Saturday, 11th March, 2023
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Memory Verse: And My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP)
1. On April 15, 1775, just four days before the Battle of Lexington, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, led by John Hancock, declared: “In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments…the 11th of May next be set apart as a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer…to confess the sins…to implore the Forgiveness of all our Transgression.”
2. On November 11, 1779, Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson signed a Proclamation of Prayer, which stated: “Congress…hath thought proper…to recommend to the several States…a day of publick and solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for his mercies, and of Prayer, for the continuance of his favour…That He would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that He would grant to His church, the plentiful effusions of Divine Grace, and pour out His Holy Spirit on all Ministers of the Gospel; that He would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of Christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth…”
- After the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania, President Washington proclaimed a Day of Prayer, January 1, 1796: “All persons within the United States, to…render sincere and hearty thanks to the great Ruler of nations…particularly for the possession of constitutions of government…and fervently beseech the kind Author of these blessings…to establish habits of sobriety, order, and morality and piety.”
- During a threatened war with France, President John Adams declared a Day of Fasting, March 23, 1798, then again on March 6, 1799
- In 1832, as an Asiatic Cholera outbreak gripped New York, Henry Clay asked for a Joint Resolution of Congress to request the President set: “A Day of Public Humiliation, Prayer and Fasting to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity.”
6. On April 13, 1841, when 9th President William Harrison died, President John Tyler issued a Day of Prayer and Fasting: “When a Christian people feel themselves to be overtaken by a great public calamity, it becomes them to humble themselves under the dispensation of Divine Providence.”
7. On July 3, 1849, during a cholera epidemic, President Zachary Taylor proclaimed: “The providence of God has manifested itself in the visitation of a fearful pestilence which is spreading itself throughout the land, it is fitting that a people whose reliance has ever been in His protection should humble themselves before His throne…acknowledging past transgressions, ask a continuance of the Divine mercy. It is earnestly recommended that the first Friday in August be observed throughout the United States as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer.”
Quote: The foundation of every great country has always been founded on national prayer and fasting.
Prophetic Decree: JESUS shall reign over the affairs of our nation, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Lord, coupled with our prayers in Africa, make us men and women of impeccable integrity.
2. My generation shall not pray unto God but live otherwise, in Jesus name.
3. O Lord, turn the heart of the Westerners back to prayers and fasting, in Jesus name.
4. O Lord, please give us divine revelation and strategy to move our continent forward amidst worldwide crisis, in Jesus name.
5. Final Authority, rule over all in Nigeria and beyond. Give us a heart after your face, in Jesus name
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 1-2