Esther Fast Report
Jan 25-28, 2008

This past weekend, Jan 27, was our ministry’s 7th anniversary! It was also a time of repentance, fasting and prayer. What an incredible way to celebrate. The Lord had called us to an “Esther Fast” and these 72 hours were filled with God! About 55 people participated… with about 20 staying in our facility for the entire time. We spent over 36 hours repenting as the Holy One went after our sin with a fine tooth comb. There were many tears and public confession of sins - it was wonderful!

The rest of the time was spent in intercession for our ministry and other ministries in this area. There were many prayers prayed for every aspect of the Capital Region. We then prayed for our nation, the nations of the world, and Israel… many powerful prayers. We ended with 2 hours of harp and bowl (worship combined with prayer) and powerful exhortations and then received communion. Glory!

The Lord convicted us of sins of omission, especially for not being His witness. He strongly exhorted us to do so and told us that we would be held accountable for not doing so. We were also strongly exhorted to pray for our president. At the end of our fast the Lord told us He was pleased and encouraged us with words from Joel 2:18-26. It was a little rough for some of us to do a complete fast without water, especially on the 3rd day, but God gave a lot of grace. It was amazing to see such zeal and passion during the closing service. It was glorious. Weak bodies and tired souls, yes, but spirits were soaring.

The Lord is calling ministries all over the world to do this… true repentance with some type of fasting and intercession. Will you respond? Something is about to happen!

More ... Anne Guarino, Prayer Furnace Coordinator

I want to report that the Esther fast this past weekend was a very grace filled time. About 50-55 people came and participated with us in prayer. Some were able to stay for the whole time, some for less, but all prayers were greatly appreciated. Due to much prayer, prior to and during the fast, we estimate that about 20 people were able to fully complete it! PTL!!!! His grace was truly sufficient. There was definitely a sense of being carried by prayers. We are so grateful to all those who came, prayed, and participated in any way.
 
Much time was spent in deep soul searching and repentance. I think many feel like they had a good bath. Due to this, the times of worship seemed to have a new vigor. We felt a return to our first love, Thank you God!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was as if we couldn't not praise Him. Isn't it amazing how we can't even pray effectively, or even love Him as He deserves without His enablement?
 
There was much fervent and effective prayer offered up, first in repentance for our sins personally, then for the church and the nation. We prayed for the Capital Region churches, cities, families, schools, businesses, etc. Then we moved on to praying for national issues such as the upcoming elections, abortion, for our leaders (especially President Bush), etc. We spent time asking God for mercy for all the sin that has gone on. Then we prayed for international things; what is going on in Kenya, Israel, etc. 
 
2Chron. 7:14 was our baseline scripture I guess you could say, so we spent a lot of time letting God show us our wicked ways so we could repent. We also spent time asking God to restore the Fear of the Lord in us, the Church, and in our land; as well as the reverence of the Lord.  The Lord spoke to us a lot about the need to be a witness, (as well as other sins of omission) as many of us have allowed that area to lag in our walk. There was good participation from everyone throughout the weekend, which was truly a blessing. Love and unity among us seemed to be increased. This is really just a skeleton summary. More happened than I am writing, and I am sure there is much more that I am not even aware of. All glory to God!!!!!!!
 
If you weren't there and would like to experience it, you are always welcome to come to our monthly one day fasting and prayer times. These are usually the third weekend of the month from Friday at 4 to Sat. at 4. Usually, we have a corporate gathering on Friday from 7-10pm. On Sat. we gather from 8-9am, the go on the prayer walk from 9-10. There will probably be a break at that time till 11 or so. Then we will gather for more prayer around 11-1, and then again from 2-4. This is a rough schedule. You can call the main office for more info if you are interested.
 
Again, thank you all for your prayers and participation of any kind. It was felt! Below is a very helpful nugget of truth that a friend sent me and I thought I'd pass on.
 
Many blessings and much love to you all as you continue to serve Our Lord!