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Knowing God: Prayer and Fasting 2013

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"The Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers was that they might grow in their knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:17). This series is designed to be used as a tool for reflection during seven days of prayer and fasting especially for those who are spiritually nurtured from the messages and programs of Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF). For a downloadable version of the Bible reading plan you may go to http://ccfglobal.org/KnowingGod.pdf To find out more about CCF please visit www.ccf.org.ph"

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Page 1: Knowing God: Prayer and Fasting 2013
Page 2: Knowing God: Prayer and Fasting 2013
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From the Senior Pastor

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the events in CCF that gets me really excited is that time of year when we pray and fast as a church.

I realize the reason many people join us during this time is that they have needs. And while we all have many needs, I agree with Martyn Lloyd-Jones when he said, “Our supreme need is to know God.”

That is why for this year my ardent desire is for everyone in CCF to know the Lord.

“But we already know Him,” many would claim.

I am reminded of how most, if not all, Filipinos would claim to know our president, Pres. PNoy. We always hear or read about him, we see him in newspapers and even on TV. Some might have even shaken hands with Him. But to truly know Him requires time spent together.

Last year our theme for the whole year was “Intimacy with God.” This year the theme will be “Knowing God.”

The Lord says, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

My prayer is that this week of prayer and fasting will jump-start our journey to knowing God better as we spend time with Him.

Pastor Peter Tan-Chi

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Table of Contents

Guide ........................................................................................................... 2

Prayer and Fasting ................................................................................. 4

Why Fast? ............................................................................................... 5

Four Kinds of Fasting ............................................................................ 7

Preparing to Fast .................................................................................... 8

Caution .................................................................................................... 9

During a Fast .......................................................................................... 10

Breaking the Fast ................................................................................... 12

Conclusion .............................................................................................. 13

Schedule ..................................................................................................... 14

Devotions ................................................................................................... 16

1. A Man Who Knew God ..................................................................... 18

2. The Danger of Not Knowing God ................................................... 20

3. The Need to Know God .................................................................... 22

4. The Blessings of Knowing God ........................................................ 24

5. The Prayer to Know God .................................................................. 26

6. The Goal: to Know God ................................................................... 28

7. The Desire to Know God .................................................................. 30

Prayer List .................................................................................................. 34

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What were we made for? What aim should we set for ourselves in life? What is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight, and contentment than anything else? The answer to all these questions is the same: Knowing God!

J.I. Packer

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Guide

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What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us… We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. This is true not only of the individual Christian, but of the company of Christians that composes the Church…

Were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to the question, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” we might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man...

That our idea of God corresponds as nearly as possible to the true being of God is of immense importance to us… A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology but to practical Christian living as well… I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God.

It is my opinion that the Christian conception of God current in these middle years of the twentieth century is so decadent as to be utterly beneath the dignity of the Most High God and actually to constitute for professed believers something amounting to a moral calamity.

A.W. Tozer

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Prayer and Fasting

“By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul; by praying the soul learns to command the body.”

William Secker

Throughout history, God has called on His people to humble themselves through prayer and fasting. As a spiritual family we practice prayer and fasting to deepen our intimacy with God. Fasting is a spiritual weapon God used to advance His kingdom, move nations, spark revival and bring victory to the lives of His people.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Prayer and fasting fulfill these requirements.

If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.

Fasting is part of a believer’s life of faith in Christ. In a fast, the believer chooses, for a set period of time, to do without something that is hard to do without.

Biblical fasting is not just “not eating”, but it is abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. It always occurs together with prayer in the Bible and is also a form of worship. Luke 2:37c says that fasting is a way of serving God, while Acts 13:2 says that fasting is ministering to the Lord.

As we begin our fast this year, let us all be reminded that whatever we do, we do for the glory of God.

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Why Fast?

“Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food.”

Dallas Willard

God expects us to fast.

“And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face.” Matthew 6:16-17

Jesus said “When you fast”, not if you fast. This means that fasting, like prayer, is not an option. Fasting is part of the Christian life.

Jesus Fasted.

“And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.” Matthew 4:2

Before His ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days. He knew He needed spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting makes us physically weak, but spiritually stronger and more prepared to do God’s work.

The early Church fasted.

“Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:3 (see also Acts 14:23)

The Church fasted for Saul (Paul) and Barnabas. Later, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders in various churches, fasting and praying before commending these leaders to the Lord.

Fasting demonstrates humility before God.

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer kept returning to my bosom.” Psalm 35:13 (See also 1 Kings 21:27-29; Ezra 8:21)

Humility lets us experience God’s grace. When we humble ourselves in prayer and turn from our wicked ways, God promises to hear us and answer us according to His perfect will.

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Fasting makes us sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended, He became hungry.” Luke 4:1-2 (See also Acts 13:2, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)

We are prone to forget our priorities. Fasting is a visible reminder to us that God takes precedence over all our needs. Fasting lifts up the matter at hand to God who is able to bring about awesome works that bring Him great glory.

Fasting brings about personal and national spiritual revival.

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3

Fasting prompts revival to an individual and to the country. It brings forth a stirring that will heal and change us and prepare us for greater things in God’s kingdom.

Fasting is good for our health.

Fasting improves our physical condition. Many impurities in the body are burned up when the body is denied food, thus, clearing the mind, cleansing and healing the body. “Even people who are underweight who fast for spiritual purposes have been known to gain weight after completing their fasts”. Many Bible teachers say that a three-day fast is especially beneficial for spiritual cleansing and also for breaking addictive habits.

(“What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?”, Christ Unlimited Ministries, www.bible.com)

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Four Kinds of Fasting

There are probably as many ways to fast as there are ways to pray, but these four ideas are a starting point:

1. Normal fast

In a normal fast, a person goes without food for a predetermined amount of time - 1 day, 3 days, 1 week or longer. Water is allowed and necessary of course. Extreme care should be taken with long fasts, especially if there are any underlying medical conditions. It is wise to consult your physician if you are planning on embarking on a long fast.

2. Partial fast

This fast allows certain foods, or is on a schedule that includes limited eating, possibly one meal or two meals a day, or only eating vegetables for several days. Daniel and John the Baptist followed this sort of fast, while John Wesley ate only bread and water for many days as his fast. This is a better option for those who cannot do a water fast.

3. Juice fast

This is the same as normal fast in #1, except the one fasting also eats fresh vegetables or drinks fruit juice.

4. Object fast

Some people decide to fast on something completely unrelated to food, such as TV or computer time. This is a very commendable type of fasting also. There are very valid reasons to choose this sort of fast, but for the rest of this article series we will deal with food.

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Preparing to Fast

“Fasting is abstaining from anything that hinders prayer.” Andrew Bonar

1. Set your objective and commit to a type of fast.

Why are you fasting? Renewal? Guidance? Healing? Special grace? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading for your fast. Once you know why, you must commit. What kind of fast should you undertake?

• Choose the type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, water and juices, what kinds of juice, and how often).

• Choose how much time to daily devote to prayer and God’s Word.

2. Be expectant.

Be reminded that the Lord listens to a prayer from the heart. Be true and contrite as we expect results from our God.

3. Prepare yourself spiritually.

The foundation of fasting is repentance. Unconfessed sin hinders prayers. Seek forgiveness from all you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you. Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.

4. Prepare yourself physically.

Fasting requires physical precautions. If you take medication or have a chronic ailment, consult your physician before beginning the fast.

5. Lessen physical activities.

Limit your physical and social activity during this period. Conserve your physical energy for more time for prayer and reading the Bible.

6. Be in faith.

As you dedicate time in fellowship with the Father, ask for guidance. Clearly define goals in your personal life, family, finances, and church. You are entrusting these to God for the entire year. Expect God to answer. Remain thankful throughout and after the fast.

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Caution

In spite of the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should not fast without professional supervision.

For example:

• Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated.

• Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders.

• Those who suffer weakness or anemia.

• Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease.

• Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs.

• Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing.

• For people taking prescription drugs, do not abruptly stop without consulting your attending physician.

Consult your doctor before you begin your fast but be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area and so their understanding may be limited.

“Fasting can be a painful admission that I am not free, that my life is enslaved, obsessed or addicted to external things such as food, drink,

codependent relationships, sex, television, privacy and the like.” Albert Haase

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During a Fast

“Whoso will pray, he must fast and be clean; And fat his soul, and make his body lean.”

Geoffrey Chaucer

1. Seek the Lord.

Commit to prayer and Bible reading during the times you usually allocate for meals. Remain accountable to your small groups, for what you don’t eat physically you should compensate for spiritually. One way is by attending the daily evening prayers in CCF at 7-8pm. Be ready to respond when you hear from God.

2. Commit to change.

Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationships with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately. Ask your small group leader to hold you accountable.

3. Pray for suggested items.

Pray for the items on your prayer list and other items as the Spirit leads. Let us use this time to intercede for our family, for CCF, our country, the government, our D-group and D-12 members, Christians around the world, mission, etc.

4. Saturate your mind with the Word of the Lord.

We must fill our mind with the Word of God and saturate it fully. Although our body may hunger, our soul must be filled with the spiritual food that we crave and that is enough to strengthen us to deny our flesh. Consider a fast from food as a spiritual feast.

5. Put yourself on a schedule.

For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

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• Praise and worship. • Confession and repentance of sin. • Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees. • Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will. • Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community’s and

nation’s leaders, for the world’s unreached millions, for your family and special needs.

• Take short, spiritual walks. • If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer. • Avoid television, computer games, internet entertainment surfing,

movies, parties, or other distractions that may dampen your spiritual focus.

6. Attend evening watches.

Try to attend the daily evening prayer time at 7-8pm. D-group and D-12 meetings during the fasting period are at the discretion of the D-Leader in order to give the members the option to attend the evening watches.

7. Have the right motive.

Remember that your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, to listen to Him and be more intimate with Him and to bring your burdens to Him. When your motives are right, God will honor your seeking heart and bless your time with Him in a very special way.

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Breaking the Fast

“Every fool can fast, but only the wise man knows how to break a fast.” G.B. Shaw

1. End your fast gradually.

Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and your digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks. Ending your fast gradually, will result in continued good health. Start with fruits, fruit juice, salads, and soups, then gradually eat more solid foods.

Overall, the following four factors represent what we are trying to accomplish when breaking a fast:

• Frequent meals to less frequent meals • Small meals to larger meals • Easy to digest to harder to digest • Less variety to more variety

2. Continue to pray.

Don’t let your prayer end the day you finish the fast. Build from the momentum you gained. Let it transform your prayer and devotional life. Carry the newfound passion with you throughout the year.

3. Expect greater intimacy with God.

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God’s face, if you consistently meditate on His Word

4. Experience the joy of God’s presence.

Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; In thy right hand are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Let us bask in the fullness of joy in the Lord as we abide in His glorious presence. When we have denied our flesh, empowered our spirit with prayer, and solely depend on God for nourishment, there is a joy in the moment we experience God’s magnificent power.

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Conclusion

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Our seven-day prayer and fasting gives us the opportunity to realign our lives according to His will and consecrate the rest of the year to Him. As we humble ourselves corporately before Him in prayer, we can expect Him to move mightily in our midst.

God’s will is for each and every one of us to grow in our understanding of Him. Every year we need to experience a greater awe of His inexhaustible love, power and holiness. So seek Him with all your heart, and the promise is that you will find Him!

“Quit playing, start praying. Quit feasting, start fasting.

Talk less with men, talk more with God. Listen less to men, listen to the words of God.

Skip travel, start travail.” Leonard Ravenhill

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Schedule

Day 1. Monday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only □ Other: ___________

Day 2. Tuesday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

Day 3. Wednesday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

Day 4. Thursday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

Day 5. Friday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

Day 6. Saturday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

Day 7. Sunday □ Drink water only □ Drink juice only □ Eat one meal only □ Eat two meals only

Other: ___________

“If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical benefits,

success in prayer, the enduring with power, spiritual insights – these must never replace God as the

center of our fasting.” Richard Foster

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Devotions

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Once you become aware that the main business you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord…

What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance; and this the Christian has in a way that no other person has.

For what higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?

J.I. Packer

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1. A Man Who Knew God

“Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.”

Exodus 33:11a (NASB)

Read: Exodus 33:7-34:8

Reflect:

1. How does verse 11 describe how the Lord would speak to Moses? A sample conversation is portrayed in verses 12-23. How would you compare this to how you speak to God during your quiet times with Him? What do we learn about our own relationship with Jesus in John 15:15?

2. Name the 3 prayer requests of Moses in chapter 33:12-18. What do they reveal about the heart of Moses?

3. What was the purpose of the prayer request of Moses in verse 13?

Respond:

1. As you spend time with the Lord starting this week journal what are the things that you personally discover about God just like Moses did after the Lord appeared to him in Exodus 34:5-8.

2. What do the Lord’s words in Exodus 33:19, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion” reveal about God’s character? How submissive are you to that truth even with regards to your own petitions to God?

3. Why did Moses want God’s presence to go with them in verses 15-16? In the NT how are disciples distinguished from other people (e.g. John 13:35, Romans 8:14)? How true are those in your life?

“Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.”

Andrew Murray

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Prayer Journal

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2. The Danger of Not Knowing God

“…Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7 (NASB)

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Reflect:

1. How do you differentiate “learning” in verse 7 from “knowing the truth”? What danger does mere “learning” pose to today’s “Christians”?

2. Will genuinely knowing God prevent you from developing those traits mentioned in vv. 1-6? Why or why not?

3. Verse 6 describes ungodliness among certain church people who are still in bondage to the flesh either as a victimizer or as a willing victim. They are “led on by various impulses” (NASB). What should you do to not be led by your impulses (Gal. 5:16-18)?

Respond:

1. Go through the list of the ungodly traits and use the dictionary to get the definitions of unclear terms. Then ask the Lord to reveal to you manifestations of any of those traits in your life. Ask God’s forgiveness.

2. Verse 5 (GWT) says, “They will appear to have a godly life but they will not let its power change them.” Name an attitude (e.g. self-righteousness), a habit (e.g. absence of reflection on the message after the service), or any barrier (e.g. bad company) that prevent you from being changed by the God’s word? What steps will you take to correct the problem?

“The church is in trouble. Superficiality, immaturity and mediocrity has characterized the church. Carnality and

compromise has robbed the church of the spiritual power and spiritual authority to make a difference in this world.”

Edmund Chan

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Prayer Journal

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3. The Need to Know God

“…Two of Jesus' disciples were going to the village of Emmaus… As they were talking and thinking about what had happened, Jesus came near and

started walking along beside them. But they did not know who he was.” Luke 24:15-16 (CEV)

Read: Luke 24:13-48

Reflect:

1. Verse 16 says that although Jesus Himself joined 2 of His own followers “they did not know who he was” (CEV). Later on in verse 31 “they knew who he was.” What do you think prevented the disciples from initially recognizing Jesus? What was the implication when Jesus had to explain the Bible to them again in verse 27 before they would recognize Him?

2. In v. 19, how did Cleopas perceive Jesus to be up to this point? What important truth is missing in his description?

3. What does his account of Jesus in verses 20-24 reveal about Cleopas? For what was he rebuked by Jesus in v. 25?

Respond:

1. Jesus explained Moses and all the prophets (a reference to the Scriptures during those times) to the 2 disciples in v. 27. In verses 44-46, He also explained the Scriptures to the eleven and “those who were with them.” How important is knowing and believing in the words of God in having a clear knowledge of who God is in your life?

2. What concrete steps will you do this year so that you will grow in the word of God?

“Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfold as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.”

J. I. Packer

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Prayer Journal

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4. The Blessings of Knowing God

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the

glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Reflect:

1. The passage enumerates the spiritual blessings of being in Christ. List down the blessings from each of the 3 persons of the Trinity. How are each of those blessings true in your own life?

2. The phrase “in Christ” and “in Him” are repeated 9x in verses 3-13. What is the importance of this in connection with the spiritual blessings mentioned? What does it mean to be “in Christ?” Is it possible to know God apart from Christ?

3. According to verse 13 how were you “included in Christ” (NIV)? Enumerate the 3 steps in the process based on this verse.

Respond:

From the list of spiritual blessings you made in Reflect 1 compose a love letter to the Lord that expresses your gratitude and deep respect to Him.

“The private and personal blessings we enjoy - the blessings of immunity, safeguard, liberty and integrity - deserve the

thanksgiving of a whole life.” Jeremy Taylor

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Prayer Journal

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5. A Prayer to Know God

“And I pray that you… may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that

you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

Read: Ephesians 1:15-21

Reflect:

1. Having listed down each of the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14, what is the main prayer of the Apostle Paul in our passage today which he mentions in verses 17 and 18a (NASB)?

2. Paul enumerates 3 things that a believer will realize in verses 18b-19 as a result of knowing God better. What are those?

3. In verses 19-21, how did Paul describe the great power that is available for us if only we will know God better? [He explains this power more in Eph. 2:1-7 and in Romans 8:11].

Respond:

1. From the example of Paul in verses 17-18, how should we pray for ourselves and also for others? Why is this type of prayer important?

2. How will knowing God and realizing His “hope”, His “riches”, and His great “power” for you (vv. 18-19) help you through all the challenges in your life? How can they help you in your present problems?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, So my soul pants for you, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2a (NIV)

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Prayer Journal

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6. The Goal: Know God

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and

so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Read: Philippians 3:4-14

Reflect:

1. According to Paul in verses 5-7 what were the things he considered as “valuable” before but realized them to be “worthless?”

2. Aside from the list of things he mentioned in verses 5-7, what does he say in verse 8 twice which he likewise considers “rubbish?”

3. The word “know” means to know experientially. What 3 areas did Paul identify through which he wanted to experientially know Christ in verse 10?

Respond:

1. As you reflect on what Paul considered to be worthless come up with your own list of worthless background, accomplishments or ambitions when compared to the value of knowing Jesus better. How does clinging on to those worthless things hinder you from having more of God?

2. Paul mentions in verse 14 that he is dead set in pursuing a goal for which God has called him. Do you have a similar goal? If not, what heavenly goal does God want you to adopt in your own life. Ask the Lord to reveal to you. Share to your accountability leader.

“Until you have given up yourself to Him, you will not have a real self.”

C.S. Lewis

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Prayer Journal

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7. The Desire to Know God

“But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness

in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24 (ESV)

Read: Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 103:6-18

Reflect:

1. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, to “boast” means to find hope and joy in the source of boasting. What are the usual things man boasts about? What are you inclined to boast about?

2. Why should you only boast in the Lord?

3. In light of all the injustices and unrighteousness happening in the world which act of God clearly demonstrates that the LORD “practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth?”

Respond:

1. From Psalm 103:6-18 list down the attributes and traits portrayed of God by David.

2. From the list above name 2 attributes of God you have clearly experienced in your life.

3. From the same list can you identify 2 attributes which you seem to least know about God or have least experienced from Him? How do you think will this whole series about knowing God help you know Him more?

“‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the

LORD.” Jeremiah 29:13-14a (NLT)

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Prayer Journal

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Prayer List

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Up in a little town in Maine, things were pretty dead some years ago. The churches were not accomplishing anything. There were a few Godly men in the churches, and they said: ‘Here we are, only uneducated laymen; but something must be done in this town. Let us form a praying band. We will all center our prayers on one man. Who shall it be?’

They picked out one of the hardest men in town, a hopeless drunkard, and centered all their prayers upon him. In a week, he was converted. They centered their prayers upon the next hardest man in town, and soon he was converted.

Then they took up another and another, until within a year, two or three hundred were brought to God, and the fire spread out into all the surrounding country. Definite prayer for those in the prison house of sin is the need of the hour.

R. A. Torrey

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Prayer List

A. The Philippines 1. President Aquino and other leaders – honesty and competence 2. Righteousness, justice, peace and economic prosperity 3. Evangelization of the country 4. Protection from calamities

B. The Church 1. Love, purity, zeal and graciousness of CCF members 2. Faithfulness to God’s mission and vision for CCF 3. The Leaders and their families – Elders, Pastors, Dgroup Leaders 4. Staff, volunteers and workers 5. Worship and Training Center, Prayer Mountain 6. Global Leadership Center 7. Church planters, missionaries and families 8. Missions and church planting efforts

C. Israel 1. Peace and protection from hostile nations 2. Evangelization

D. Personal Breakthrough 1. Spiritual revival 2. Physical healing 3. Breaking of bad habits, curses… 4. Christ-like character

E. Family 1. Restoration of relationships 2. Household salvation 3. Others

F. Finances 1. Freedom from debt 2. Financial blessings 3. Rich generosity

G. Other Personal Prayer Items…

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