Why is fasting important, not only personally, but also corporately? Follow along as we learn the value of fasting and highlight the seven primary prayer targets that we are setting our hearts toward to see breakthrough on both a corporate and a personal level.

What Is Fasting?

Imagine the owner of a large, lively factory strolls onto the busy production floor to deliver a companywide announcement. Instead of competing with the various sounds, he dims the lights, pauses the machines, and asks that all employees cease working and remain quiet while he speaks. With their full attention engaged, don’t you think the employees would be able to clearly hear the voice of their leader?

Well, the human mind and body run like factories – complex, multifaceted, bustling and rowdy factories. From internal and external feelings to sights, sounds, distracting thoughts, smells and everything in between, the body and mind endlessly roar like engines and are bombarded by reminders that they are subject to the influences of the physical world.

To combat this constant bombardment, fasting – a sacrificial act – is the intentional refraining from food or other comforts. At the same time, we submit those desires to God and position ourselves to clearly communicate with Him and experience breakthrough. When we choose to fast, it allows God to come in. It’s a time to silence the clamour within, allowing everything to quiet so we can hear Him speak to us.

Brother Copeland once shared a revelation on fasting he received from the Lord.

“It is important for you to understand that it is not the fasting itself that brings the deliverance. Jesus has already obtained deliverance through the complete work of Redemption. The Holy Spirit, who lives inside of you, knows how to pray in order to bring the deliverance Jesus has already provided. Fasting simply brings the spirit man, which is in union with the Holy Spirit, into ascendance over the flesh. It also limits the physical appetites so that you can more effectively hear from and respond to the Spirit. This enhances intercession. And effective, Holy Spirit-led intercession sets the captives free!

Fasting is not a method of twisting God’s arm to get Him to respond when you pray. Fasting does not change God. It changes you.”

Seven Primary Prayer Targets

As we move into a corporate fast, we want to be very intentional about why we are doing it. So, we are aiming this time of fasting like an arrow at seven primary targets.

1. An Awakening to God In the Body of Christ

It is not just unbelievers who need an awakening. The Body of Christ needs to further awaken to God, individually and as a whole. Our hearts must be increasingly awakened to His Word and His Spirit. Through this, our desires will be renewed and aligned with God’s plan for us. As we stir our hunger and thirst for more of Him, He can effectively mould us into the individuals He created us to be.

When we awaken to who we are in Christ, the signs that Jesus said would accompany those who believe will work through us.

2. An Awakening to God In Israel

Israel is not just another nation; it is God’s First Covenant nation. It was the first to be called by God as a light to the nations. As such, it must have a further awakening to God, its people fully seeing themselves the way God’s Word does. This kind of awakening will equip them to stand successfully in the trying days ahead.

3. An Awakening to God In America and the Nations

God has a plan for the nations, but He has called America to shine His light on that plan for all to see. If America is dark, many nations surely will be. But as America awakens to God, she will be brighter and brighter. Then all the nations will be able to see the greatness of our God.

We stand on 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (NKJV). Fasting is a significant way to humble ourselves and make room for God to move. We are in Covenant with God. He is faithful and will do it!

4. The 2024 Elections

The 2024 elections are fast approaching. We know the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But the Word says to catch him, rebuke him, resist him, bind him and cast him out. Through this fast, we will be strengthened in the weapons of our warfare, standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, allowing no devil to steal our freedom.

5. Ministry Breakthroughs

As Partners, congregants, viewers and staff, we all recognize the expanse of God’s call for The Revival Capital of the World. This includes each of our four divisions:

Kenneth Copeland Ministries 

Eagle Mountain International Church

VICTORY Channel

Kenneth Copeland Bible College

After Jesus ended His 40-day fast, the Anointing was so strong on Him that all men sought Him (Mark 1:37). We are expecting more anointing to draw people to Jesus and His Word, and that we will see more of all that He has available for us, to accomplish His call to go into all the world and make disciples of the nations.

6. Personal Breakthroughs

Are you in need of a breakthrough – financially, in your health, in your family or in any other area? When we corporately gather to fast, we join as one with united faces and hearts turned toward God. With all that is happening in our personal lives and the world, we must have an environment for extreme clarity to hear the Father’s voice so that breakthrough has a clear path. This clarity comes through submission to personal and corporate fasting.

Self-evaluation in the presence of faith is essential to maturing in our relationship with God. This is a time to hear from the Lord, that we may confidently walk in the fullness of all He has created us to be and to do.

7. Preparation for All That Is Coming

It is time to prepare to receive the abundant blessings God has in store and to strengthen yourself with His mighty Word so the enemy has no capability of inflicting harm on you. Also, it is time to prepare to help others stand strong against what the future holds. As the Body of Christ multiplies and the end draws near, it is paramount that we remain unified in faith, standing strong in holiness, so we can overcome any future demonic attack.

How To Prepare

We are setting aside the month of January to prepare our minds and hearts for the season of fasting. As we step into this time of preparation, Pastor George Pearsons is asking each member of our congregation and staff to pray and seek God for what He is asking each of us to lay aside during this time. Take this time to allow the noise to be silenced, so His voice can be heard more clearly. Allow God to pinpoint the things He’s asking you to surrender.

While you seek God, feed your spirit with teachings on fasting and prayer. Be sure to download and read/listen to all of these free resources throughout this month:

• Pastor George’s message calling us to this fast

Subscribe to Kenneth Copeland Ministries Europe on You-Tube.

• Pastor George’s notes on fasting and prayer

Download Pastor George’s Notes on Fasting and Prayer: Part 1

• Kenneth Copeland’s teaching on fasting and prayer

Download Kenneth Copeland’s Teaching on Fasting and Prayer

This series is from 1974. It is some of the richest teaching on the subject you will find anywhere. We are listening to these corporately to make the most of our unity of faith.

• Kenneth E. Hagin’s book and teaching series on how to be led by the Holy Spirit
  • Click here to purchase Kenneth E. Hagin’s book
  • Click here for Kenneth E. Hagin’s Video Teaching

As we come truly hungry and thirsty for the Lord, we can be expectant to see El-Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, reveal Himself to us in stronger ways than ever before. All of us at The Revival Capital of the World look forward to seeing what God does for you during this time and how our mighty God will move, accomplishing His will throughout the nations!

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