About Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting

Each year since 1989, tens of thousands of believers have responded to the challenge to deepen their personal discipleship and unite in prayer for church-wide spiritual renewal and revival.  "Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting" is a biblically-based model of devotion and commitment to these goals.  It is a strategic opportunity for your church to focus intentionally and intensively on developing a more effective local church ministry of prayer and intercession.

Forty Days materials are prepared so they can be used during Lent, or at any other time that a church might determine them to be most effective.  

Lenten observance begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter, with Sundays considered celebration days and one-day breaks from fasting.

Seven weeks of Sermon Resources (two sermons for each week) are provided as a suggested direction for pastors.  The first sermon could be preached the Sunday before Ash Wednesday as preparation for the forty-day emphasis.  

Personal Spiritual Journals and Daily Prayer Guides are available to assist individuals during the days of prayer and fasting.  The devotionals and Scripture readings support the sermon theme of the previous Sunday.

If the materials are to be used to prepare for a special event or revival emphasis, count backwards from the event and begin to use the Sermon Resources, Personal Spiritual Journals, and Daily Prayer Guides on the appropriate day.

In addition to printed materials that can be purchased from Wesleyan Publishing House, other prayer ministry tools are available online.  These include a Small Group Discussion Guide, sample devotionals, downloadable program art, a daily prayer calendar, and a free program planning manual.