Why a Day of
Fasting and Prayer?

Throughout history there have been periods where darkness almost covered mankind. The period of the Maccabees was one of these dark times. They fasted and prayed to Yahweh (The Lord) before battle and were able beat extremely high numbers of the enemy in the name of Yahweh. In the story of Esther we are told that she asked her people to fast and pray to Yahweh for three days before she approached the King to ask that Yahweh’s people, her people be saved. There are many other stories throughout scripture that shows us that by a “Remnant” turning to Yahweh and asking for His Will to be done, His mercy to be shown, that the darkness was driven back and His Light prevailed.

Believers in the Word know that there will not be true peace in the world until Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah returns and claims his Kingdom on Earth. Scripture tells us over and over again that we are to cry out to Him, turn our face to Him. Praying for world peace is a way of asking for Yeshua the Messiah to return. It's a way to have unity in asking for Yahweh's “Will” to be done.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”

—Luke 6:27-28

Praying for our enemies and those that hurt us is not easy, but it is what Yeshua ask us to do. During this time of fasting and prayer I encourage you to also, pray for your, our enemies and ask that they may come to know the Salvation of Yeshua, that they may also find Shalom, Peace.

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

—Matthew 6:9-13

The call for a day of fasting and prayer is a call for Yahweh’s Will to be done.

Blessings,
Helen