21 Days Of Prayer & Fasting Devotionals

SALVATION OF THE LOST As disciples of Christ, we are called to spread the good news of the gospel leading others to salvation. Jesus calls us all to follow Him as He came to save all of humanity. We are created in God's image and carry a unique reflection of our Creator. Because we live in a sinful and fallen world, we all need and receive salvation through God’s grace and not through our works. When we come into a relationship with Jesus, we are made new. The Bible says that Jesus came to find and save all those who are lost. We are invited to partner with God to stand in the gap and pray for those around us who do not know Jesus. We are called to testify of God’s goodness and share our transformation in Christ with others. As we partner with God we build His kingdom with eternal impact in mind. The reflection of God in us and the power of our testimony can impact those around us. Our progression and not perfection allows us to be H.O.T. (humble, open, and transparent) and share what God is doing in our hearts. As we live authentically for Christ we invite others to do the same by receiving salvation and experiencing God's grace and love in their own lives. Application/ Reflection: How has God saved you and transformed your life? Write down and pray for those in your life who are lost or far from Christ. How can you share what God has done in your life with those around you who are far from God? Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your saving grace. I thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Today, I stand in the gap praying that You will soften the hearts of those who are lost and far from You. No one is too far from Your love to be touched and transformed by You. I believe in faith that those in my life who do not know You will come to a relationship with You! I will testify of Your glory and praise Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen!

When we commit our lives to Christ, we must choose to remain committed to the calling that God has on our lives. As we walk throughout our daily lives, there are many options on what we give our time, treasure, and talents toward. We make decisions on our level of commitment to these different areas and how we prioritize these commitments. This year, we are making a conscious decision to seek God first through prayer and fasting. We are committing not only to start sharp spiritually today but to remain committed to the call on our lives every day. The Bible instructs us to love others, love the Lord, and seek His will for our lives. We are called as followers of Christ to carry our cross, deny our flesh, and reflect the love of God. Jesus gives His disciples authority to go out and make disciples calling us to share His love with the world. This is the choice we must commit to daily. We have the choice to obey the call of God on our lives. The choice to love as disciples as Christ. The choice to live our daily lives in union with the Holy Spirit. The choice to make disciples of Christ by sharing the love of God, and the good news of the Gospel. Today we are committing to be decided in walking out our calling. Application/ Reflection: What is God speaking to you about your Kingdom calling? How do you remain committed to seeking God’s calling on your life first? How can you share the love of God with those around you? Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:5-10 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the call You have on my life. I thank You that You have kept me and sustained me. Today, I commit my heart to remain steadfast in the Kingdom calling You have given me. I pray You help me make Your will my priority. I pray that people will look at my life and see Your reflection. Open my ears to hear You, Holy Spirit. I repent for times my commitment has lacked and today I chose to seek You first. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

In this time of prayer and fasting, we are asking the Lord for an increase in our spiritual discernment. We all have desires, dreams, and wishes. Some are divinely inspired by God and some are our own will. How do we decipher what is our will versus God’s will? We discern by leaning into the Holy Spirit and asking the Lord for more spiritual discernment. We ask the Holy Spirit to help identify what is our will and be honest with ourselves (and God) when we struggle to release an outcome to Him. We are created to live life in community and sharpen our discernment within the council of others. We can build our discernment by thinking about whether a decision or situation is bringing us closer to God. Is the outcome creating character in you that is a reflection of Christ or producing Fruit of the Spirit? As you open your heart to the will of God and spend time quieting yourself in His presence He will meet you in any decision you face. God teaches us that we are to seek, understand, and rely on the Spirit of God. We must meditate on scripture and spend intentional time getting familiar with His voice. Today, as we acknowledge God as the ultimate source of wisdom, truth, and light we pray that our spiritual discernment increases. Application/ Reflection: Where do you need an increase of spiritual discernment in your life? What decisions or plans are you finding hard to release to the will of God? What Fruits of the Spirit are growing in your discernment and decision-making process? Scriptures: Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Prayer: Lord, You are the source of all wisdom and truth. I thank You for Your Word which I can stand on as I face the situations that surround me. I thank You that in this time of prayer and fasting, I am seeking You first to lean not on my own understanding, but relying on Your ways and Your will. I ask that You sharpen my discernment and that You mature me in my faith and my understanding of the Holy Spirit. I pray that as I rely on You, You transform my heart, thoughts, and the lives of those around me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Today we are asking God to help us grow strong in self-control as we seek to obey Him. At times, we have all found ourselves struggling to do what we know is right. Maybe for you, it’s a new routine, discipline, or pattern you are trying to implement. Maybe you are trying to break a way of thinking, an unhelpful pattern, or walk away from temptation. Firstly, know you are not alone. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! In Romans chapter 7, Paul writes about the struggle of fighting our flesh and obeying God! Jesus set us free from sin and His grace is sufficient for our imperfection. There is no condemnation in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will help lead you and guide you as you follow Him. Remember, it’s about progression and not perfection. True submission requires self-control because our flesh and our Spirit can want different things. Prayer and fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us grow in self-control because it quiets our fleshly desires and strengthens our Spirit to obey God. As we seek to grow in self-control, remember we have access to a strength that is beyond us to deny our flesh and desire God’s will as we remain connected to Him. Application/ Reflection: Where do you need an increase in self-control? What is God asking you to surrender to Him? How can the fruit of self-control be seen in your life? Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. James 1:19-21 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 2 Peter 1:3-11 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your Holy Spirit. I thank You for my Helper who leads me into Your will and Your way for my life. I repent for the times I have missed the mark. I pray that I can practice deeper levels of self-control as I obey You. I pray that my life will glorify You and that I will be a light to those around me. I thank You for freedom and victory. In Jesus’ name, amen!

STEWARDSHIP AND PROVISION God operates out of abundance! At times, it is easy to fall into fear or worry about the resources and provisions we need in our lives. We all have dreams or desires and very real needs that we believe God will provide. We have to fight against the temptation to see the world through a lens of scarcity, and instead lean into the promises of God. God is our provider, He is all-powerful and generous! The Bible says that God will provide for all of our needs and He has unlimited resources. He is THE source. As we have learned, the Bible says in Matthew 6:33, “To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” In the verses leading up to Matthew 6:33, Jesus is teaching His disciples to not worry or be anxious about food, clothing, or the resources we consider basic needs. He teaches us when we fix our eyes on God and His Kingdom, He will provide for us. God loves you, cares for you, and has plans for your future. Ask God to help you to discern between your "needs" and "wants". Trust that God's timing is perfect and rest easy that there is nothing too big or too small for God. By divorcing the lack mindset, we remove the cap we have placed on God. Maybe the cap looks like limiting how or when we think God can move, and provide in our lives. Today, we chose to press into knowing and trusting in God's abundance. We ask Him to change our circumstances, provide for us, and help us in turn, be a reflection of His generosity toward us and steward well over what we are given. Application/ Reflection: In what ways have you capped God in your life? How can you combat lies that you have believed regarding God’s stewardship and provision over your life? What is God speaking to you about His stewardship and provision? Scriptures: Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:25-26 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. Prayer: Lord, I pray that as I read Your Word You will help me understand Your abundance and provision for my life. I pray that You will reveal to me the promises that You have for my life. I pray that as I wait for Your perfect timing for my needs and desires, I will grow in my relationship with You. Forgive me for putting a cap on what You could do in my life. I trust that You are my provider, You are all-powerful, and You are a generous Father. You are worthy of all the glory and honor in my life! Thank You for Your stewardship and provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Day 15 - Trusting In God's Plan  Trusting in God’s plan requires faith that His plan is better than our own. We all experience points in our lives where we have a plan or an expectation for how we want something to go. Maybe it’s a plan for your career, a timeline for your relationship, or a budget for your finances. Our lives can be filled with our plans, but today we lay aside our plans and ask God to help us trust in His plan for our lives. In surrendering our lives to God, we admit that we are unable to save ourselves. Jesus did what we could not when he lived a sinless life and died to save us. As we submit to Jesus as Lord of our lives, we acknowledge that His ways are higher and ask for His will, not our own. We not only have faith in our salvation, but we have trust in knowing that God is all-powerful and above all things in our lives. As we grow in our faith and trust, we take a moment to remember all that God has done to get us here. Every day is a fresh opportunity to experience God's faithfulness and trust Him more. We are praying for an increase in our faith and trust as we seek God first. Application/ Reflection: How has God been faithful in your life? What areas of your life do you need to trust God with? What are practical ways you can develop your faith and trust in God? Scriptures: Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peaceall who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Psalm 56:3-4 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Prayer: Lord, I thank You for your Son, Jesus. I repent for times when I have confined my understanding of Your power and ability to transform my life. I pray that You remind me of Your faithfulness and goodness in all things. Thank You that You are all-knowing and sovereign and You reign above everything in my life. I love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

GROW IN WISDOM When we ask for wisdom, God listens! Day to day, we face so many challenges and questions; decisions that we must make. Some choices are small, and others have a significant impact on our lives and others around us. We all operate out of our free will to make decisions based on many factors that can influence our choices. However, there may have been times in your life when you either did not have the understanding, information, or insight to make the best decisions. The Bible says that when we ask for wisdom, God responds generously, without reproach. The Holy Spirit is our helper and advantage, giving us insight and guidance in our daily choices and interactions. Today, we ask the Lord for wisdom. We believe there is power in prayer and power in linking our faith with one another. We sit in expectancy for how God will generously respond to these prayers giving us wisdom and direction! Application/ Reflection: How have you seen God answer your prayers as you have sought wisdom in your life? What decisions are you facing that you need wisdom from God? How can you intentionally be praying for Transformation Church and others around you? Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are a God who listens and responds generously to my prayers. I ask for wisdom. I pray that as I intercede today for those around me You respond quickly and speak to those who need to hear Your voice. I pray that as You speak, I will respond in obedience to Your voice above all else. Holy Spirit, I thank You that You are my helper and You will guide me when I do not know what to do. I invite You into my heart and my decisions today. You are welcome here, have Your way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

JOY OF THE LORD The joy of the Lord is everlasting and it is always available to us. It can be easy to confuse the joy of the Lord with happiness. Happiness is a feeling or an emotion that can come or go based on any number of factors around you. Sometimes we can get tricked into thinking if something changes we will find happiness. Maybe if we just get enough money in our bank account or if we meet the right person, or reach our goals then we will be happy. The truth is God’s Word offers us an even better promise. In Jesus, we have access to the joy of the Lord which is not dependent upon our emotions or our achievements but is eternally found in Him. The joy of the Lord is the gladness and gratefulness in our hearts that overflow from trusting and building a relationship with God. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength! His joy may not make sense given our circumstances, but it is what pushes us forward and sustains us to not only survive but thrive. The joy of the Lord is what left Peter and Silas worshiping and praising the goodness of God even though they found themselves in a prison cell. The joy we carry as believers in Christ is contagious and reflects the love of God and His goodness to those we encounter. Application/ Reflection: How have you confused joy with happiness before? Where do you need a fresh perspective of the joy of the Lord in your life? How can you encourage someone around you with the joy of the Lord today? Prayer: Lord, I thank You that Your joy is my strength. I thank You that by remaining in a relationship with You, I have access to Your joy at all times. Even during a trial, I can count it joy because You are with me and for me. I thank You that I can carry Your joy wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen!

We have all experienced things in our life that seem inexplicable. During Jesus’s ministry, He performed miracles, signs, and wonders to demonstrate His love and compassion for people by healing the sick, raising the dead, and walking on water. These miracles served as a testimony to those who witnessed Jesus's power and authority as the Son of God. The Bible is clear that the power of the Holy Spirit lives within those who believe and know Jesus! Jesus commissioned us, as His followers, to extend His love and compassion to the world and to witness the power of Christ through miracles, signs, and wonders. We have faith that God can do the impossible and is behind inexplicable things. As we continue to pray for God to move in what the world may deem impossible, we ask for God to open our eyes to see His power at work. There is power in collective prayer and belief! As we see the miraculous take place we will glorify the name of Jesus as the author of all things good. We join our faith for all things expecting Him to show up in our lives through miracles, signs, and wonders. Application/ Reflection: How can you increase your faith in God to show up miraculously in your life? In what ways have you seen God work unexplainably before? Who can you pray for who needs a miracle, sign, or wonder from God? Scriptures: Acts 4:29-31 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. John 14:12-13 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Luke 8:43-48 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?”Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Mark 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your glory and Your goodness. I thank You for your loving compassion! Thank You that You have a heart to heal, a heart for restoration, and a heart for life to the fullest. I pray that You increase my awareness of You today. I repent for times I have tried to take credit or claim responsibility for Your work in my life. I repent for my pride. I pray that You expand my faith for signs, miracles, and wonders. Speak to me today! Renew my heart, restore my motives, and transform me for Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.