My mother was with us on a trip to Israel, so when we visited the Garden of Gethsemane, I asked her to pray for everyone taking part in the annual fast. Here is her prayer,
Father, we come in the name of Jesus and we thank you for the thou-sands of people all over the world that are seeking Your face for Your perfect will. We pray for the next generation, that you will direct their
steps, that you will give them that spirit of enablement that comes from the Holy Ghost to withstand trials and temptations, and to be led by you day by day. Lord, you said in Psalms 78, tell it to your children, the next
generation, of my wonders, my power, my miracles, so that they can have a hope in you. You give us hope. You give us strength to endure until the end. Direct our every step. We’ll praise you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
When I was growing up, my parents fasted and prayed. They taught me to fast by consistently modeling that lifestyle in our home. It thrills me that my own children have grown up that way, too. They have learned to fast individually. They also join us corporately each year.
The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus overcame the flesh and submitted to His Father’s will—though it meant suffering a horrific death on a cross and separation from His Father for the first time ever. It is where He spoke the words, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
As you fast and pray, remember that your obedience is affecting generations. Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect will of God for your life.