In mid-August 2022, as I was praying and reading the Word, I remembered a story that my Dad told me many years ago. It was about a businessman who was challenged by a friend to make a bet and pray for 45 days, every day, for Africa. Amazingly, God used him to “move mountains” in Africa. Even more importantly, prayer transformed this man’s life and greatly strengthened his faith. You can read the story for yourself here. (Disclaimer: I do not know much about this website or the people in this story, but I know that our God answers prayers and He transforms lives. I am sharing this story so that you may be encouraged and inspired to grow in your prayer life).

As the month of Elul and the traditional 40 days of repentance drew near, the Lord put it on my heart to dedicate these 40 days to be a special time of prayer, repentance, and drawing closer to the Father. I invite you all to join me in this 40 day journey and pray and repent every day. I do not offer any bets, but I promise you that prayer will change your life and you will experience God’s faithfulness in amazing ways.

Here are ways you can participate in this 40 day challenge:

1. Dedicate the 40 days leading to Yom Kippur to prayer, repentance, and drawing near to the Father. The 40 days start on the 30th day of the 5th month of the Biblical calendar, Av 30. I encourage you to set apart a special time of each day for prayer (i.e., in the morning before breakfast).
2. Choose a person, country, or an area of your life that needs repentance and pray for that person, country, or area of your life every single day of the challenge. Some examples are: an unsaved family member, a bad habit in your life, personal pride, the country of Israel, etc.
3. Read the 40 day prayer guide. Each day contains Scriptures to read and some pointers for prayer and repentance.

You are not obligated to, but I would love to hear from you if you decide to join (let me know through the Contact Form). Please feel free to share this with others as well!

May God bless you all! Keep seeking Him!

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” 

-Joel 2:12-13

Blessings,

Grace Chen