Mensa Otabil - Consecrate a Fast
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Welcome to the first day of our 40 days of power. This is an exciting day as we welcome this moment of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and seeking the face of the Lord. I just want to encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Get into it; it’s going to be an amazing time of fellowship with the Lord, interacting with the Holy Spirit, and allowing the Word of God to dwell in us richly. Today we are taking the first step; this is the first moment, but it’s going to be a long time in the presence of God. We trust that when we come out, we shall be like Moses, who came from the presence of God after 40 days, with his face glowing with the glory of the Lord.
As we start our journey today, we turn to Joel 2:15–16, which reads: «Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a sacred assembly. Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children and nursing babies. Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber and the bride from her dressing room.» This is how a fast was proclaimed. When the Bible says that we are consecrating a fast, it simply means we are setting apart certain days for prayer and fasting. So today we are setting apart the next forty days for prayer and fasting. The Bible encourages the people of God to separate themselves unto the Lord.
If you look at all the instructions here, they talk about a sacred assembly, which means a holy gathering. It says to gather the people and sanctify the congregation. Everything here has to do with being conscious of the holy, of that which is of God, of that which is righteous before God, and of that which brings glory to the Lord. So today we are starting this journey: we will be praying, fasting, interacting with the Word of God, announcing the power of God, making declarations, and seeking the goodness of the Lord. I pray that God will touch you and do a special work in you today.
Now, when we say that we are consecrating a fast, it also means that we are gathering people; we are getting everybody involved. As much as you are doing this as an individual, be mindful that many others are also engaging in this moment with you. There are thousands and thousands of people all over the world joining you in this journey. So when you feel tired or alone, remember that people are standing with you—others who are also doing the same thing you are doing. Encourage yourself; let’s run this race, honor the Lord, and finish well.
As you go through this time, I want you to make time for prayer and for the Word of God. All I can say is that for every meal you miss, replace it with prayer and the Word of God. Don’t just miss meals; fill that time with something else. For every hour of the day, there will be prayer happening. Follow through with the prayer bulletin. I know you have needs and things you want God to do for you, but let’s follow through with the protocol of prayer and allow our prayers to rise and escalate to the point where we address any personal needs.
But for now, we want to be conscious of the presence of God, of who He is, and of His calling upon our lives. Today, as we start this journey, I want us to pray together. I invite you, wherever you are, to join me in this prayer: «Heavenly Father, I consecrate this fast to You. Let what I do today be pleasing before You, O Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.»
I trust that God will do something wonderful for you throughout these 40 days. I am Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.