Part 1 - Intercession: Prayers and Fasting

Things have gone too far ... the Tribulation cannot be held back any longer. Everything is out of our hands and totally in the hands of Jesus! However with prayers and fasting, some of the judgments that were to take place during the Tribulation, Jesus will remove! If we, His people, are faithful to pray then Jesus WILL answer these prayers!

Do not give up! Do not think -- wrongly (as I used to) -- that there is nothing you can do now. That is the enemy of our souls lying to us! Prayer is powerful! Here is a simple explanation of fasting: Fasting boosts the Power of Prayer - Exponentially! In summary our prayers are mighty and, when we add in fasting, this amplifies the power of our prayers!

I am sure we have all heard of fasting food but what if you have health issues and that is not possible? If you are like me (I have diabetes -- you may have something else), we can fast other ways! Instead of fasting an entire meal, what about fasting favorite foods? Perhaps fasting by not watching TV if that is something you spend time on. Fasting on reading material ... substitute reading the Bible instead of secular books. I promise, God will honor these fasts! We are denying our flesh! We are giving these sacrifices to the Lord for His use!

What should we pray for? Holy Spirit will put on our hearts what to pray and He will help us to do it! Your Faith will grow as well! The Word of God is powerful and does not change! Stand upon Scripture ... God's Word does not return void ...

Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

As you grow in faith and knowledge, you will become more sure of your welcome as you come to God in prayer. If you need some help getting started, here are some suggested scriptures:

• Father, forgive them, they know not what they do! Luke 23:34
1. Pray for your enemies and those not saved to come to know Jesus personally! Even if it is a 'Last Minute cry to Jesus' ... He will show Mercy and Grace and will save such as these!
• If my people will humble themselves and pray ... 2 Chronicles 7:14 
1. Repent for your nation! Intercede for the lost and rebellious in your nation! 
• Stand in the gap for your nation, as Moses stood in the gap for the Israelites! Exodus 32:30 and Numbers 14:17-20
1. Moses sought God for forgiveness for the Israelites when they sinned against God. God heard Moses and Jesus will hear our petitions during this time of Tribulation, too!

Moses made intercession and God granted his petition:
Numbers 14:17-20

17 “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, 18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” 20 Then the Lord said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. 

When you pray/fast, do not publicize it! Do these things in secret. Keep them between you and God! Do not go around with a dog-in-the-manger face to let others know you are fasting and denying yourself! Instead, smile and be joyous! 

I hope these words have encouraged you! Today I am going to focus on loving Jesus back.
Anna

Acts 13:2-3 (NKJV)

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.: