Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church

January 3, 2010                                                                       Steven J. Mattis, Pastor

Series: Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting

      Pt. I, “ Breaking Through Spiritual Barriers.” Matt. 6:1-18

        This morning I am calling this congregation to forty days of prayer and fasting. Over the next six weeks (Jan. 3 – Feb. 12) God desires to launch us into a new realm of spiritual success.  This morning we are going to learn how to break through spiritual barriers and begin the exciting journey of partnering with God in His work of building the Kingdom.

I.  The Golden Triangle to Spiritual Success.  Matt. 6:1-18

     A.  Giving - not to be seen by men but unto God in secret. Vrs. 1-4

     B.  Praying – not to be seen by men but God.  Vrs. 5-6

     C.  Fasting – not to be seen by men but by God.  Vrs. 16-18

II.   When should I Pray and Fast?

     A.  Growing dry spiritually.  But desire more of God.

     B.  Spiritual boredom. Loss of anointing.  Holy discontent.

     C.  When you need a fresh encounter with God – Desperate.

     D.  Set aside Wednesday nights 7:00pm – Corporate Prayer.

III.  Biblical fasting is refraining from food for spiritual purposes.

     A.  Intentional Humbling ourselves. We are insufficient.  We need         God.  Fasting is part of the Normal Christian life!

     B.  Types of fasts (bulletin insert as reference)

     C.  Attitude is the most important aspect of fasting.

     D.  Start with fasting one meal a day.  (a couple times/week)

            1.  Then fast one day a week (liquids only).

            2.  Ask God what He wants you to fast! (Daniel Fast)

            3.  Ask God how long you are to fast.

     E.  Spend your newly acquired time with God.  Read His word.

            Sing songs, hymns, spiritual songs.