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3 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Moody Bible Institute Fall 2022 • August 1-3

Dear Friends,


Thank you for joining Moody for 3 Days of Prayer and Fasting August 1–3 as we ask God to transform the hearts and minds of the next generation.

When it comes to spending time in prayer and fasting, we have no better example than Jesus. Our Savior withdrew from others and from the busy pace of life to spend 40 days communing with His Father (Matt. 4:1–11). During these three days, we will join the entire Moody community to lift up our school and students. We are praying that God will continue to raise up men and women called to bring the gospel to the world and to lead the church with integrity and an unshakable grounding in Scripture.

To help guide your three days of fasting and prayer, we have created an hourly schedule of prayer prompts for the three days. In addition, we have created a Microsoft Teams group where you can join a virtual prayer room throughout these three days (between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CT) to pray with other Moody team members.

Your participation is deeply valued. While we covet your prayers on behalf of our students, we hope this focused time spent in God’s presence will be a blessing and encouragement to you as well.

Serving Him with you,

Mark Jobe

 

A Guide to the Basics


Why fast?

For spiritual preparation: Fasting is a discipline that is often seen in Scripture as preparing us for our next season.

  • Before a major project. Nehemiah fasted and prayed before setting out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).
  • Before a time of spiritual renewal. “Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly” (Joel 2:15–16a).
  • Moses fasted for 40 days in preparation for receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
  • Daniel fasted for three weeks before receiving his vision (Daniel 10:2–6).
  • Elijah fasted for 40 days before receiving fresh direction from God (1 Kings 19:8).
  • The church fasted in preparation to launch into a new season of planting other churches (Acts 13:2-3).
  • JESUS fasted for 40 days in preparation for HIS NEW SEASON OF PUBLIC MINISTRY (Matthew 4:1–11).

At Moody we are fasting for three days to spiritually prepare for a new school year.

What if I have physical limitations?

If you have a medical condition that may prevent you from fasting, consult with your physician first before engaging in a fast.

“I’d rather be able to pray than to be a great preacher; Jesus Christ never taught His disciples how to preach, but only how to pray. “—D. L. Moody

“Fasting is feasting on fellowship with God.”David Platt

“Fasting in the biblical sense is choosing not to partake of food because your spiritual hunger is so deep, your determination in intercession so intense, or your spiritual warfare so demanding that you have temporarily set aside even fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation.”—Wesley Duewel

“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself.”—Saint Augustine

What is a fast?

According to the dictionary, the word “fast” means “to suffer hunger” or “abstain from food or drink.” There are over 100 Bible verses that refer to fasting. 

Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food or water for a designated period of time. Its purpose is to more intensely pursue God regarding certain matters.

What types of fasting are we encouraging you to do?

Although the Bible mentions various types of fasts, to consecrate Moody’s fall semester we are encouraging our team to do a liquid fast. For this type of fast, we give up all solid foods and ingest only liquids, such as juices, broth, and water. We also seek to eliminate any kinds of extra activities that are not essential to our daily responsibilities. The primary purpose is to carve out time for more intentional and intense times of prayer.

How do I get ready for my three-day fast?

  • Go shopping for juices and water before your fast. That way you will avoid store distractions during your fast.
  • Prepare mentally and spiritually by marking the days on your calendar in advance.
  • Free up your calendar in order to make extra space for intentional time with God.
  • Refer to the corresponding prayer guide and examine what God may need to do in your life personally.

Prayer Schedule

Monday, August 1

Time:

Prayer Prompt:

8:00–9:00 a.m.

For incoming freshmen and first-year students: That God would bring the right students and screen out the students who would not be a good fit for Moody. That new students’ hearts will be prepared in advance for the intensity of life and studies at Moody.

9:00–10:00 a.m.

For Moody Aviation students: That they will develop a deep passion for God’s Word as they train to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. That they will persevere through rigorous studies as they prepare to lead in the mission field.

10:00–11:00 a.m.

For second- and third-year students: That they will seek God’s will for their future careers and will steadfastly walk with God. That as they struggle with life’s key issues, they will have clarity of mind and a submissive heart to do what’s right.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

For international students: That they will experience smooth transitions to a new culture. That current Moody students will embrace international students with wholehearted acceptance.

12:00–1:00 p.m.

For graduating seniors: That God will go before them in preparing future ministry and job opportunities. That they will evaluate decisions and opportunities from an eternal, biblical perspective.

1:00–2:00 p.m.

For Moody’s online students: That God would grow them mightily as they apply their studies to their current and future ministries. That they will live disciplined lifestyles as they manage personal, professional, and academic responsibilities.

2:00–3:00 p.m.

For student finances: For the financial, emotional, relational, and logistical challenges that international and national students will be facing to cover their expenses at Moody.

3:00–4:00 p.m.

For Moody Theological Seminary students: That they will strive toward excellence in all they do. That their studies and achievements may grow and enrich their faith, communities, families, and ministries for the glory of God.

August 2: Prayer for Faculty and Staff

Time:

Prayer Prompt:

8:00–9:00 a.m.

That our education team will return refreshed and renewed in strength to teach and engage with our students in a life-giving way.

9:00–10:00 a.m.

For spiritual unity and camaraderie among faculty and our education team as they work together to train students.

10:00–11:00 a.m.

That the men and women chosen by God to lead Moody’s education group would clearly hear His voice and direction throughout this year.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

That interaction with the students will continue beyond the classroom, projecting a spirit of genuine care. That faculty and staff will be sensitive to students with special needs, seeking ways to help or be a listening ear.

12:00–1:00 p.m.

That faculty will be positive examples to the students under their care, exemplifying Christ in their personal lives. That they will have extra measures of wisdom in dealing with issues that arise.

1:00–2:00 p.m.

For spiritual passion and personal renewal among all those involved in shaping the hearts and minds of students.

2:00–3:00 p.m.

That our faculty’s teaching will be grounded in Scripture. That they will translate ideas and theories into practical Christian living and career skills.

3:00–4:00 p.m.

For all administration and staff, that everything they say and do will be marked by integrity. That daily decision-making will be shaped by the mind of Christ. That they will always strive to enhance the students’ spiritual welfare.

August 3: Prayer for Campus and Moody Community

Time:

Prayer Prompt:

8:00–9:00 a.m.

For the safety and protection of students coming to our various campuses in Chicago, Spokane, and Plymouth/Detroit.

9:00–10:00 a.m.

That the spiritual atmosphere on our campuses will be honoring to Christ and conducive to spiritual growth.

10:00–11:00 a.m.

For ongoing resources and financial provision to continue to pursue our mission.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

That Moody will maintain respect from the community because of its ethical integrity and commitment to Scripture. That Moody will be a spiritual light to all those who interact with students and staff.

12:00–1:00 p.m.

For the 48 Hours of Impact fundraising event occurring August 3-4 that raises support for Moody Aviation scholarships. That supporters will be generous in their giving. That more scholarships will become available and disbursed to the right students.

1:00–2:00 p.m.

That God will continue to raise up men and women called to bring the gospel to the world. That He will raise up leaders in this cultural moment to lead the church with integrity and a strong grounding in Scripture.

2:00–3:00 p.m.

For protection from enemies of biblical beliefs and values. That students, faculty, and staff will cling firmly to the truth of Scripture and know why they believe what they believe.

3:00–4:00 p.m.

For the favor of God to maximize the opportunities to impact this generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.