TO READ THIS IN SPANISH: Proclama de Ayuno: 22 de Septiembre, 2017

When God requests something of us, how willing are we to obey? Has He ever requested anything that is not for our good and for the glory of His name?

NOTE: This day of fasting and prayer will be increasingly beneficial if we get together in fellowship with other believers, whether relatives, a group of friends, neighbors, etc.  At home, at church… any place where you can pray and study the Word of God together is a good place.

Why is God calling for a day of fasting and prayer?

We are undoubtedly living crucial moments.

 The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfilment. RH November 24, 1904, Art. B, par. 8

The time of trouble—trouble such as was not since there was a nation [Daniel 12:1]—is right upon us, and we are like the sleeping virgins. We are to awake and ask the Lord Jesus to place underneath us His everlasting arms, and carry us through the time of trial before us.—Manuscript Releases 3:305 (1906).

Introduction
Joel 1:14 is the first of the invitations to fast and pray that the Lord brought to my attention.

 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of he Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord, Joel 1:14.

2 Samuel 22:7–In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

To cry out to the Lord is to call upon him. A cry is an out loud call for help. It arises in times of distress and great need. To call or cry upon the Lord includes the promise and assurance of His answer (See Jeremiah 33:3).

In order to learn the purpose of this day of fasting and prayer we need to cry for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, because we know not how to pray. (Rom. 8:26).

A cry arises with an urgent, imperative need. It is the call or plea of a like-minded group of believers, united in prayer with one purpose and request. It is the cry of the soul that recognizes its dire need. It is the fervent prayer of believers that cling to God as their only hope and, like Jacob cry: I will not let you go until you bless me! (See Genesis 32:26.)

Instruction:

In each section or CRY, take time to study and understand the Bible references.

Use the SDA Hymnal. Set apart enough time to pray before moving on to the next section or “Cry”.

Our time in studying the Word and in prayer should include: Soul searching, Repentance and confession, Praying for the Holy Spirit, Asking for the Lord’s guidance and Allowing Him to use us.

First Cry: “Search me”

Psalm 26:2   Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

What would you do?

Have you ever visited the cardiologist? If your heart is ill you might feel apprehensive of the exam and its results. But we should never fear allowing the Holy Spirit to examine our heart. He has the right equipment to correct whatever deficiency, malfunction or obstruction He might find. He will show us the results today and will prescribe his grace in the right amount so our heart can function like a new heart from here to eternity. We are in the best of hands.

Psalm 139: 23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: ²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Do you not see the need for a thorough examination from God?

Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is…. When the mind is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can mold it as he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will carnalize. He is directly opposed to God in his tastes, views, preferences, likes and dislikes, choice of things and pursuits; there is no relish for what God loves or approves, but a delight in those things which He despises…. {OFC 154.6}

Psalm 19:12-13  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. ¹³ Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

The Holy Spirit comes to the world as Christ’s representative. It not only speaks the truth, but It is the truth—the faithful and true Witness. It is the great Searcher of hearts and is acquainted with the characters of all. {CT 68.1}

This cannot be a hurried or careless cry. Dedicate enough time in prayer and study of His Word. God will X-ray your heart and reveal our illness,; he will reveal our shortcomings, our mistakes and our sin, as horrendous and filthy as they are.

After Christ’s ascension, the disciples were gathered together in one place to make humble supplication to God. And after ten days of heart searching and self-examination, the way was prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter the cleansed, consecrated soul temples. Every heart was filled with the Spirit, as though God desired to show His people that it was His prerogative to bless them with the choicest of heaven’s blessings. {YRP 286.2}

It is our spiritual duty to ask the Lord each day to reveal us the true condition and the intention of our heart, for it is deceitful (See Jeremiah 17:). The enemy will try to have us believe that there is nothing we need to repent of. On the other hand, when we acknowledge that we have caused suffering to God and to our neighbor, he will make us believe that our situation is helpless and that we will not be forgiven. These are opposite extremes. In both cases, he fights to keep us away from our Savior.

• Time for group comments
• Optional Reading from EGW HERE
• Hymns from the SDA Hymnal-“Speak to my soul, dear Jesus”
• Individual Prayer (Each one prays simultaneously and privately)
• Group prayer-Request that the Lord may reveal to each one his need.

 

 Second Cry: “Cleanse me”

What would you do?

Did you ever hire someone to clean your home, office or work space? Have you ever needed to clean a place or object so grimy that you knew not where to start? When we ask God to cleanse us we have no payment to make. We need to exercise faith in Him and His promises. Rest assured. He will do a thorough job, which will become a blessing and bring glory to His name. Keep in mind also, that God is totally discrete. He will not disclose the dirt he finds, but instead, dump it to the bottom of the sea (see Micah 7:19).

We request God to search our heart to have an opportunity to accept our sinfulness, to feel repugnance for it and to humble ourselves in sincere repentance. Only the specific sin we confess will be forgiven. With a clear conscience of our sinfulness, let us cry unto the Lord for his forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9).

Read Psalm 51

It is of the utmost importance that we accept our sins and confess them to God. Also, if we have wronged others, we ought to confess our repentance and seek their forgiveness. Make restitution as needed. Call them, send them a text, write to them or contact that person today.

True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. {SC 38.1}

Unless the mind of God becomes the mind of man, every effort to purify himself will be useless; for it is impossible to elevate man except through a knowledge of God. The outward gloss may be put on, and men may be as were the Pharisees whom Jesus describes as “whited sepulchres,” full of corruption and dead men’s bones. But all the deformity of the soul is open to Him who judgeth righteously, and unless the truth is planted in the heart, it cannot control the life. Cleansing the outside of the cup will never make the vessel pure within. A nominal acceptance of truth is good as far as it goes, and the ability to give a reason for our faith is a good accomplishment, but if the truth does not go deeper than this, the soul will never be saved. The heart must be purified from all moral defilement. “I know also my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.” 1 Chronicles 29:17. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24. {OHC 142.4}

The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day. {AA 38.1}

As the disciples put aside their envy and pride, as they humbled themselves before the Lord and forgave each other, the Holy Spirit came upon them.

The sincere confession of sin to God and to those we have offended, gives way for the greatest labor God desires to work in his children. It’s glorious the work that the Holy Spirit will do when we put all human hindrance aside and gladly obey the Lord.

Beloved, once forgiven, the enemy will try to oppress you with your sin. Believe the Lord. He wiped away your sin (Isaiah 43:25).

If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputes to the repentant sinner.—The Review and Herald, November 22, 1892. {1SM 363.1}

• Group comments
• OPTIONAL: Readings from EGW HERE
• Hymn: “Just as I am” , “What can wash away my sin?”
• Individual prayer  (Each person prays private and simultaneously)
• Group prayer-Ask that the Lord will cleanse us individually and as a church.

 

 

Third Cry: “Fill me”

Photo by Hoang Viet on Unsplash

The promise of the Holy Spirit:

John 14:15-18 If ye love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Please note:

1.  15-The Holy Spirit is given to those who appreciate the light given and live in obedience to it.
2. 16-Christ requested the promise from the Father, for us. The Comforter is our eternal companion.
3. 17-The Spirit of truth is given only to believers in Jesus. A personal relationship with the Holy Spirit is required. We know him personally because he dwells with and in us.
4. 18-Christ will not abandon us. Through the Holy Spirit He comes to us.

What would you do?

Would you be able to serve yourself some tea in a teacup that is full of another beverage? The Holy Spirit cannot enter a vessel that is already occupied. Full of our own selfishness, and unholy desires, there is no space for the Spirit of God.

Did you ever pick a cup up to use it and then noticed it was dirty? Our vessel needs to be cleansed from resentment and every sin.

Did you ever find yourself stranded with your car gas tank empty, but near an OPEN gas station? Although the gas is available, your car still doesn’t have the necessary combustible to continue your trip. You need to get to the gas station and buy gas.

The Holy Spirit is available to us. If we don’t deem it important or give it priority, if we don’t cry out to the Lord and earnestly request it, we will be like a car without gas, that can’t reach its destiny. Without the Holy Spirit we will not make it to the New Jerusalem. Receiving it will depend upon our interest in it, our preparation for it and our individual search for it.

The consolation given by Christ in this promise was found in the fact that the divine influence was to be with His followers to the end. But this promise is not accepted and believed by the people today, and therefore is not cherished by them, nor is its fulfillment seen in the experience of the church. The promise of the gift of the Spirit of God is left as a matter to be little considered by the church. It is not impressed upon the people, and the result is only that which might be expected—spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the mind and soul, but divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, which would, if possessed, bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, although it is offered to us in infinite plentitude. Just as long as the church are satisfied with small things, they are disqualified to receive the great things of God. But why do we not hunger and thirst after the gift of the Holy Spirit, since it is the means whereby the heart may be kept pure? The Lord designs that divine power shall cooperate with human effort. {YRP 10.3}

Note: What should we be doing regarding the Holy Spirit?

… It is all-essential for the Christian to understand the meaning of the promise of the Holy Spirit just prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus the second time. Talk of it, pray of it, preach concerning it; for the Lord is more willing to give the holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts to their children. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” RH November 15, 1892, Art. A, par. 4

Read and discuss: Why is the function of the Holy Spirit so relevant?

In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church. {DA 671.2}

¿Cuántas funciones del Espíritu Santo encontraste en el párrafo anterior? Comparte tu repuesta en el grupo.

This is his perfect promise: Luke 11:13  (KJV)  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 Beloved, with praise and thanksgiving for the forgiveness received as we confessed our sins, let us request the most precious blessing God has reserved for his children.

Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” [Romans 8:32.] The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.] “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [John 14:14; 16:24.] {GC88 477.1}

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive. {DA 672.1}

Prerequisite: Request it. When we start asking for it according in obedience to God’s will, the blessed assurance is: You will receive power. (See Acts 1:8).

To ask for the Holy Spirit is the most important issue. The devil will keep us asleep regarding it, for with this promise we will also have every other blessing our heavenly Father desires to bestow upon us. Let us awaken! Let us cry out for the heavenly fuel that is now within our reach. Soon it will be too late.

• Group Comments.
• Hymn: Come Holy Spirit, SDA Hymna # 269
• Additional Reading HERE

Let us pray to the Lord and ask him to fill us with his Holy Spirit. Let us lift to heaven our cry for the Holy Spirit and the Lord will be manifested with power in his people.

• Individual prayer
• Group prayer

Fourth Cry: “Lead me”

Photo by David Straight on Unsplash

The promise we received carries out vital functions while leading us to fulfill our heavenly appointed work. Some of these functions are:

Psalm 119:35 (NRSV) ³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

David asked to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 139:24 (NRSV) ²⁴ See if there is any wicked^[a] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.^[b]

He also prayed that the Holy Spirit would search his heart.

What would you do?

A father goes for a walk with his three year old son. The little one holds his father’s hand. The father tries to avoid the toddler’s feet from getting hurt.  He examines the way before them to avoid any harm. Just when they are about to cross the busy street, the toddler let’s go of his father’s hand and starts running.

How many times did you let go of your heavenly Father’s hand while you ran and paid no attention to his plea and danger warnings? We urgently need the guidance of the Holy Spirit if we ought to cross and get safely to the other side.

The Holy Spirit:

1. Leads us. Romans 8:14
2. Guides us all truth. John 16:13
3. Teaches and reminds us the words of Jesus. John14:26
4. Is with us and in us. John 14:16
5. Reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8.

The Lord will work for His people if they will submit to be worked by the Holy Spirit, not thinking that they must work the Spirit. “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13)…. {2SM 158.3}

There is nothing that the Lord desires more for his children while we are still here on earth than to fill us with his Holy Spirit, thus leading us in the paths of righteousness and love. The work of the Holy Spirit is a must for those who long to walk the streets of gold and commune with angels. If we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit our characters will reflect Jesus more perfectly every day.

• Group comments
• ·SDA Hymnal # 264 – O for That Flame of Living Fire
• Additional Reading: HERE
• Individual prayer-each one prays silently, simultaneously
• Group prayer

Fifth Cry: “Use me”

What would you do?

Hilda approached her pile of recently washed dishes. Hurriedly, she grabbed her favorite cup.  After a step or two the cup fell from her hands. Apalled, she picked up and cleaned the broken pieces off of the floor. Without much thought, she grabbed another cup, poured her favorite drink and put it on the table, for her daughter’s breakfast.

—Mom, said her daughter, —I am sorry your favorite cup broke.

God wants to do something through your life. Have you ever asked him how does he want to use you? If you did, what was your reaction to his answer? Did you accept such a privilege or did you slip from his hands?

Praise the Lord! We can be useful with no limits!

God does not ask us to do in our own strength the work before us. He has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. {CCh 99.1}

 Christ has made provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the light of heaven, possessing the glory of Immanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. {CCh 99.2}

  Acts 9:15  (KJV) ¹⁵ But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Are you willing to be a vessel to bear His name before others?

Psalm 116:16 KJV) ¹⁶ O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Will you say: “Lord, I am thou servant”?

Acts 9:6 (KJV) ⁶ And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Ask Him for instructions.

The Lord is soon coming. The watchmen on the walls of Zion are called upon to awake to their God-given responsibilities. God calls for watchmen who, in the power of the Spirit, will give to the world the last warning message; who will proclaim the time of night. He calls for watchmen who will arouse men and women from their lethargy, lest they sleep the sleep of death.587 {CCh 328.6}

Is it your desire to be a vessel in the hands of the Holy Spirit? What steps do you need to take that the Lord may use you? When we see ourselves as we are, unworthy of such a high calling, unable to do any good, let us not dismay. His provision is sufficient to supply our every need. Ask God to fulfill His purpose in your life; and that, in spite of your impotence, may he be glorified in you.

Let us thank him for the work that he started in us and of what he will do. This is the beginning of a wondrous walk with the Lord that will bring honor and glory to his name.

• Group comments.
• SDA Hymnal # 330-Take my life and let it be
• Additional Reading HERE.
• Individual prayer-Simultaneous and private
• Group prayer

How can you make sure you retain this experience of fellowhip with God continually?

Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ. {SC 70.1}

Other prayer needs:    

We are a large family of believers.

Pray for all of us, our families, those we wish to see in heaven, and for all the believers around the world.

Pray for the Christian leaders, our world leaders and the governments of this world.

Pray for the Ministries, the missionaries and for Evangelism (large or small).

Pray for unity of the body of Christ.

Pray for strength and spiritual health, that we may stand firm in the midst of the coming crisis.

Pray for all those being persecuted, even in North America.

Let us live in constant communion with heaven, in constant praise to God. Jesus is coming! Heaven has so graciously allowed us to be Co-workers in the kingdom of God. Soon we will see our Saviour. Glory to his name!

 Luke 21:36 (KJV) ³⁶ Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man