United in Prayer: A Call for National Fasting
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound impact of corporate prayer and fasting, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Esther. Esther, a queen in a foreign land, called her people to unite in prayer and fasting before she approached the king to save her people. This historical account serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that can be achieved when believers come together with a common purpose. In our current context, the call is for Christian leaders and communities across America to unite in a similar fashion, seeking divine intervention for the nation.
The urgency of this call is underscored by the challenges facing our country today, including threats to religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the erosion of biblical values. The letter from a group of dedicated Christian women highlights the need for influential leaders to spearhead a movement of national prayer and fasting. This is not just a call to action but a plea for unity across denominational, racial, and economic lines, emphasizing that the power of prayer can transcend all divisions.
The message encourages us to recognize the pivotal role that each of us can play in this spiritual endeavor. Just as Esther was placed in a position of influence for a specific purpose, so too are we called to rise to the occasion in our own spheres of influence. By coming together in prayer, we can seek God's guidance and strength to address the pressing issues of our time, trusting that with God, nothing is impossible.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Corporate Prayer and Fasting: The story of Esther illustrates the transformative power of united prayer and fasting. When believers come together with a shared purpose, they can invoke divine intervention and bring about significant change. This collective spiritual discipline can be a catalyst for healing and restoration in our nation. [00:27]
2. Unity Across Divisions: The call for national prayer and fasting emphasizes the need for unity among Christians, regardless of denomination, race, or economic status. By focusing on our shared faith and purpose, we can overcome the divisions that often hinder our collective efforts. This unity is essential for addressing the challenges facing our country today. [01:24]
3. The Role of Influential Leaders: Just as Esther was positioned for a specific purpose, Christian leaders today are called to lead the charge in uniting believers for prayer and action. Their influence can inspire and mobilize communities to seek God's guidance and intervention in the face of national challenges. [02:10]
4. Addressing National Challenges Through Prayer: The message highlights the importance of praying for our political leaders, military personnel, and others facing persecution for their faith. By lifting these individuals in prayer, we can support them in their struggles and seek God's protection and guidance for our nation. [02:25]
5. Trusting in God's Sovereignty: The assurance that "nothing is impossible with Him" reminds us to place our trust in God's sovereignty and power. As we unite in prayer and fasting, we can have confidence that God will work through our efforts to bring about positive change in our country. [01:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to the Call for Prayer
[00:27] - Esther's Example of Prayer and Fasting
[00:41] - The Need for National Unity
[00:56] - Mobilizing Christian Leaders
[01:09] - Overcoming Divisions
[01:24] - The Power of Collective Prayer
[01:40] - Enlisting Support Across the Nation
[01:56] - Trusting in God's Help
[02:10] - The Role of Influential Leaders
[02:25] - Praying for Those Facing Persecution
[02:38] - Addressing National Challenges
[02:53] - A Call to Action
[03:08] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Esther 4:15-17 - Esther's call for prayer and fasting.
2. 2 Chronicles 7:14 - The promise of healing for a nation that seeks God.
3. Matthew 18:19-20 - The power of agreement in prayer.
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Esther take before approaching the king, and why were these actions significant? (Esther 4:15-17)
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the current challenges facing America that necessitate corporate prayer and fasting? [00:12]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of influential Christian leaders in the call for national prayer and fasting? [02:10]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the power of unity among Christians from different backgrounds? [01:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Esther's story illustrate the potential impact of corporate prayer and fasting on a community or nation? (Esther 4:15-17)
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity across denominational, racial, and economic lines can strengthen the Christian community's response to national challenges? [01:24]
3. What might be the significance of praying for political leaders and others facing persecution, as highlighted in the sermon? [02:25]
4. How does the assurance that "nothing is impossible with Him" influence the call to prayer and fasting in the sermon? [01:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you participated in corporate prayer or fasting. What impact did it have on you personally and on the situation you were praying for?
2. Considering the current challenges mentioned in the sermon, what specific issue do you feel most compelled to pray about, and why? [00:12]
3. How can you contribute to fostering unity among Christians in your community, especially across different denominations and backgrounds? [01:24]
4. Identify a Christian leader or group you admire. How can you support their efforts in promoting prayer and fasting for national issues? [02:10]
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your prayers are aligned with seeking God's guidance and intervention for the nation?
6. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer and fasting into your regular spiritual routine to address both personal and national concerns?
7. Think of someone in your life who is facing persecution for their faith. How can you support them through prayer and other means? [02:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of United Prayer and Fasting
When believers unite in prayer and fasting, they tap into a profound spiritual power that can bring about significant change. The story of Esther serves as a testament to this truth. Faced with the potential annihilation of her people, Esther called for a collective fast and prayer, seeking divine intervention. This act of unity and faith led to a miraculous deliverance. In our current context, the call is for Christians to come together in a similar manner, recognizing that through united prayer and fasting, we can invoke God's intervention in the challenges facing our nation. This spiritual discipline is not just about abstaining from food but about focusing our hearts and minds on seeking God's will and guidance. [00:27]
Joel 2:15-17 (ESV): "Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, 'Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’'"
Reflection: Think of a specific issue in your community or nation that burdens your heart. How can you commit to praying and fasting for this issue, and who can you invite to join you in this spiritual endeavor?
Day 2: Unity Beyond Divisions
The call for national prayer and fasting emphasizes the need for unity among Christians, transcending denominational, racial, and economic lines. In a world often divided by differences, the shared faith and purpose of believers can overcome these barriers. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can address the challenges facing our country more effectively. This unity is not just a strategic advantage but a spiritual necessity, as it reflects the heart of God for His people to be one. [01:24]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Identify a person or group within your church or community with whom you have differences. How can you take a step towards unity and reconciliation with them this week?
Day 3: The Influence of Christian Leaders
Just as Esther was positioned for a specific purpose, Christian leaders today are called to lead the charge in uniting believers for prayer and action. Their influence can inspire and mobilize communities to seek God's guidance and intervention in the face of national challenges. Leaders have a unique role in setting the tone and direction for collective spiritual efforts, and their commitment to prayer and fasting can serve as a powerful example for others to follow. [02:10]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Consider the leaders in your church or community. How can you support and encourage them in their role, and what specific prayers can you offer on their behalf today?
Day 4: Praying for Those Facing Persecution
The message highlights the importance of praying for our political leaders, military personnel, and others facing persecution for their faith. By lifting these individuals in prayer, we can support them in their struggles and seek God's protection and guidance for our nation. This act of intercession is a powerful way to stand in solidarity with those who are on the front lines of spiritual and physical battles, reminding them that they are not alone. [02:25]
Hebrews 13:3 (ESV): "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."
Reflection: Think of someone you know who is facing persecution or hardship for their faith. How can you reach out to them with encouragement and prayer this week?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
The assurance that "nothing is impossible with Him" reminds us to place our trust in God's sovereignty and power. As we unite in prayer and fasting, we can have confidence that God will work through our efforts to bring about positive change in our country. This trust is not passive but active, as it involves stepping out in faith and obedience, believing that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. [01:56]
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty. What steps can you take today to surrender this situation to Him and act in faith?
Quotes
Dear Dr Evans I belong to a small group of Christian American women who attend Grace Fellowship Church in Flint Texas our goal is to pray and work together in Jesus' name to save America One Soul at a time or as many as we can in this group we have been studying your book America turning a nation to God and we're particularly interested in your call for corporate prayer and fasting for our Christians in this wonderful country of ours and your reference to Esther and her call for her people to pray and fast before going to the king to ask for the lives of her people. [00:00:00]
While discussing the idea of corporate prayer and fasting we all wondered if there is some way that you and other influential Christian leaders could or would get together to ask for corporate National prayer and fasting in this land to save our people and our country I'm going to send a letter like this one to many other Christian leaders of our time in the hope that you all will unite to do this please for the sake of America our freedoms our political values and our Christian Americans as well as all of those who do not know Christ. [00:00:41]
Please join with other Christian leaders soon to unite all Christian Americans regardless of denomination church or political affiliation race economic status and everything else that divides us bring us together on our knees for prayer and fasting and please try to reach every Church leader in America and try to get the news on the media in every area of the country I know that will be a huge job but I hope that you agree with me that the country and the American people are worth any effort it may take. [00:01:24]
I'm sure you can enlist groups like ours at various churches to help spread the word and I truly believe that God will help you in such an effort and nothing nothing is impossible with him you know we need Godly leaders to Spur us into United prayer and action if you and other influential Christian leaders will join together in this effort may God be with you and may He help all Christian Americans to kneel together and pray for our political leaders our Christian leaders for our military personnel business owners and others who are being persecuted for their Christian beliefs. [00:02:10]
For Religious Freedom freedom of speech the restoration of biblical values in this country for restored respect and obedience to our Constitution and for all who are being persecuted for their faith and all who are being used by Satan to destroy our country and the world the United States of America and all of our people need your help and the help of all of our Christian leaders to bring us together please help us in this effort as Esther was in a position of influence at such a time as this I believe God has placed you in the position of Christian influence for such a time as this. [00:02:53]
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