To begin the new year with prayer and fast is a special blessing for the church. There is tremendous power in corporate prayer and fast. Head Bishop of the Pentecostal Union of Russia Edward Grabovenko proposed a 21-Day Fast of Daniel, on January 11-31, 2015, in order for the glory of the Lord and His power to be manifested in our churches, families, and society.
The model of the 21-Day Fast is set out by Daniel in Chapter 10:2, 3. “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food; no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
The fast of Daniel is a partial fast, when some of us will quit harmful habits, laying them at the feet of Jesus, in humility before Him. Perhaps we should give up using the Internet, where we spend a lot of time, and refrain from idle things that are useless. And get to spend more time reading and studying the Word of God.
Edward Grabovenko emphasized the importance of the corporate prayer and fasting, which edify
and unify us in our faith. As we pray together, we build love and concern for others and display our dependence on God.
Head Bishop urged evangelical Christians to daily get together in churches and home groups and pray for the Church in Russia and around the globe to be strengthened, pray for the peace of God to make its way into hearts of people who are suffering from wars and persecution. Especially he urged believers to offer prayers for Russia and Ukraine. For only God can resolve issues that people are not able to solve.
Bishop Grabovenko reminded of the disciples who asked Jesus why they could not perform miracles and of His answer to them, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:21). “Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, and we will see His glory, His power His answers. There is a tremendous power in corporate prayer and fasting. May God keep and bless His Church, our nation and may the Kingdom of God be proclaimed in all earth” – said Edward Grabovenko.
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith
