Pre-Easter Awakening to Hope Fast, April 13 - April 20

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Email kdwminfo@gmail.com to register for the daily prayer call

This 7-day fast and devotional guide is designed to help you prepare your heart to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. We will focus on the theme of "Awakening to Hope - The Messiah is Here", reflecting on the significance of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. As you participate in this fast (April 13-20), set aside time each day to read the scripture, reflect on the commentary, consider the life application, and engage in prayer. 

• Fasting Times: 6am - 6pm (Your Time Zone)
• Liquids Only: Drink mainly water; other options include juice or smoothies. 
• Those under a doctor's care should seek medical advice before fasting.
• Partial Fast Ideas for Beginners and/or People with Health Restriction: https://highridgechurch.com/types-of-fasts/

 Day 1 (April 13-14): The Promise Fulfilled

• Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7
• Commentary: This prophecy foretells the coming of a king, the Messiah, who will bring peace and establish an everlasting kingdom. It speaks of his divine nature ("Mighty God," "Everlasting Father") and his role as the Prince of Peace. This prophecy, written centuries before Jesus' birth, highlights that Jesus' arrival was not a random event, but the fulfillment of God's plan.
• Life Application: Consider the promises God has made to you. How has He been faithful to fulfill them? Take time to reflect on God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem contrary. Remember that God's timing is perfect.
• Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of the Messiah. Help me to trust in your timing and your faithfulness in fulfilling your promises to me. Strengthen my faith as I wait with hope and anticipation. 
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 2 (April 15): The Announcement

• Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
• Commentary: The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary is a pivotal moment. Mary, a virgin, is chosen to bear the Son of God. Her humble acceptance ("Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word") is a powerful example of faith and obedience. This passage reveals the divine initiative in salvation.
• Life Application: Examine your own response when God calls you to something that seems impossible or challenging. Do you respond with doubt or with a willing heart? Ask God for the grace to obey, even when you don't fully understand.
• Prayer: God, give me the courage and humility of Mary to say "yes" to your will, even when it stretches me. Help me to trust in your power to accomplish the impossible in my life.
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 3 (April 16): The Birth

• Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
• Commentary: This passage describes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. There was no room in the inn, and he was laid in a manger. This highlights the contrast between Jesus' divine identity and his humble entry into the world. It reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways.
• Life Application: Reflect on how you define greatness. Does the world's definition differ from God's? Remember that Jesus, the King of kings, came in humility. Seek to cultivate a humble spirit and serve others, following Jesus' example.
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for leaving your heavenly throne and coming to earth in such humility. Help me to embrace humility and to serve others with a selfless heart.
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 4 (April 17): The Shepherds

• Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
• Commentary: The shepherds, ordinary and marginalized, were among the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This demonstrates that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of social status. Their immediate response of worship and sharing the news is a model for us.
• Life Application: Consider how you share the good news of Jesus with others. Are you eager to tell others about your faith? Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and for the boldness to speak with joy and conviction.
• Prayer: Lord, give me the shepherd's heart to share the good news of Jesus with those around me. Remove any fear or hesitation, and fill me with your Spirit to testify to your love.
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 5 (April 18): The Wise Men

• Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
• Commentary: The wise men traveled from afar to worship Jesus, bringing valuable gifts. Their journey demonstrates a deep desire to seek and honor the Messiah. Their worship reminds us that Jesus is worthy of our highest devotion.
• Life Application: What "gifts" do you bring to Jesus? Consider how you can offer your time, talents, and resources to honor him. Let your worship be a reflection of your wholehearted devotion.
• Prayer: God, like the wise men, I desire to seek you with all my heart. Help me to offer my life as an act of worship, presenting my gifts and talents to you.
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 6 (April 19): Jesus' Ministry Begins

• Scripture: Matthew 4:12-17
• Commentary: This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. He proclaims the message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus came to bring salvation and establish God's kingdom on earth.
• Life Application: How are you responding to Jesus' call to repentance? Is there any area of your life that needs to be surrendered to Him? Take time to confess and turn away from sin, embracing the kingdom of God.
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge your call to repentance. Reveal any areas in my life that need to change. Grant me the strength to turn from sin and to live in accordance with your kingdom.
• See link below for 'Additional Readings'

Day 7 (April 20): The Significance of the Messiah's Arrival

• Scripture: John 3:16-17
• Commentary: This well-known passage encapsulates the heart of the gospel. God's love for the world is the reason He sent His Son, Jesus, not to condemn, but to save. Jesus' arrival is the ultimate expression of God's love and the foundation of our salvation.
• Life Application: Meditate on the depth of God's love for you. How does this love transform your perspective on life, your relationships, and your future? Live in the reality of this love and share it with others.
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed by your love, expressed in the gift of your Son, Jesus. Help me to live in the fullness of this love and to share it freely with those around me. Thank you for my salvation!
• No Additional Readings for this day since its Easter Sunday.