But what does this mean?  Is it possible for us to affect the timing of Christ’s return?  Yes, the Bible says that it is.  In 2 Peter 3:11b-12 we read, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

And from commentary on this passage in the Full Life Study Bible, there is this: “The church can help shorten the time before Christ’s return by (a) committing themselves to evangelism and missionary work through the whole world (Mt. 24:14) and (2) eagerly desiring his return by praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev. 22:20; Mt. 6:10).”  (NIV, Life Publishers International, 1992, p. 1970)

Let us pledge to “hasten the day” by telling the Father that we long for the Son’s return and by throwing ourselves head-long into sharing the Gospel so that the fullness of God’s plan of salvation may be realized.

2 Peter 3:12.  Hasting unto — with the utmost eagerness, desiring [Wahl], praying for, and contemplating, the coming Savior as at hand. The Greek may mean “hastening (that is, urging onward [Alford]) the day of God”; not that God’s eternal appointment of the time is changeable, but God appoints us as instruments of accomplishing those events which must be first before the day of God can come. By praying for His coming, furthering the preaching of the Gospel for a witness to all nations, and bringing in those whom “the long-suffering of God” waits to save, we hasten the coming of the day of God . . . . Christ says, “Surely I come quickly. Amen.” Our part is to speed forward this consummation by praying, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).  http://jfb.biblecommenter.com/2_peter/3.htm

• Spend time in prayer devoted solely to telling the Father how much we long for Christ’s return.
• Ask for revelation of spiritual gifts.
• Seek the Lord’s desire for using those gifts and be alert for those He sends onto our paths.

A woman is praising God for a new job that brings greater income than expected, benefits, and full-time employment.

A new bride is rejoicing that the Lord has brought peace to a home steeped in turmoil.

A young father reports that God has provided for his family’s needs in unexpected ways.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Here is a brief explanation of the benefits of fasting from Advocates for Prayer, a non-denominational evangelistic ministry based in Jenison, Michigan.  To read the entire article on fasting and prayer, visit http://www.precious-testimonies.com/Exhortations/f-j/FastingAndPrayerBreakthrough.htm.

“Fasting and prayer does not change God.  It changes us.  It is not twisting God’s arm to get him to do our bidding but rather positioning ourselves to receive the grace He freely gives and to do His bidding.

“Fasting and prayer combined removes the hindrances to our peace.  It ensures the sincerity of our humility, repentance, and acceptance of pardon so that we no longer feel estranged from God.  It effectively appeals for God’s protection from harm and victory over the enemy of our souls so that we overcome feelings of weakness and vulnerability.  It helps us humble ourselves and lift up others who are oppressed so that we vanquish tensions from our relationships.

“Fasting and prayer combined also aids us in progressing in our walk with God.  It helps us draw closer to him in consistency of devotion and worship. It brings an increase in spiritual blessing and understanding.  It empowers us for ministry and enables us to effectively impart spiritual gifts and empowerment to others for fruitful ministry in their lives.

“Fasting is a key to a revitalized prayer life and an empowered ministry. “

• Your light will break forth like the dawn.
• Your healing will quickly appear.
• Your righteousness will go before you.
• The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
• You will call and the Lord will answer.
• You will cry for help and He will say, “Here am I.”
• Your light will arise in the darkness.
• Your night will become like the noonday.
• The Lord will guide you always.
• He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land.
• The Lord will strengthen your frame.
• You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
• Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise the age-old foundations.
• You will be called repairer of broken walls.
• You will be a restorer of streets with dwellings.
• You will find your joy in the Lord.
• You will rise on the heights of the land.
• You will feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide us regarding our 4:34 Initiative offerings
• Pray for those who are currently in need of Benevolence assistance
• Beseech the Lord to open our eyes to the needs of those around us and to burden our hearts for prayer on their behalf