I don’t remember which year we started, or whose ideas it was (probably Manny Carlos—definitely not mine), but as long as I can remember my home church in Manila has started each year with a week of prayer, fasting, and consecration.

This week is both my favorite and least favorite week of the year—because I hate fasting, but I love the results of fasting.

Over the years we have heard countless testimonies of salvation, healing, financial provision, freedom from addictions, business turnarounds, job promotions, clear direction, restored relationships . . . that result from answered prayers during our week of consecration.

I know 2011 will be no different because God still hears and answers prayer.

So this week at Every Nation Nashville we are doing a Joel 1:14. . . Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God and cry out to the Lord.

Whether you are eating or not, if you are in the Nashville area, you are invited to pray with us at the Every Nation office daily from 8:00–9:00 a.m., 12:00–1:00 p.m., and 4:00–5:00 p.m.