Fasting and Prayer

5-27-2014      Acts 13:1-3

S.       1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

O.      Barnabas and Saul are sent from the church in Antioch to spread the message of Jesus and teach the new Christians of God’s new covenant. The preparation included fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands.

A.      God has a work for me to do also in the spreading of the gospel message. Prayer and fasting should be a part of my preparation. I may also receive blessing from other Christian leaders as they encourage (bless by the laying on of hands) me and support my efforts. What a wonderful, powerful and delightful thing……knowing that I am not alone in my labor for God?

P.       Father; strengthen my hand in the labor as I fast and prepare for this day. Amen.

5-28-2014      Acts 13:4-11

S.       4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar–jesus:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

O.      Saul judges the actions of Elymas the sorcerer as evil and speaks blindness on him.

A.      I must confront all evil practices and speak out the judgments of God. If God condemns sin, so shall I.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the sin in my life first, then in the lives of those around me and give me anointing to speak the truth in love and be bold. Amen.