days.” They talked about their trials and tribulations, their joys and sorrows, their ancestors who transitioned before them, their memories, their wishes, their dreams, their desires, their hopes, and their visions for those who were gathered. These were teaching moments to be conducted throughout all generations, so that future generations would be aware of family trials and blessings for the family traditions to be continued to the next generation. This telling stories from one generation to the next is a biblical order. Joel 1:3 reads, “Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.”
PRAYER:
Lord God, precious memories, how they linger…please open our minds so that we can remember and open our mouths so that we can tell the story to our great grandchildren, grandchildren, and children, thereby making it possible for stories about you and the family can continue to pass from generation to generation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 14:
Under Ezra
God chose a people on the earth to be His people. He desired to nurture them and to teach them His Ways, so that they would be separate from the world in their way of living. He promised them their own land, and they were expected to live by His rules and His ordinances; however, when they entered the land of Canaan, many strayed and lived by their own rules. They ignored the fact that God considered them His royal priesthood, His holy nation and his own people. They began to live as the people in the nations surrounding them, intermarrying and producing children. This led to God’s people leaving Him and worshipping man-made gods and idol, as well as things of nature and the things of the universe (which God created). Ezra prayed that the people would cease their unfaithfulness toward God and that they would return to Him. This meant that they would have to be separated from their foreign wives and children. A covenant was made between God and His people, and the revival began.
Key Passage: Ezra 9-10
Fasting Thought:
Sometimes in life, we must make hard decisions. Decisions that we struggle to understand, decisions that may not seem right at the time, decisions that are life changing or life altering. Through these difficult decision-making times, we must remember that God is with us. God said in Joshua 1:5b, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Do not overthink situations when you have a hard decision to make. Consult with God, and then allow Him the opportunity to answer you.
PRAYER:
Lord God, when its decision-making time, please control my actions, my heart, and my mind, so that I can listen and hear you speak to me. Just as Elijah, let me be patient through the earthquake, the wind, and the storm, so that I can hear you speak through the “sheer silence” that follows. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 15:
Under Nehemiah
Fortified walls were built around a city for protection against foreign nations. When the walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt, Ezra stood at the gates reading and teaching God’s Word to the people. Nehemiah later took notice that the people were conducting business (working) on the Sabbath. He asked the question, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?” He gave orders and the merchants and sellers were sent outside the gates of Jerusalem. He commanded the Levites to purify themselves, guard the gates, and to keep the Sabbath day holy. The people received God’s Word, thereby causing a revival in Jerusalem.
Key Passage: Nehemiah 13
Fasting Thought:
God is our Protector. Just like a fortified wall, He will surround us and protect us whenever trouble comes. As His children, He watches over us when we need protection from not only the evil things of this world, but the adversary as well. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.”
PRAYER:
Lord God, please continue to watch over us, protecting us from the evil things of this world, and from the adversary as well. We place our lives in your hands trusting all that you do with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 16:
Under Jonah
Can you imagine converting an entire town? Convincing them to give up their wicked ways of living and to live according to God’s ways. Well guess what? It is possible. Remember, with God ALL things are possible. Jonah converted the entire town of Ninevah, a pagan nation. Not only did Jonah convert this entire town, but he also managed to change God’s mind once God had declared that this town would be destroyed. Jonah 3:10 says, “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.” The people’s repentance produced a great revival in the town of Ninevah.
Key Passage: Jonah 3
Fasting Thought:
When someone wrongs you (and someone will), it is better to not hold a grudge against them. If you are angry with someone, it is easier to reconsider, forgive them, and pray for them, as well as praying for yourself. If God can change His mind about bringing calamity against an entire town (Ninevah), then surely you can let go of a grudge that will only give you heartburn or make you sick.
PRAYER:
Lord God, teach me the art of forgiveness so that when disagreements or the actions of others conflict with my thoughts or actions, I can reconsider as you did when the people of Ninevah converted. Please allow me to be slow to anger, abounding in love, and full of compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 17:
Under Esther
Haman, the Agagite, convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree against God’s people because of his dislike and jealousy of Mordecai. His plan backfired and the King issued a second decree allowing the Jews to take arms against those who came against them. After their victory, God’s people celebrated and rejoice how God delivered them from Haman’s deadly plot. This was truly a revival for God’s people.
Key Passage: Esther 9:17-22
Fasting Thought:
Sometimes while traveling through our lives, we encounter enemies who wish to do us harm. They are usually persons who are lost or confused on their purpose in life, because surely God has not given them a commandment of hurting or harming their fellow brothers or sisters. When Esther was presented with this type of news, she asked the people to pray, and their prayers were answered. When we pray wholeheartedly, God answers our prayers. When some enemies come against you, only God can remove them, and once removed, its as if a big burden have been lifted from our shoulders and we rejoice, just as the God’s people did when he delivered them from their enemies who wanted to destroy them.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for being our Protector when our enemies were trying to destroy our marriages, our children, our jobs, our relationships, our homes, our sanity, ourselves, our lives, and our faith in you. Thank you for keeping us safe in your arms and close to your heart. In Jesus name. Amen.
DAY 18:
Under John the Baptist
John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah by coming out of the wilderness proclaiming the Word of the Lord. He proclaimed the Baptism of Repentance for the forgiveness of sins and encouraged the people to get baptized with water. He prepared the way for Jesus and told the people that “one was coming who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.” He spread the Good News to the people. This was indeed a time of revival.
Key Passage: Luke 3:2-18
Fasting Thought:
John, Jesus’ cousin, was used by God to prepare the way for his coming. God always prepares us when something is about to happen in our lives. These preparations come by warnings, instincts, confirmations, visions, dreams, etc. Sometimes we recognize the preparations and take heed, and sometimes we ignore the preparations and suffer the consequences. The definition of preparation is, “the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. Yes, my brothers and sisters, God prepares us for the test. The question is: “Do you take recognize the preparation?”
PRAYER:
Lord God, please open my eyes and my ears, so that I can recognize the preparation; open my mind and my heart, so that I can address the preparation; and open my arms and my mouth, so that I can take heed to the preparation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 19:
Under Jesus
One day Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee and the Bible says that “he had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4). He was tired and he came to Jacob’ well about noon. While he was sitting a Samaritan woman came and he engaged her in conversation. She was amazed because Jews did not normally converse with Samaritans. Jesus, in his conversation, shared “living water” (Good News) with her, and she in turn could not keep this “never being thirsty again,” living water to herself. So, she ran off, leaving her water jug, (symbolic of her leaving her old life behind) and shared the goodness of Jesus (Good News) with everyone she encountered. Her conversion and her sharing of the Good News was indeed a revival in Samaria.
Key Passage: John 4:1-42
Fasting Thought:
Have you ever thought of yourself as an evangelist? An evangelist is: “a person who travels from place to place preaching and sharing the gospel.” When you have a conversation with your co-worker about Christ you are sharing the gospel. When you have a conversation in the grocery store line about Christ, you are sharing the gospel. When you sing to your child, Jesus Loves Me This I Know…, you are sharing the gospel. When you explain to your confused teenager that no matter what they are going through, God has his/her back, you are sharing the gospel. When you share the Word of God with anyone who is thirsty for the “living water,” you are sharing the gospel.
PRAYER:
Lord God, thank you for giving me the opportunities and the ability to share the Good News of the kingdom to everyone who seeks your will and your ways. Please continue to fill my cup daily, so that I can empty it daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 20:
Under Philip
When Philip went to Samaria, the people were listening to Simon who was amazing the people with his magic. They were spreading the news that Simon was a great man, from the least of them to the greatest of them. In fact, Acts 8:10 says, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” However, upon hearing Philip, the people, including Simon, began listening to him proclaim the Good News of the kingdom, and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Both men and women were converted and baptized, thereby creating a revival of souls.
Key Passage: Acts 8:5-12
Fasting Thought:
Trials and tribulations warrant complete, fast, favoritism, results. Be it by magic, coincidence, chance, cheating, etc., how the end results come is not important; if it comes in a favorable fashion, most will take it. Eyes are closed and morals are pushed to the side, until later when the consequences of the actions appear. That is when prayers go up…and blessings are expected to come down. Simon was simply spreading news that was wanted and accepted by the people. Philip, on the other hand, was spreading the Good News that was needed and accepted by the people.
PRAYER:
Lord God, please guard my heart so that when trials and tribulations come, my eyes are open and my morals are in place, so that I can avoid making wrong decisions. Continue to prepare me for all circumstances that come along challenging the person that you have created in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAY 21:
Under Peter
The part of Peter’s sermon in which he quoted the prophet, Joel: “In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:17-21). At the end of Peter’s sermon, the people were revived and fellowshipped together.
Key Passage: Acts 2
Fasting Thought:
When you gather with your community of faith–prayer, praise, and proclamation should abound. God declares that he will “pour out his Spirit upon all so that all can receive his gifts. These gifts are to be shared with others, so that everyone can experience the goodness of the Lord. By sharing God’s gifts with others, the community of faith is assured that the Good News of the kingdom is not kept within its walls, but the Good News is going forth throughout all the earth changing lives and providing hope to everyone, including the least, the last, and the lost.
PRAYER:
Lord God, bless us as we gather in your name singing praises, sending up prayers, (for others as well as ourselves), and proclaiming your Word. We give our total selves to you, and we acknowledge your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.