We have a core value at NCC: everything is an experiment. We love doing spiritual experiments. Just thought I'd share an NCC experiement with blog readers. Love to have some evotional readers experiment with us.
On Pentecost Sunday (May 27) we're going to begin a ten-day Pentecost Fast. I know this is a crazy thought, but what if we actually did what they did in the Bible? What a novel thought. You can't plan Pentecost. But if you pray for ten days, Pentecost might just happen. The 120 believers prayed for ten days. Pentecost happened. And they turned the ancient world upside down. I'm naive enough to believe that if we pray for ten days we can turn our cities upside down.
We're not prescribing how to do it. I am recommending a fast of some sort. You might want to fast TV. The season finales are over anyways! You might want to fast sleep or fast a hobby. You might want to fast food or fast fast food.
Fasting is simply giving something up for the purpose of seeking God.
I'd also encourage you to add something to your spiritual rhythm. Maybe it's reading through the book of Acts. Or reading through the New Testament in a different translation. Maybe it's a spiritual retreat or a day of silence or prayer walks.
Ultimately, it's about seeking God with the same kind of intensity and dependency as the early believers. Do you know why most of us have never experienced a personal pentecost? Because we want in nine days what took the Apostles ten days! Or better yet, we want it in eight or seven or six days. Or three or two or one. We've forgotten how to tarry.
But what would happen if we prayed through for ten days with no agenda other than seeking God? There's only one way to find out.
On Pentecost Sunday (May 27) we're going to begin a ten-day Pentecost Fast. I know this is a crazy thought, but what if we actually did what they did in the Bible? What a novel thought. You can't plan Pentecost. But if you pray for ten days, Pentecost might just happen. The 120 believers prayed for ten days. Pentecost happened. And they turned the ancient world upside down. I'm naive enough to believe that if we pray for ten days we can turn our cities upside down.
We're not prescribing how to do it. I am recommending a fast of some sort. You might want to fast TV. The season finales are over anyways! You might want to fast sleep or fast a hobby. You might want to fast food or fast fast food.
Fasting is simply giving something up for the purpose of seeking God.
I'd also encourage you to add something to your spiritual rhythm. Maybe it's reading through the book of Acts. Or reading through the New Testament in a different translation. Maybe it's a spiritual retreat or a day of silence or prayer walks.
Ultimately, it's about seeking God with the same kind of intensity and dependency as the early believers. Do you know why most of us have never experienced a personal pentecost? Because we want in nine days what took the Apostles ten days! Or better yet, we want it in eight or seven or six days. Or three or two or one. We've forgotten how to tarry.
But what would happen if we prayed through for ten days with no agenda other than seeking God? There's only one way to find out.
9 Comments:
Now that sounds like a great experiment. God's blessing to you all as you tarry. The great underlying "spiritual principle" to test by such an experiment: "everyone who seeks, finds."
We are in the process of doing the same thing... 10 days that will change your life. www.toledocalvary.org our days of fasting will start this wednesday and finish prior to the service on the 3rd. We have an emphasis on the Holy Spirit as well.
Totally agree. We've said yes to Africa's invitation to the GLOBAL Day of Prayer (Pentecost Sunday), which includes 10 Days of Prayer prior and 90 Days of Blessing to follow. It's been amazing so far.
www.onehopenetwork.org
I'm in!!!...As a pastor that is preaching on the book of Titus and is really stuck on Paul's charge to Titus to be "eager to do good"...And doing good goes WAY beyond taking the trash out for my wife...I feel God challenging me to seek him at a deeper level in this season...thanks!!!
chill
I love the idea. It's been amazing to me how much we get out of giving of our time and our devotion to the Lord. Not that the blessings are what we should seek, but the Person and Presence of God -- yet God can never move without blessing.
Enjoy the ride -- it's gonna be wild.
We finished a 10 day prayer meeting on Palm Sunday {I couln't wait for Pentecost Sunday]. We have seen a dramatic increase of signs and wonders and transformed lives. We spenr a lot of time praying through the Bible.
Mark,
It seems like the Lord is speaking clearly to the Body of Christ in this season and calling her to fast. We are about to launch a fast as well. Check out fastforgreenville.com when you get a chance. Thanks for what you do.
Rich Butler
richbutler.org
Love it. Fasting and prayer has been huge for LifeHouse Church.
A couple of years ago, I committed to tithe my time to God. Not to be legalistic, but it created a great bench-mark for me. So, I want to give 37 days a year in fasting and prayer to God. It regularly reminds me of what and WHO is important.
Hello, Mark! I totally agree...and will be joining you in this fast, as I love to push all boundaries when it comes to my spiritual realities!
I've learned that God truly is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM!
It's so awesome to be rewarded with HIS PRESENCE when you think about and pursue him...
I can't think of a better reward!
Thanks for sharing,
Connie
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