Paradigm Shift 1: From Human Strategy to Extraordinary Prayer and Fasting

Episode Overview
Brian and Cory dive deep into the first paradigm shift: "Don't think human strategy is the power. Think extraordinary prayer and fasting is the power." This foundational shift in mindset aligns our hearts and actions with God’s movement, both globally and locally.

Key Takeaways

Why Prayer and Fasting?

• Biblical Foundation:

  • Jesus consistently modeled prayer: often retreating to pray alone (e.g., Mark 1:35).

  • The early church (Acts 1:14) gathered for prayer before Pentecost.

• Historical Examples:

  • The Moravians sustained 24/7 prayer for 100 years, leading to a global missions movement.

  • Welsh Revival: A prayer-fueled awakening that saw thousands come to Christ.

• Global Movements Today:

  • In regions like East Africa, extraordinary prayer fuels disciple-making movements. Stories of miraculous guidance and breakthroughs highlight the power of prayer.

What Makes Prayer Extraordinary?

Three Factors

1. Frequency

   • Regular, sustained rhythms of prayer.

   • Biblical examples: Daniel’s daily prayer rhythms (Daniel 6:10); the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8).

   • “If you want extraordinary prayer, just add one extra thing to your ordinary prayer.”

2. Focus

   • Laser-like intentionality on people, places, and needs.

   • Tools like Bless 5 (praying for five specific people) and prayer walking foster focus.

3. Fervor

   • Passionate, desperate prayer that aligns with God’s heart.

   • Examples: Hannah’s prayer for a child (1 Samuel 1:10-20), the church praying for Peter’s release (Acts 12:5).

Practical Prayer Rhythms

1. Daily

   • Bless 5: Pray for five specific people, five minutes a day, five days a week.

   • Use apps like the Bless App to get daily reminders of neighbors to pray for.

2. Weekly

   • Commit to Tuesdays for prayer and fasting.

   • Use the Kansas City Underground’s 18-week prayer guide on kingdom values.

3. Corporate Prayer

   • Monday Morning Prayer: Join a 30-minute Zoom call at kcprayer.com.

4. On-Site Prayer

   • Prayer Walking: Pray with your senses—blessing the community, discerning God’s movement, and combating spiritual strongholds.

Barriers to Extraordinary Prayer and How to Overcome Them

1. Perceived Lack of Time

   • Start small. Add one focused rhythm to your week.

   • Use tools and apps to create intentionality.

2. Doubt or Discouragement

   • Combat doubt by sharing and hearing stories of answered prayer.

   • Example: Testimonies of God opening literal and figurative doors inspire faith.

3. Burnout or Lack of Passion

   • Pray for God to break your heart for what breaks His.

   • Engage in group prayer settings to rekindle fervor.

4. Not Knowing How to Pray

   • Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Luke 11:1-4).

   • Learn by joining prayer groups, using tools, or listening to others pray.

Extraordinary Prayer Resources

1. Bless App

   • Get daily reminders to pray for five neighbors.

2. Movement Prayer

   • Visit movementprayer.org for resources and regional hubs.

3. Kansas City Underground Prayer Resources

   • Sign up for the Underground newsletter for weekly prayer guides: kcunderground.org.

4. Monday Morning Prayer

   • Join kcprayer.com every Monday, 6:30 AM (CST).