Hungering and Thirsting Through Prayer and Fasting

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.–Matthew 5:6 (ESV)

One of my on-going concerns as a father is the trajectory of young adults in America. Sadly, they are the undiscerning followers of the Pied Pipers of our culture whose names include media, entertainment, and secular humanism among others. The entitlement mentality continues to grow with the cry of “socialism” as the answer to all of society’s woes. Also, nobody wants to take responsibility, blaming the government, church, or others for their lack of personal initiative and perseverance. This list could go on for several pages, but I spare you.

The trajectory of young adults who are homeschooled seems less concerning. We praise God for that. Still, there is an area that I feel we need to experience a fresh sweep of God’s grace. While homeschoolers are, for the most part, good all-around kids—they are not living in overt rebellion against God or parents—I do not see the majority really hungry and thirsty for the righteousness of God in their daily lives. We need to ask, “Is there a deep and reverent fear of the Lord in the lives of our children? Is there a separation from the world in their music and entertainment tastes?” Yes, it is a blessing to see many reading the Bible consistently and engaging in worldview thought, but does this lead to daily obedience or is there a disconnect between thinking and doing?

It is interesting that God says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness…” If you remember your Sunday School lessons from old, “Blessed” basically mean, “happy.” (Though I prefer Matthew Henry’s description of “serious joy and secret satisfaction.) In other words, there is benefit to being hungry and thirsty for more of God, including “satisfied.” I see so little satisfaction among people today; therefore, we should long for anything that supplies true contentment.

The bottom line is we need a fresh move of the Spirit of grace and sanctification in our homes, starting with us parents and flowing on down into the lives of our children. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Holy Spirit stirring up God’s people, various Israeli leaders, and even pagan kings to accomplish His purpose (Exodus 36:2; Nehemiah 2:12; 2 Chron. 26:32). This should encourage us greatly to cry out to God for reformation and revival in our family life, and that is what this month’s Prayer and Fast focus is all about. We need a fresh brushstroke of God’s grace.

Some in the ICHE family have committed to fast one day each month (if you want to join us, please email ksmith@iche.org for these and others specific prayer requests) while others keep their prayer list near their kitchen or bathroom sink to pray throughout the day. Still others use them as devotional thoughts and family dinner discussion points that are followed with group prayer. The glorious news is that what we sow into God’s kingdom, He often rewards us with in our own lives.

If you want to see our homeschooling children finding satisfaction in hungering and thirsting for God, please join us as we pray for the following:

1. Pray that our children will be genuinely and radically saved by the purposes of Jesus Christ.
   • who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,-2 Timothy 1:9
   • Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.–Hebrews 7:25
2. Pray that after salvation our children will hunger for the sustaining power of the Word of God.
   • as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,-1 Peter 2:2
   • For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.-Hebrews 4:12
3. Pray that our children will thirst for the refreshing and renewing righteousness of Christ.
   • Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,–Acts 3:19
   • not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,-Titus 3:5
4. Pray that our children will experience seasons of deep conviction and sincere repentance that will draw them closer to the righteousness of Christ.
   • And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:–John 16:8
   • For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.-2 Cor. 7:10
5. Pray that as Christ’s righteousness increases, our children’s desire for worldly entertainment will be starved out.
   • Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things–Phil. 4:8
   • Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.-Psalms 119:37
6. Pray that any manifestation of “bad company” will be cut off from our children, whether that is physical or digital.
   • Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”-1 Cor. 15:33
   • Moreover the Lord your God will send the hornet among them until those who are left, who hide themselves from you, are destroyed.–Deut. 7:20
7. Pray that God will give abundant blessing and deep satisfaction as our children seek His righteousness in their lives.
   • “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.–Matthew 5:6
   • I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.—Proverbs 8:17