We are calling on every Victory member to join our annual seven-day prayer and fasting. This is the time of year when we corporately consecrate ourselves, our families, and ministries to God. Believe God for victories and breakthroughs in every area of your life this year.
Practical Guide to Seven Days of Prayer and Fasting
Throughout history, God has called on His people to humble themselves through fasting and prayer. Fasting is a spiritual weapon God uses to advance His kingdom, change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring victory in people’s lives. There is something powerful that happens when we voluntarily humble ourselves, seek God’s will, and agree with Him for His purposes to be fulfilled.
As a spiritual family, we begin each new year with seven days of prayer and fasting.
It is our way of humbling ourselves before God and consecrating to Him the upcoming year. It is also the time when we corporately come into agreement and believe together for breakthroughs in our personal lives, families, finances, and churches.
Over the years, as a result of this time of prayer, we have seen people receive healing, salvation, promotion, direction, family restoration, miraculous provision, and tremendous growth in their discipleship groups and churches. One of the highlights is always seeing and hearing testimonies of how God answers over and beyond what people ask.
As you begin your fast this year, believe in your heart, by faith, that this is your year of miracles and answered prayers.
When a man is willing to set aside the legitimate appetites of the body to concentrate on the work of praying, he is demonstrating that he means business, that he is seeking with all his heart, and will not let God go unless He answers.
• Arthur Wallis
1. Jesus fasted.
Before He began His ministry, Jesus fasted forty days. He knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting makes us physically weak but spiritually strong and prepares us to do God’s work.
2. Fasting is an act of humility and consecration.
Humility results in the grace of God. When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are better able to exercise self-control. We can keep our emotions and desires under control.
3. Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
When we deny ourselves of our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become sharper. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for the Holy Spirit into our lives.
4. Fasting brings revival.
Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. Daniel understood that Israel was headed for destruction. He also knew that in times like these, there is only one recourse—intercession through praying and fasting. Throughout human history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting.
5. Fasting is healthy.
Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. By learning to deny ourselves and exercising discipline, fasting breaks unhealthy addictions in our lives.
Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us.
• Bill Bright
1. Be in faith!
Prayerfully and thoughtfully fill out the prayer points page of this guide. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specific about your faith goals in your personal life, family, finances, and church. These are what you will be believing God for during the fast and the entire year. Expect God to answer. Maintain a thankful heart throughout and after the fast.
2. Commit to a type of fast.
We encourage everyone to commit to a seven-day water only or liquid fast.
However, we understand that some are unable to do so because of certain circumstances , such as pregnancy, a physically demanding profession, and medical conditions. If you belong to this category, there are alternatives—you may choose to do a combination fast. You may do a liquid fast for three days and then a one-meal-a-day fast for the next four, for example, or any other combination according to your need or situation.
Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it. Do not decide on a day-to-day basis. Commit before the fast and be determined. Ask God for grace.
3. Plan your calendar.
Limit your physical and social activities during this period. You need to conserve physical energy and devote more time to prayer and reading the Bible.
4. Prepare spiritually.
More than anything, our annual fast is a time when we believe God for a fresh encounter with Him. Be prepared to have the Holy Spirit put His finger on an area in your life that needs to change. Repentance is the foundation of prayer and fasting. Be ready to repent and change, and be transformed. Surrender everything to Him. Be completely open.
5. Prepare physically.
Be smart as you enter into this fast. Do not go to a buffet restaurant on the eve of the fast, hoping to stock up on food in your body. The key is to gradually prepare your body. Start eating smaller portions and meals seven days before you begin your fast. Avoid food that is high in sugar and fat. Two days prior to the fast, eat raw fruit and vegetables only. Consult a physician if you need to.
The record of the whole Bible indicates that prayer and fasting combined constitute the strongest weapon committed to God’s believers.
• Dr. Mary Ruth Swope
1. Seek the Lord.
Commit to prayer and Bible reading the times you usually allocate for meals.
Join at least one prayer meeting in your local church. There will be daily prayer meetings scheduled in every Victory church throughout the fast. Call the nearest Victory church for their schedule. Be ready to respond when you hear from God.
This guide also has a devotional that we encourage you to go through during the fast.
2. Commit to change.
Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationships with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately.
Ask your small group leader to hold you accountable.
3. Practical tips
a. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advise of your doctor.
b. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly. A daily two to five kilometer walk should be your maximum amount of exercise during an extended fast.
c. Rest as much as you can.
d. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, our missionaries, world missions, etc.
e. Drink plenty of clean water.
f. As your body adjusts, be prepared for temporary bouts of physical weakness as well as mental annoyances like impatience, irritability, and anxiety.
If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical benefits, success in prayer, the enduring with power, spiritual insights— these must never replace God as the center of our fasting.
• Richard Foster
1. Reintroduce solid food gradually.
You should break your fast the same way you prepared for it. Again, don’t gobble down a Big Mac, Whopper, fries, and a Coke as soon as fasting is over. It will take your body just as many days you fasted to adjust to a normal diet. Begin eating gradually.
Don’t eat solid food immediately after your fast. Start with fruits, juices, and salad.
Gradually, you can begin adding vegetables and boiled potato. Take it slowly from there. Eat small portions spread throughout the day.
2. Continue praying.
Don’t let your prayer life end on the day you finish the fast. Build from the momentum you gained during the fast. Let it transform your prayer and devotional life. Carry the newfound passion with you throughout the year.
3. Be expectant.
Be in faith and believe God to answer your prayers soon! Don’t give up, persevere in prayer even if you don’t see the answers immediately. Make sure you keep your copy of your prayer points. You can check it at the end of the year and see how God has answered your prayers. It can be your thanksgiving list at the end of the year.
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
Our annual seven-day prayer and fasting gives us the opportunity to realign our lives according to His will and consecrate the coming year to Him. As we humble ourselves corporately to Him in prayer, we can expect Him to move mightily in our midst.
God’s will is for each and every one of us to experience breakthrough and victory in our lives. Be in faith for God to move miraculously in your life this year beyond what you can ask or imagine. You have a fresh mandate. Be ready to accomplish greater things for God this year!
Deep Longing
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalms 63:1
Read: Psalms 27, 42, 63, 84
The Book of Psalms has given believers throughout generations a language by which they could relate to God. Full of colorful imagery and intense emotions, the Psalms resonate in our hearts and help us express our own thoughts and longings to our Heavenly Father. They inspire, comfort, encourage, and instruct. Above all, they fuel our deep longing for more of God in our lives—more of His power, character, and presence.
During this time of prayer and fasting, may the Book of Psalms serve as a guide as you seek for more of God on your spiritual journey. Its chapters will paint for you a clearer picture of who God is, what He is like, and how others have responded to Him in the past. As you read through the Book of Psalms, let its words move you to deeper worship and greater praise. May the hearts’ cry of its writers enhance your times of devotion and help in your pursuit of God’s heart.
Reflection:
1. How does the psalmist describe his longing for God? Does this describe your own search for God? Why do you think so?
Application:
1. Name one thing that you can do to help you bring your relationship with God to the next level. Come up with a simple action plan that you can implement immediately to make this happen. Share this decision with a friend.
Day 1: Overwhelming Awe
3When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:3,4
Read: Psalm 8 • Psalm 19 • Psalm 93 • Psalm 97 • Psalm 139
How would you describe being in the presence of God? What words would we use? Psalmists like David described God as so great, so awesome, so amazing, the mere thought of His majesty led to reverential worship.
Is that our response? We sometimes get too familiar with our faith that we forget who it is we are relating to—God Most High, Creator of the universe and Lord over all. And if that is not amazing enough for us, consider this: God took the time to individually mold us, humbled Himself to be with us, and invited us to be part of a relationship we do not deserve.
Our Lord served us even if we were created to serve Him and He did all of that while we were running away from him because He loved us. Amazing love, indeed! May the psalmist’s conclusion be ours, and may the realization of God’s greatness bring us to our knees.
Reflection:
1. How is the Lord described in Psalm 97:1-6?
2. In Psalm 139:1-6, what knowledge did the psalmist consider too wonderful for him?
Application:
• List down five things about God and your relationship with Him that you find amazing. Share this list with your prayer partner.
• Pray for a greater revelation of God’s majesty and glory during this season of prayer and fasting.
Day 2: Humbled Return
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:5
Read: Psalm 6 • Psalm 32 • Psalm 39 • Psalm 51 • Psalm 130
"You’re right. I did it. I’m sorry." Simple words, but very hard to say. We can trace this all the way back to the Garden of Eden where we see how the first man and woman handled their first sin—cover up, make excuses, shift the blame.
It is easier to focus on external factors like our situation, our parents, or our background that to own up to our sin and acknowledge that the true source of our dilemma is our own hearts. But, as the psalmists discovered, it is in allowing God’s truth to break us that we are able to embark on His complete restoration.
Knowing how truth leads to freedom, will we shield our hearts from the Holy Spirit’s light? Or will we let Him lead us home? God is still asking us "where are you?" today.
Reflection:
1.What was David’s prayer in Psalm 39:4-7? Why do you think he prayed this?
2.According to Psalm 130:7-8, why should we put our hope in the Lord?
Application:
• Are there sin areas in your life that you know God is convicting you of? Repent before God and embrace His process of restoration.
• Are there sins that you have turned away from but still feel condemned about? Pray for a greater revelation of God’s forgiveness and redemptive power.
Day 3: Blessed Wisdom
. . . Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
Psalm 112:1
Read: Psalm 1 • Psalm 37 • Psalm 49 • Psalm 112 • Psalm 128
We always have a choice. It is one of God's greatest gifts. Never believe the lie that says we do not have a choice. We do. We always do. Think about it, regardless of how complicated the details surrounding life gets, it always boils down to choice.
The two trees in the center of the Garden of Eden presented Adam and Eve with two options. And as we learned from them, we know that the path we choose makes a world of difference. One leads to life, the other away from it. One results in blessing, the other does not.
Over and over in the Psalms, the psalmist appeals for us to take the superior option which is God's way. But the decision is ultimately ours. May we heed the psalmist's advice and choose wisely.
Reflection:
1. In Psalm 1:3-5, how did the psalmist describe the difference between a blessed and wicked man?
2. What does it mean to "fear the Lord"? According to Psalms 112 and 128, what blessings does a person who fears the Lord receive?
Application:
• Are you facing a major decision? Ask for God's wisdom for your situation and prayerfully seek godly advice from those around you.
• Have you made wrong decisions in the past? Ask your prayer partner to pray with you for God's wisdom and grace to make things right.
Day 4: Desperate Dependence
1Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. 2I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
Psalm 69:1,2
Read: Psalm 61 • Psalm 69 • Psalm 77 • Psalm 142 • Psalm 143
Have you ever seen a person drowning? With arms and legs flailing, a person drowning does everything in his power to keep himself from sinking. His struggle, however, keeps him from being rescued by a lifeguard. He has to stop panicking before he can be helped. The same is true in life. When circumstances become so overwhelming that it feels like a flood, what is our typical response? We let worry grip us and fear push us around. We start panicking and struggling in our efforts to keep afloat.
The psalmist had a better option. He knew that only God has the power to lift him up and carry him through his trial. He chose to grab on to God and depend on Him for divine help. God often allows crisis to happen in our lives to wake us up to our desperate need for Christ. When these times come, we can choose to panic and try to save ourselves or we can be still and let our Lifeguard take charge.
Reflection:
1. Take note of the comment in the beginning of Psalm 142. Notice the boldness David had in petitioning God. Have there been times when you have felt caved up and at a dead end?
2. According to Psalm 77:10-12, what helped change the psalmist's attitude and perspective?
Application:
• Are you at a point of desperation in your life? In what area? Pray Psalm 61:2 over your life.
• Read Psalm 143:15 and meditate on what God has done for you in the past. List them down and share them with a friend.
Day 5: Unyielding Confidence
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8
Read: Psalm 16 • Psalm 18 • Psalm 40 • Psalm 46 • Psalm 91
Jesus once said, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Though not a very exciting idea to think about, it would do us well to heed its truth. The issue has never been if storms will come because they will. Our attention should be on how we respond when they arrive. And, contrary to popular belief, a storm does not make a house stronger; it only reveals the strength already there.
The determining factor is the foundation that it was built on. Even in the midst of great trials, we can remain confident and unfazed when we choose to make God our foundation. When we turn to other options, we end up standing on shifting sands. Like the psalmist, we can trust that no matter how strong the winds and regardless of how long the storm lasts, those who choose to make the Most High their dwelling can be assured of an overcoming and storm-proof life.
Reflection:
1. Read Psalm 46:1-3. What was the psalmist's basis for declaring that he will not fear? What situations could he face boldly with God?
2. In Psalm 91:9-13, what benefits did those who take refuge in God experience? How does one make God his dwelling?
Application:
• List down the reasons the psalmist gave for loving God in Psalm 18. Ask a friend to pray with you for a greater revelation of who God is.
• When facing a storm, do you base your confidence in God? If not, decide to put your trust in God today. Share this decision with your prayer partner.
Day 6: Grateful Appreciation
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. . . . 21I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:1, 21
Read: Psalm 30 • Psalm 107 • Psalm 116 • Psalm 118 • Psalm 136
There is always a reason to be grateful. Yet so often we tend to be like the nine lepers in Luke 17. Jesus pointed out that only one out of the ten took the time to thank Him for the healing, indicating the fact that He noticed their lack of appreciation. The Bible teaches that a lifestyle of gratitude is expected of every believer. Even in trying times, we should be able to give God thanks and praise.
The psalmist cultivated a thankful heart by taking the time to understand who God is and acknowledging all that God has already done. When we practice this same principle, our thankfulness will no longer be limited to moments in life when everything is going well. Think about it. Our God is a good God. He is faithful to His Word. We have seen it before. We know we will see His goodness again. So today, let us choose to give thanks.
Reflection:
1. Study Psalm 107. What was the turning point in each situation? What did God do in response? What was the psalmist’s concluding advice?
2. What did the psalmist in Psalm 116:12-19 decide to do as a response to God’s goodness in his life?
Application:
• Read Psalm 30:11,12. Has God done something similar in your life? Thank God for His loving kindness and share your story with a friend.
• Do you find yourself grumble and complain more than thanking God? Ask God to create a grateful heart in you. Thank Him daily for His faithfulness.
Day 7: Joyful Celebration
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150:6
Read: Psalm 66 • Psalm 96 • Psalm 103 • Psalm 145 • Psalm 150
It is appropriate to end our journey through the Book of Psalms with its last verse. What is the psalmist’s final exhortation? "Praise the Lord." He concludes that everything that has breath is called to give God praise—speak of His awesome power and tell of His wonderful deeds. And while many people say "praise God" often, so few actually understand the purpose of praise and exemplify this lifestyle of joyful celebration.
We need to start taking praise more seriously. Scripture encourages, even commands us to bless the Lord. Are you in a situation that is not really worth celebrating? Rejoice because God will give you a new song to sing. Dealing with sorrow and pain? Celebrate that He turns your mourning into dancing. Feeling down and defeated? Command your soul to put its hope in God and bless Him. When we choose to give God praise, our eyes are opened to God’s reign over our situation and we experience His presence in greater measure. His joy becomes our strength and those around us will see His glory through our lives. Our great God is always worthy of our praise.
Reflection:
1. According to Psalm 103:1-5, what benefits of God are we not to forget?
2. What verbs did the psalmist use when they described the act of praising God? What is the relationship between a heart of praise and its outward expression?
Application:
• Write down your own list of blessings you have recently experienced from God. Praise God for His faithfulness, greatness, and power in your life.
• How can you practically develop a lifestyle of joyful celebration? Pray for a greater understanding about the power of praise.
Devotions Manual Download
English FilipinoTo view these files, you need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader.
