Pastor Joe Spence | How To Fast And Pray Pt 1

Name: Pastor Joe Spence | How To Fast And Pray Pt 1
Uploaded: 2026-01-05T04:24:35.000Z
Duration: 1 h 4 min 50 s

2026: A Year of Growth

Introduction to 2026

The speaker reflects on the past year and expresses excitement about sharing upcoming statistics and highlights.

Mentions the start of a 21-day period of prayer and fasting, encouraging listeners to enjoy their last day of feasting.

Fasting and Feasting

Emphasizes that both fasting and feasting are part of spiritual practice, suggesting personal reflection on how to approach this time.

Introduces a prophetic word for 2026, indicating it will be a year focused on growth.

Understanding Growth

Defines growth as "the process of increasing," highlighting its significance in various life areas beyond just finances.

Stresses that God desires increase in all aspects of life, including relationships, parenting, and personal development.

Areas for Growth

Encourages examination of personal lives for opportunities to grow in marriage, parenting, and daily interactions.

Highlights humility as essential for making adjustments during the prayer and fasting period.

Commitment to Growth

Urges participants to keep the concept of growth at the forefront during prayer sessions.

Reminds attendees that consistency is more important than intensity in developing spiritual habits over time.

Spiritual Discipline

Advocates for forming good habits during this period that will last a lifetime, emphasizing ongoing spiritual maturity.

Quotes Second Peter 3:18 about growing in grace and knowledge as a commandment from God.

Conclusion on Growth

Concludes with an emphasis on taking responsibility for personal growth through understanding God's teachings.

Year of Growth and Abundance

God's Goodness Crowning the Year

The speaker emphasizes that God is crowning the year with goodness, referencing Psalm 65:11, which states, "You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance."

The message reiterates that everywhere one looks, there is evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness throughout the year.

The speaker encourages staying on the path of righteousness, which is described as getting brighter and brighter like the noonday sun.

Embracing Victory

Listeners are reminded they are on the winning side; they should see themselves as victors rather than defeated foes.

A shift in mindset is encouraged to overcome feelings of defeat or anxiety; believers are urged to visualize themselves winning in various aspects of life.

Overcoming Challenges

The speaker proclaims that days of losing are over in Jesus' name, encouraging listeners to expect freedom from issues such as depression or disease.

There’s a strong emphasis on prayer and fasting leading to unprecedented freedom by relying on God's grace.

Scriptural Encouragement

Reference to Psalm 65:11 reinforces that God’s goodness crowns this year. Listeners are encouraged to declare their year as crowned with God's goodness.

Proverbs 4:18 is quoted, highlighting that the path of the righteous shines brighter each day.

Faithful Completion of God's Work

Philippians 1:6 is cited to assure listeners that God will complete the good work He has started in them until Christ's return.

The speaker reassures that God remains faithful in completing His work within individuals’ lives despite past failures or setbacks.

Spiritual Growth and Fasting Journey

Embracing a Positive Year

The speaker emphasizes the importance of making a conscious decision to view the year as a net positive, encouraging forward movement rather than regression.

Scriptural Challenges and Deliverance

Acknowledges that challenges are part of life, referencing scripture that states "many are the afflictions of the righteous," but reassures that "the Lord delivers us from them all."

Expresses gratitude for divine deliverance, highlighting personal experiences of being grateful for God's faithfulness.

Focus on Personal Spiritual Growth

Introduces an upcoming focus on personal lives starting week one, with day one dedicated to spiritual growth through prayer and meditation on scripture.

Suggests using Ephesians chapter 1 for prayer and reflection, emphasizing the need to meditate on God’s ability to complete His work in believers' lives.

Importance of Individual Prayer Life

Stresses that corporate prayer sessions do not replace individual prayer life; each person should maintain their own connection with God.

21 Days of Praying and Fasting

Announces a corporate fast beginning tomorrow, where participants will break their fast at 6 PM daily. This practice is based on biblical examples from Judges.

Discusses various types of fasts mentioned in the Bible (e.g., 40-day fast by Moses and Jesus), noting flexibility in choosing fasting methods according to personal conviction.

Corporate vs. Individual Fasting Practices

Differentiates between corporate fasting led by the church versus individual fasting practices, encouraging participation in both forms throughout the year.

Extended Prayer Sessions

Highlights the significance of extended prayer sessions within church activities, recalling past experiences where long hours were dedicated to prayer as essential for spiritual growth.

How to Pray Effectively

Learning to Pray

A good way to learn how to pray is by surrounding yourself with people who are experienced in prayer.

There are effective and ineffective ways to pray, which will be explored in upcoming teachings.

Key Points for Prayer

The main points of focus for prayer include spiritual growth, finances, and health.

It’s important to proactively claim healing scriptures rather than waiting until sickness occurs; start affirming your health now.

Taking Control of Your Body

You should assert control over your body through prayer, reminding it that you are in charge and not the flesh.

Recognizing that the flesh is not qualified to dictate life choices is crucial for spiritual empowerment.

Seeking Righteousness

Matthew 5:6 emphasizes the blessing of those who hunger for righteousness; they will be fulfilled.

Diligently seeking God during prayer and fasting can lead to significant blessings and fulfillment.

Fasting as a Spiritual Tool

Fasting accelerates spiritual growth and helps gain traction in one's faith journey.

Expect good things during this time of prayer and fasting as it serves as a means of catching up spiritually.

Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit

Galatians 5:17 highlights the conflict between desires of the flesh and spirit; they oppose each other.

Humility Through Fasting

Psalms 35:13 illustrates fasting as an act of humility before God, acknowledging dependence on Him.

Humility attracts God's grace, making it essential for spiritual growth; it's an active choice rather than something requested from God.

This structured summary encapsulates key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Spiritual Insights on Fasting and Humility

The Importance of Humbling Oneself

Emphasizes the significance of humbling oneself before God, stating that while God is willing to lift individuals up, He disapproves when they attempt to elevate themselves.

Highlights the difference between going on one's own accord versus being divinely sent, advocating for God's acknowledgment and timing in personal endeavors.

Prayer and Confidence in Divine Guidance

A prayer is offered for humility, asking that no one be lifted by their own abilities but rather through God's plan and purpose.

Encourages confidence in making the right decisions during fasting, assuring listeners that they will not make wrong steps if they trust in divine guidance.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

Introduces Matthew 6:17, which instructs believers on how to fast without seeking public recognition or appearing sorrowful.

Clarifies that fasting is presented as a command ("when you fast"), indicating its expected practice among believers.

Attitude During Fasting

Advises against displaying signs of fasting at work or in public; instead, one should maintain a positive demeanor and fulfill responsibilities.

Stresses the importance of not seeking attention while fasting, as it can detract from the spiritual purpose behind it.

The Heart Behind Sharing About Fasting

Discusses the appropriateness of sharing one's fasting experience with others based on intent—whether it's to impress or genuinely inform.

Reiterates that true biblical fasting focuses primarily on abstaining from food rather than other activities like social media or television.

Practical Guidelines for Fasting

Provides practical advice for fasting: abstain from food until 6 PM while staying hydrated with water and black coffee.

Emphasizes the goal of crucifying fleshly desires during this period rather than looking for loopholes around dietary restrictions.

Registration and Expectations for the Year

Importance of Registration and Fellowship

Individuals are encouraged to register via the app, with reminders about upcoming events being sent throughout the week.

The church is open for fellowship, prayer, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others.

Positive Outlook for the Year

A call to expect positive changes in the year ahead; individuals should believe in God's plans and have faith in their potential.

Encouragement to let go of past disappointments and start anew, fostering a mindset geared towards growth and opportunity.

Moving Forward Without Regret

Emphasis on not allowing past experiences to hinder future possibilities; looking back can prevent one from experiencing new blessings.

Analogy of driving: just as one cannot drive while constantly looking in the rearview mirror, individuals must focus on what lies ahead to fully embrace their journey.