Shifting Culture, by Faith Hudnall

Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting by Derek Prince filled me with a fresh passion for united prayer and fasting by revealing that it is the only antidote for the disease that has infested the American Church. The book begins by echoing the words of Jesus that we, the Church, “are the salt of the earth” (New King James Version, Matthew 5:13-16). The two roles of salt are to make unpleasant food acceptable and its role as a preservative. Mankind is full of wickedness and perverted rebellion against God, and we, as the body of Christ, are called to be a holy, set-apart flavor that is pleasing to the heart of God. We also preserve. Throughout Scripture, we see that it is against the nature of God to punish the righteous with the wicked. As explained by Prince, “By the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we hold in check the forces of corruption and lawlessness until God’s appointed time.” After stating that we are the salt of the earth, Jesus warns, “If the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men”. Prince emphasizes that we must overcome the evil with the Truth of Christ, or we will be overcome by the evil.

Continuing his explanation of the role of the Church, Prince discusses our authority in Christ. He does this by explaining that throughout Scripture, a rod symbolizes authority and power. As high priest, Aaron’s rod had his name on it. Similarly, there is authority in the name of Jesus. Psalm 110:2 speaks of Christ’s authority, saying, “The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies” (New King James Version, Psalm 110:2)! This verse reiterates the use of a rod as a symbol of the authority of Christ. We also see in this verse that the rod is brought out of Zion. Zion speaks of the assembly of God’s people. Therefore, when God’s people gather together and proclaim the authority of the name of Jesus Christ, we are exercising His kingship here on earth. Prince goes on to state that as representatives of Christ on the earth, we are to operate in the “double ministry” of Christ: as Priest (intercession) and His Kingship (authority). Prince explains that we cannot operate in Christ’s authority without engaging in deep intercession.

Focusing on our role as priests, he explains that to operate in Christ’s authority, our prayers and decrees must align with God’s will. Through the use of many scriptures, he verifies that good government is the will of God. This gives us confidence when interceding for the direction of our nation and governmental leaders. Throughout the book, Prince discusses how prayer, intercession, and fasting have turned the tide of governments and nations. He uses examples from various characters in the Bible whom God used for the saving of His people. He also describes the critical role of united prayer and fasting in the founding of America. There are countless accounts of the pilgrims when addressed with difficulties, praying and fasting and seeing God do miracles. Many of the founding fathers called for national days of united prayer and fasting. In Lincoln’s proclamation, he called for whole families to unite together in prayer and fasting. We need the families in our day to rekindle the family altar and join together in intensive times of prayer and fasting.

A key point emphasized throughout the book is the importance of unity. The darkness is waging against us, and it is time for the Church to rise up in united prayer and fasting. Prince puts it this way, “(The anti-Christian forces that are at work in the world today) are not concerned about internal denominational distinctions among Christians. They are not disposed to spare the Baptists at the expense of the Methodists, nor the Catholics at the expense of the Pentecostals. Therefore, this is no time for Christians to emphasize sectarian or denominational issues that have divided us in the past. Rather, it is time for all God’s people to follow the example of Judah and unite in fasting and prayer”.

Another key takeaway from this reading was the realization that Jesus’ ministry began after He went into the wilderness for extensive fasting and time alone with the Father. Prince states, “It would appear that the potential of the Holy Spirit’s power, which Jesus received at the time of His baptism in the Jordan, only came forth into full manifestation after He had completed His fast”. We cannot expect our efforts for the Kingdom to be fruitful without running to the power source, just as we cannot expect to effectively go on a road trip without first filling our car with gas. Prince puts it this way: “In the divine order, ministry to the Lord comes before ministry to men. Out of the ministry to the Lord, the Holy Spirit brings forth the direction and power needed for effective ministry to men”.

The revelations and examples in this book ignited a desperation in me to see the American Church unite under the leadership of Christ, setting aside pride, complacency, and division, to come together in prayer and fasting. The devil does not care about our denominational groups. While we are sidetracked by our personal preferences and offenses, the enemy is destroying our nation, families, values, and children. As our forefathers, we must look to God, humble ourselves, and join in united prayer and fasting to see the trajectory of our nation shift for the glory of God. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (New King James Version, 2 Corinthians 10:4).

If you would like to purchase your own copy of Derek Prince’s book Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting you can find it HERE.