My "Cloud of Glory Prayer Mountain Experience"

March 17, 2008 (Monday)
3:10 p.m.

CHAPTER 1

I arrived in the "Cloud of Glory Prayer Mountain", (Lilo-an, Cebu, Philippines), made my registration and was ushered to my room. The accommodation was totally different from what I was anticipating. I was ushered in to a single room. There was a single bamboo bed, with a cushion on it. A writing table, a chair and a bathroom. The room has two windows. The window that i liked the most was the one facing east, where sunrise greeted me along with a promise of blessed and wonderful day ahead every morning.
After I thanked the room attendant and closed the door behind him, I started to wonder how I was going to start my prayer and fasting. I acknowledged God, that it was Him who made this prayer and fasting possible. I could have made the plans, I could have the desire, but it is God who made things happened.
Looking around through a window, to a 180 degree view, I can't help but thanked God again for placing me there. You can see the trees, mountains and the ocean from a distance, where it reminded me of God, as a creator.
I admitted to God that it was the first time that I got into serious prayer and fasting. I emphasized to God that it will not going to be an absolute kind of fasting because it was my first time and I was not certain on how far I can go. I prayed to God, not to allow me to leave on Wednesday without a changed and renewed heart. Above all, I need Him to guide me and enlightened me on the decision that I was going to do.
After reading the house rules and unpacked my things, I started to make myself comfortable and getting ready to start. Singing worship songs, reading devotional articles and reading the Word of God, it then carried me into becoming one spirit with the Lord.



(photo taken from http://www.livingwordcm.com/)


CHAPTER 2

God lead me to Acts 3:16 for His initial message for me. "By faith, in the name of Jesus, this (man) whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. " For me it was an assurance that God was doing some "healing" in me. I know and acknowledged that deep within me, I am sick (spiritually). And as I go on, God lead me me again to Proverbs 29:25 "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is kept safe." This is the verse that inspired me to confess to someone that i ought to.
Part of my prayer was searching God's confirmation about my decision in choosing my lifetime partner (because the one I chose was not with my same faith). And God was being so gracious, He lead me to 1 Peter 3:1-6 (1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that , if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.")
God revealed to me the ministry He set for me. He called me to be an article writer. For me, it seems unimaginable, I don't have enough knowledge to become a writer. But God assured me in His word in Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." And to start with, God impressed in my heart to make an article about my "Prayer Mountain Prayer and Fasting Experience".
Twenty four hours passed, I started feeling weak and shaky. All I had was some crackers and waters during the entire fasting. I was wondering what will happen on the following day, but God assures me that He will be with me.
In between those reading the Word of God, singing worship songs and silent moments, I prayed for individual concerns and burdens. I prayed for my family and friends. I prayed for the country.
Wednesday, 7:00 a.m., I closed my prayer and fasting. I was so joyful because I know that I will be returning home very blessed and loaded with God's directions in my life. Indeed, God did not made me leave that place without making me changed and renewed within. I can really say that God was with me during my entire 41 hours stay at the prayer mountain. The sweet presence of God sustained me throughout. God is true to His word in Hebrews 11:6b "...and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

To God be the glory!