From January 1st through the 21st we gathered in our prayer room every single night for our annual “Selah” fast. Reflecting on this season of fasting and prayer, I am simply blown away by the turnout we saw from our community. Last year we averaged about 10 people every night, at the most. This year we had an average of 26 people with a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 67! Many new friends were made as people who had never heard of us before got a chance to come pray with us and experience our culture here at Take the City and Harvest House of Prayer. 

Powerful Worship Moments

Something I noticed during this time was the powerful times of worship we experienced together. Many times, the Lord simply took over as the band stopped playing and we sang to Jesus with just our voices. All the musicians did an excellent job being in tune with what God wanted to do each night. On night 10 we even received a surprise visit from Eddie James, with the musicians and singers in the room receiving a special fatherly blessing from Eddie at the end. Needless to say, it was a very special time in the Lord that I personally will not be forgetting anytime soon!

“Bible Reading” a Success!

One of my favorite things to do during this fast is to come and read the scriptures and listen to others as they read aloud. We had 33 volunteers who helped us read through the entire Bible. We finished on day 20 with minimal effort! With the total number of Bible reading slots taken combined with the worship and prayer sessions, we accomplished 171+ hours of prayer in just three weeks!

The Ultimate Highlight

What really blessed our Take the City team was the final night where we had the “Immanuel’s Love” choir join us. They sang beautifully to the Lord and did a great job engaging the entire room in worship. As the night progressed the Holy Spirit took over and we ended the evening by opening up the microphone for prayer, the main focus being Matthew 9:37-38– “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest field.” We targeted specific locations in our community as the choir prophetically sang the chorus, “Send forth laborers.”

I remember looking around the room and seeing every single person engaged in worship or intercession. The final moment of this night we held an altar call for all those who wished to be sent out into the harvest fields and for God to use them. It seemed that almost half the room went forward and received prayer.

Grateful and Expectant in 2022

The impact that this fast will make on our community and beyond will not be fully known until many months down the road. However, the difference it has made in my heart is fully felt. I am incredibly grateful for each one that took part. May 2022 be a year of unforgettable moments with Jesus. May you experience breakthrough in every area of your life. I pray blessings over your family, blessings over the work of your hands, and joy to be released in your heart. We look forward to what’s to come. 

-Brandon McKenzie, Harvest House of Prayer Coordinator

brandon@take-the-city.com