“Hunger and Thirst” Prayer with Fasting East TN District NMI Based on a Challenge from Dr. Daniel Ketchum Nazarene Missions International Director

Prayer With Fasting is *Communion with Jesus *Alongside, accompanied by *Denying self

FASTING the most potent practice to enhance focus and power in prayer births and sustains deeper devotion to Jesus.

EXAMPLES Moses Elijah Samuel Jehoshaphat Ezra Nehemiah Esther David Isaiah Daniel Jonah Daniel Jonah

JESUS Practiced prayer with fasting Taught that it is a powerful weapon

PRINCIPLES of Fasting Privilege, not a punishment. Outpouring of the Spirit …in proportion to our desperation for God. “When,” not “if” you fast.

Unless we draw closer to God in spirit and truth, fasting will be merely human effort in self-denial, SO… let’s not merely deny ourselves; let’s not merely deny ourselves; let’s grow in Christ together!

Colossians 3:2-3 Setting our minds on things above may require forsaking some things below: Social media Entertainment Certain places/activities Food

PREPARATION Confess and repent; avoid assuming that God will reward us for fasting. Decide what to fast. Decide how long to fast.

PREPARATION PRAY. Pray with fasting. Consider fasting in covenant with someone you love. Ideas for children: pray while skipping play; pray while giving up special activity.

ANTICIPATION Expect to know God better… Expect strength in character… Expect the heart and hand of God to move, answering unselfish prayers!

ANTICIPATION Expect self-emptying Expect prayers to move to a higher, deeper level. Expect spiritual victory and vitality. Expect resistance from the evil one.

PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT… due to the detoxification of our flesh. In spite of the safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should fast only with medical consultation or supervision. In spite of the safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should fast only with medical consultation or supervision.

DEPEND ON GOD FOR COMFORT… When we fast, our soul and spirit are detoxified.

POTENTIAL Imagine the possibilities when we pray in power and fast in faith for our own ministries and for missionaries and leaders around the world.

SPIRITUAL NEEDS: That each local leader or global missionary will recognize importance of time in communion with God to renew spirit; intercede for spiritual vitality.

MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL NEEDS; Wise choices in diet, exercise, and rest; practice dependence on the Holy One as well as authority over the evil one experience constant protection.

FAMILY NEEDS: That each leader will reserve quality time for marriage and family; children will adjust well to multiple challenges.

ATTITUDE AND ADAPTATION That each leader will sustain a positive, faith-filled perspective with capacity to overcome discouragement; grace persons he/she serves; develop capacity to learn well the language and customs of the people locally or globally.

PRAY FOR COLLEAGUE RELATIONSHIPS: That each leader will work in harmony with colleagues and national leaders; A mature church will flourish in each area of the world.

PRAY FOR MINISTRY T hat each leader will establish and sustain strategy in Christ and base decisions on the Word and prayer; Each will evangelize and disciple lost people; Each will evangelize and disciple lost people; The Lord of the harvest will raise more laborers.

SERVICE PRIORITIES That each leader will prioritize care for people over other goals and objectives; will practice patience, passion for personal evangelism, and Christlike disciple-making of future missional leaders.

FINACIAL NEEDS That each leader will practice integrity and balance regarding money and possessions; that God will provide needs for financial support. that God will provide needs for financial support.

CULTURAL CHANGES That each leader will adjust to reverse culture shock, will experience strength during travel and ministry, and will inspire the church to pray, give, send, and go missionally.

CHALLENGES That each leader will discern factors that cam cause discouragement, that God will keep them encouraged in face of many real challenges.

Prayer with Fasting for Missions is still vital. Prayer remains one of four main objectives of NMI.

consider a lifetime commitment to prayer with fasting! When you see God’s blessings on soul & body,