40 Days
Instruction Manual
By: Dennis SmithTABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………..

1

BENEFITS AND USES OF THE 40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL
AND PRAYER FOCUS………………………………………………………..

5

PROMOTION…………………………………………………………………..

6

KICK-OFF SABBATH………………………………………………………….

6

SPECIAL PARTICIPANT’S MEETING………………………………………

7

VISITOR’S SABBATH…………………………………………………………

7

40 DAYS MATERIALS………………………………………………………… 8
SUMMARY OF 40 DAYS PROGRAM………………………………………… 8
GOALS OF 40 DAYS PROGRAM EXAMPLE………………………………. 9
OUTLINE OF SCHEDULE FOR 40 DAYS PROGRAM……………………. 9

40 Days Instruction Manual(To Be Used With the 40 Days Prayer and Devotional Book)
What is the 40 Days of Prayer and Devotional Study?
The 40 Days devotional book for study and prayer emphasis is designed
to prepare God’s church for Christ’s second coming as well as reach out toothers in preparation for that glorious event. This preparation begins with church
members who are willing to commit to 40 days of prayer and devotional study inorder to develop a closer personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and reach out
to five (5) individuals who the Lord has put on their heart to pray for every day for
40 days.
Jesus said, “…if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing thatthey shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven”(Matthew 18:19). There is great power in united prayer. There is also
encouragement and spiritual strength found in Christian fellowship. Because of
these truths it is suggested that the participants find a prayer partner to fellowshipwith and pray together with either on the phone or in person every day during the
40 days of prayer and study.
In order to get the greatest benefit from this 40 day emphasis it isrecommended that each participant find several individuals to join together within using the 40 Days devotional and prayer book. It would be well for theparticipants to meet weekly as a group to share and pray together. As mentioned
above, each participant needs to choose one in the group to become their daily
fellowship prayer partner (this is very important). Each participant in the groupneeds to do the same in order to receive the greatest blessings during the 40
days.
The 40 Days devotional studies are divided into five sections with eightdevotionals in each section. The five sections are: (I) The Baptism of the Holy
Spirit, (II) Spirit Baptism and Prayer, (III) Spirit Baptism and Evangelism, (IV)Spirit Baptism and Abiding in Christ, and (V) Spirit Baptism and Fellowship. Eachdevotional study is followed by personal reflection and discussion questions, anda prayer focus for that day, which includes a “prayer verse.”
The 40 Days devotional book has four Appendixes (A, B, C, D). The 5
individuals chosen to put on the participants prayer list may be family members,
friends, co-workers, etc. A Daily Prayer List page (Appendix A) is provided in the
Appendix for this purpose. During the 40 days the participants are to pray for
those on their prayer list every day. It is suggested they also prayerfully use theActivities that Show You Care (Appendix B) list in the Appendix to determine
what the Lord wants them to do to reach out to those on their prayer list.
Appendix C is a Suggested Greeting to use when they call those on their prayer
list to inform them they will be praying for them during the next 40 days. Whenthey call they are to ask them what they want them to pray for in their behalf.

1Prayer is the most powerful force on earth. It is essential for one’s own
personal spiritual growth, and is the most effective means of reaching others for
Christ. Concerning prayer and the Christian’s spiritual growth Ellen White wrote:“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No othermeans of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul bepreserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious
experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer
spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose yourhold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious
experience lacks health and vigor.” Gospel Workers, p. 254
She also recognized the necessity of prayer in leading others to Christ.
“Through much prayer you must labor for souls, for this is the only methodby which you can reach hearts. It is not your work, but the work of Christ
who is by your side, that impresses hearts.” Evangelism p.525“The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls.” Messages toYoung People, p.315
As the participants prayerfully consider the suggested ways to reach out tothose they are praying for, they will not only be praying for them; they will also be
working to bring them closer to Christ and His church. God will bless these efforts
when the participants pray for and work for those on their prayer list. He will not
only use them to win others to Christ; He will also draw the participants closer to
Himself. Ellen White understood this double blessing when she wrote:“As you work to answer your own prayers, you will find that God will reveal
Himself unto you. . . . Begin now to reach higher and still higher. Prize thethings of heaven above earthly attractions and inducements. . . . Learn
how to pray; learn how to bear a clear and intelligent testimony, and God
will be glorified in you.” The Upward Look, p.256“Their persevering prayers will bring souls to the cross. In cooperation with
their self-sacrificing efforts Jesus will move upon hearts, working miraclesin the conversion of souls.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, p.27
In order to facilitate the prayer emphasis during the 40 days there is a
Prayer Activity section at the end of each day’s devotional. This section gives asuggested prayer focus for the day, and incorporates Bible verses to include in
the participants prayer.
After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that they were to wait toreceive the baptism of the Holy Spirit before they went forth to proclaim thegospel to the world.
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“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that theyshould not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water;
but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…. But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye
shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:4-5, 8.
Even though they had spent the past three and a half years daily with
Christ, and had seen and participated in a ministry of miracles they were notready to witness for Him. They were to wait to receive the “power.” After theyreceived the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which took place on the day of Pentecost
they would be “empowered” as never before to witness for Christ.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as ofa rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, andbegan to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:1-4
Because the baptism of the Holy Spirit, also called the infilling of the Spirit,
is so vital to our personal spiritual growth and our witness to others, the 40 Days
devotional lessons will be based on this important teaching in God’s Word. The
participant will have opportunity to better understand the biblical teaching on thebaptism of the Holy Spirit as well as enter more fully into this Spirit filled
experience.
By choosing to participate in the 40 days of study and prayer eachparticipant will be entering into an amazing and blessed adventure with the Lord.
They will experience a deeper relationship with Christ, and will see the Lord use
them to draw others closer to Himself in preparation for His soon return. As theyfellowship with their prayer partner, and the others participating in the 40 days
they will experience a deeper Christian love and unity with their fellow believers,
which will also play an important role in their personal spiritual growth.
In order to get the most from the 40 Days of study and prayer it isrecommended that this be the first thing each participant does in the morning. It
may require rising a little earlier, but the effort will be richly rewarded. If they ask
the Lord to wake them so they can have some quality time with Him, He will hear
and answer their prayer. Concerning Christ’s devotional life Ellen White wrote:“Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of
the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and
His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His
words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He
might speak in season to the weary and oppressed.” Christ’s Object
Lessons, P.140
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Christ will do the same for each participant during the 40 days if they ask
Him. He very much desires to anoint each of us with His Spirit in preparation foreach new day. This 40 Days devotional study is designed to facilitate just that; adaily anointing of God’s Spirit for personal spiritual growth, and witnessing for
Christ. Appendix D in the 40 Days devotional book titled, “After the 40 Days of
Prayer and Devotional Studies,” gives suggestions on how to keep their spiritualexperience growing that each participant has entered into during the past 40
days.
During the 40 days the participants are to invite those they are praying for
to attend a special Visitor’s Sabbath that will be held at the church at the end of
the 40 day period. It is suggested that some type of evangelistic meetings bescheduled soon after the Visitor’s Sabbath. During the Visitor’s Sabbath all
visitors will be invited to attend opening night of those evangelistic meetings.
Also, during the 40 days each participant will be praying for the Visitor’s
Sabbath and evangelistic meetings. This simple approach will lead many in yourchurch to become personally involved in praying for and inviting those on theirprayer list to Visitor’s Sabbath and the evangelistic meetings.
Two other suggestions can help to increase the benefit of the 40 days
program. First, it can be suggested that the participants choose to fast during the
40 day period. This is not a complete fast, but can include eliminating sweets,
cutting out one meal per day, etc. It can also be suggested that they fast from all
unnecessary secular activities such as secular TV (religious programs are
acceptable), secular music, surfing the internet, computer games, etc. Those
who choose to fast in this manner will receive an even greater benefit from the 40
days.
Secondly, it is suggested that meetings be held at the church each nightfor the first 5 - 7 nights of the 40 day program. This allows the participants tobegin fellowshipping together. The meeting can include singing, discussion of
the devotional study for that day, and a special prayer time for those on theparticipant’s prayer list and united prayer for God's blessing on the 40 day
program.
I think you can see the impact this 40 day emphasis will have on yourchurch members who participate, as well as on the entire church. Every member
will be spiritually uplifted as they see many visitors attending Visitor’s Sabbath
and the evangelistic meetings.

4

Benefits and Uses of the 40 Day Devotional and Prayer Focus
The goal of the 40 Days devotional study and prayer book is to benefit
God's work and people in several ways. The book has three main emphasis;
devotional study and prayer, and outreach.
Benefits
First, all who prayerfully enter into the 40 days of personal devotional
study and prayer will strengthen their relationship with the Lord. They will grow in
the Spirit filled experience, and their prayer life will become more consistent andeffective. Each devotional section is designed to lay a strong spiritual foundationin the lives of the participants.
Secondly, the 40 Days book has an emphasis on reaching out to andpraying for 5 individuals who are non-Adventists or former Adventists living in theparticipant's area. Prayer for those on the prayer lists will enable the Holy Spirit towork in the lives of those prayed for in bringing them closer to Christ. Members
will be encouraged as they see the Spirit answering their prayers.
Uses
The 40 Days book can be used in conjunction with any evangelistic effort.
Fifty days before the meetings begin church members can be invited toparticipate in the 40 days of devotional study and prayer. The Sabbath the 40days program begins is called "Kick-Off Sabbath" in this manual. As part of their
daily prayer focus they should include the Visitor’s Sabbath and evangelistic
meetings. The Visitor’s Sabbath should be held at the end of the 40 days. The
evangelistic outreach meetings should be conducted shortly after the Visitor’s
Sabbath. The visitors who attend Visitor’s Sabbath are given an evangelistic
meeting handbill and invited to attend opening night of the evangelistic meetings.
Imagine the power of having many church members systematicallypraying for Visitor’s Sabbath and the evangelistic meetings every day for 40
days. Plus, the 5 individuals placed on their individual prayer lists are to be
invited to attend Visitor’s Sabbath and opening night of the evangelistic meetings.
The church will see many friends, family members, and former Adventists attend
in response to their personal invitation supported by the daily prayers for these
individuals.
This 40 days of devotional study and prayer focus will prove to be a
blessing to any spiritual emphasis in the local church; whether spiritual growth
meetings for the members or outreach efforts in the community. The 40 day
emphasis can be conducted one or two times a year in your church.
A conference can also use the 40 day emphasis prior to some major
conference-wide spiritual emphasis or evangelistic effort. Pastors and conference
church members can join together in united study and prayer for the event.

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Promotion
Present at Elder’s Meeting• Get their suggestions and support
Present at Church Board• Explain program• Approve program and budget• Choose Kick-Off Sabbath date
• Vote 40 Days Coordinator – recommend prayer coordinator• No conflicting programs should be scheduled for Kick-Off Sabbath orVisitor’s Sabbath/Evangelistic Meeting opening night at the end of the 40
days
Advertise “Kick-Off” Sabbath for 2 Sabbaths prior• Members who want to participate sign up with Coordinator on those
Sabbaths
Kick-Off Sabbath –Participants register and receive the 40 Days devotional books
The 40 days program is explained to participants
Most will probably wait until "Kick-Off Sabbath" to sign up
Promote evangelistic meetings
Sermon on importance of personal devotional life and reaching out to others
Give invitation at end of sermon for those who want to participate• Option 1 - Give call to all who want to participate to come forward before
closing hymn
o General Prayer for 40 Day Programo Brief explanation of 40 Day Programo Sing Closing Hymn
• Option 2 – Give call to all who want to participate to come forward during
closing hymn
o General Prayer for 40 Day Programo Dismiss non-participants
Instruct participants
Give 40 Days devotional books to participants• Participants can pay for 40 Days devotional via tithe envelope

Explain each section of the 40 Days devotional bookParticipants are to use the Appendix A page for their personal prayer list.
Inform of date for Special Participants Meeting
Announce Visitor’s Sabbath or Evangelistic Meeting dates scheduled at end of
40 Days• Participants are to pray for these events during the next 40 days
• Participants are to invite those on their prayer list to these events via
phone, email, mail an invitation or in person.
Special Participant's Meeting
This is a meeting for all who chose to participate in the 40 days
Date: Held approximately 20 days after Kick-off Sabbath
Suggestions: local church decide date
• Sabbath Morning breakfast, afternoon lunch• Friday night service• Mid-week service
Devotional
Participants give names of those they are praying for to Pastor or Coordinator of
the 40 Days program
Testimonies of “What’s Happening”
Pray for 40 day program, Visitor's Sabbath, Evangelistic Meetings, andindividuals being prayed for on their prayer list page.
Remind the participants to invite those they are praying for to Visitor’s Sabbath orEvangelistic Meeting opening night.
Visitor’s SabbathParticipants invite those on prayer list
• Phone call
• Mail invitation card
• Email• Text Messaging• In person

Give gift to all visitors
It is suggested a Welcome Card be given to everyone who attends church that
Sabbath and have everyone return card before end of service• Pastor and Coordinator separate church member’s names from visitor’snames on Welcome Cards - this is necessary to know who the visitors
were. A Thank You Card to all visitors who attended, or a We Missed You
Card to those invited, but did not attend can be mailed if the church
chooses to do so.
Sabbath Worship Service Suggestions• Option 1 – Special Music Program with devotionals between musicalnumbers• Option 2 – Normal Worship Service with Testimonies before Sermon• Option 3 – Mixed program of Music, Devotional, Testimonies
Invite all visitors to upcoming evangelistic event, which should take place within 1
or 2 weeks
Church Potluck
40 Days Materials
40 Days Prayer & Devotional Books• Available at ABC’s or on our website; www.spiritbaptism.org
Gifts for Visitors on Visitor’s Sabbath• Church Board decide
Summary of 40 Days Program for 50 Participants
50 church members participate in daily devotional study and prayer for 40 days
50 church members strengthen their daily devotional habits
50 church members praying every day for 40 days for 5 interests each, Visitor’s
Sabbath, and the evangelistic meetings
250 former and non-Adventists being prayed for every day for 40 days
250 former and non-Adventists personally reached out to in community by church
members who are participating
250 former and non-Adventists receive personal invitation to attend Visitor’s
Sabbath
20 or more former or non-Adventists attend church on Visitor’s Sabbath
250 former and non-Adventists personally invited to attend opening night ofevangelistic meetings
20 or more visitors attend opening night of evangelistic meetings

Goals of 40 Days Program Example
Participants experience personal spiritual revival
Participants strengthen their daily devotional habits
Participants personally reach out to 5 interests in community
Many visitors attend Visitor’s Sabbath and opening night of evangelistic meetings
The 40 days program combines personal revival, corporate church revival withevangelistic outreach
Outline of Schedule for 40 Days Program
Present at Elder’s Meeting to inform and approve
Present at Church Board Meeting to inform and approve
Purchase Materials (40 Day books needed)
Promote at church for 2 Sabbaths before Kick – Off Sabbath
Kick – Off Sabbath – Approximately 40 days before Visitor's Sabbath and 50
days before Evangelistic MeetingsSpecial Participants Meeting – Approximately 20 days after Kick-Off Sabbath
Visitor’s Sabbath – At end of 40 days
Evangelistic Meetings – at end of 40 Days or 1 to 2 weeks after Visitor’s Sabbath
maximum
Suggestion for Success: It is recommended that several individuals be
responsible for the 40 days program to work with the Program Coordinator.

Dennis Smith
623-337-1260
Email: smith06515@msn.com
Websites: www.spiritbaptism.org