It has been well said that prayer is not preparation for the battle - prayer IS the battle. And of all the things we can do to enhance the power and focus of prayer, fasting is doubtless the most potent.
This is where the power is at, because fasting puts us in harmony with an All Powerful God who demands humility from those who wish to be close to Him. Fasting humbles the flesh. When it is done for that purpose, it pleases the Spirit of God.
You can go a certain distance in God, and experience many things, without fasting much, but the highest, richest and most powerful blessings always go to those who together with other disciplines, fast much unto God. The most significant Biblical characters, with the possible exception of Abraham, were all men of fasting and prayer. Jesus, the Son of God, was a man of fasting and prayer (Matthew 4:2). So was the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:27). Moses fasted 80 days. Elijah fasted 40 days. The early church fasted before starting any major work. The greatest spiritual leaders of the 20th century who are making an impact are all men of fasting of prayer to my knowledge. Anyone who started a significant spiritual movement in Christianity was, to the best of my knowledge - Luther, Wesley, Finney, Booth were all men of fasting. In our day, Cho, Bonnke, Osborn, Annacondia are all men of much fasting. If done right, fasting counts a lot with God.
Fasting is not magic, nor does it twist the arm of God. God wants to do many amazing things, but He looks for those willing to urgently make the corrections needed to come into line with him. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Successful fasting is also the fastest way to learn patience. It takes patience and endurance to fast for more than a day. Many of God's tests come quicker to us when we fast, and we have a better opportunity to pass them. If we want to go far with God we would have to face these tests anyway, but much later, and in a more time consuming and difficult way. We need to "bite the bullet" and embrace the correction God wants to apply to our souls.
Fasting gives you God's focus for your life. It is a major key to hearing God's voice (the other is true worship - the two are related). We need focus from God more than anything. The world we live in is working overtime to distract us, to entice us, to win our hearts and minds, our focus, and to determine our vision. Fasting cuts out the world so we can tune into God. If we are obedient to God fasting will make us catalysts for revival and awakening.
Examples of Fasting and Prayer and the Purpose God Had in It
Ezra the priest fasted for God's protection while carrying valuable things for God's temple. We too can fast for God's protection. (Ezra 8:21-23)
Daniel the prophet fasted for the fulfilment of God's promises, and received mighty revelations from God. (Daniel 10:3).
Jesus fasted and spoke the Word of God to overcome Satan (See Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:1-13).
Jesus fasted to begin his public ministry, and have the power of God and the anointing. (Luke 4:14).
Elijah needed to fast 40 days before he heard God's voice again. (1 Kings 19:8)
Moses fasted to receive the Ten Commandments and the Law of God, and to see God's glory and goodness.
The elders, prophets and teachers in Antioch fasted and ministered to God, which resulted in the launching of Paul and
Barnabas' apostolic ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2,3). Likewise w
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How can i know what kind of prayer i should do?
I just accepted the Lord 2 months ago, i know and have felt that i need to fast i just don't know how to start. i wanted to start out with half a day, n then go up to 1 day and eventually go for the Esther 3 day fast. I must admit i am very afraid because i have really bad anemia and get really shaky and nervous when i don't eat at my regular scheduled time. I am also very worried about how my breath will smell being that i go to school and work, and a lot of people have said that fasting causes very bad breath and i am a hygiene freak! Please keep me in prayer so that The Lord will give me the strength and ability to fast. Thank You All!
RE: Prayer & Fasting
Adalisa
Fasting not required as Jesus opened the way for you to come into the very presence of God through His blood on the Cross.
The Lord's prayer is a good model for everyday prayer. You begin acknowledging God and Praise Him, then you can ask for your daily needs, it then deals with spiritual matters (forgiveness, temptation to sin and spiritual protection). We ask for God Will to be done on this Earth & in our lives and that is the best thing we can have.
There many kinds of prayers prayed in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul often shared his prayers in his letters. You can use these prayers as a guideline as well or even pray them for your friends and family. It will take time for you to get to know your Bible. Until then ask God to help you in prayer and the Holy Spirit will help you as you pray.
My suggestion before you fast and pray for a specific need is to get a really good teaching on the subject first. I would highly recommend a book by Derek Prince. I can't remember the title but if you get onto Derek Prince Ministries you can ask them. He has teaching tapes and books that cover the subject. He is a very sound teacher in this matter. I have researched many Bible Teachers & read many books that teach dangerous methods of fasting that I have found goes beyond Biblical recommendations of fasting and prayer. God doesn't expect you to make yourself sick through dangerous fasting. I have to take medication with food each day so I never completely not eat when I fast, I give up what I really love to eat.
As my background is Eastern Orthodox and we fast and prayer often. When I became a "Born Again" Believer (my family observed our religion but were not Saved Believers nor very religious) I decided to find out the reasons behind certain religious customs and traditions of my parents Christian Denomination. I've since left the Eastern Orthodox Church. I have through study of God's Word found some things are not necessary or we were taught to do them for the wrong reasons. You can fast & pray but you need to do so for the right reasons and according to God's Will.
God hears our prayers and answers them. We don't need to beg Him to listen or plead with Him to act on our behalf in over something. God will answer our prayers according to His perfect Will and it will be for our eternal good. So the answer you will get will be either "yes", "no" or "not now".
Before you were cleasned by the Blood of Jesus and as you prayed a prayer of Salvation God heard your prayer. Think about it. Did God deny you salvation? NO, because it is in His Will for all to come to salvation (who will repent and believe in Christ). So remember as you pray God is interested in answering all prayer that is in His Will for you or the person you are praying for. God is always looking to do what is ultimately good for all of us Believers and Unbelievers. God will not deny us anything He thinks we truely need.
Praying for the Lord to guide you and teach you how to pray according to His Will. Amen
Cheers
Mel
prayers for hushands surgery
HI bretheren
my name is agnetta and I need prayers for my husband who is going for surgery on 30/6/2009 due to an accident he had six years ago. Though the surgery is cervical compression fusion i believe OUR GOD is able to come though for him and for our family. pray that the surgery is siccessful; and that everything goes on well. let the miracle that is in the blood of jesus work theough that day so that we can rejoice together for the great miracle. His name is jonathan nyonje and he will be in Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi Kenya. may God bless you saints as you stand with me during this hard time.
Financial miracle
Please pray for me... I graduated grad school in 2007 and have yet to find a job in my field. I have had quite a few dead end jobs that underpay yet overwork me and I'm just not happy. I am in debt and I stay with my mother who I currently depend on to help provide for me since I am broke. I will be 25 in less than two months and I feel like a loser who had high hopes only to fall very short. I try to remain positive but it doesn't last long and I only wind up feeling worse than how I was. I just read the story of Esther and decided that I will fast for three days. Right now, I really need a miraculous breakthrough because I'm hanging on at the end of my rope by a few threads! Please pray for me!
Prayer request
Please pray for us in Jesus name. I am a PhD student who is desparately try to finish and have a job. I have applied many jobs but not been successful so far. My husband works in the manufacturing sector which does not pay him too well and as a result, we are in a financial mess. Pray for us so that God can bless us financially and that we can be able to pay our bills, take care of our son and me finish my PhD and get a good job that pays well. In Jesus name, Amen.
Dear Annegrace, I pray in
Dear Annegrace, I pray in the name of Jesus that your household would have provision at all times and that you all would have great peace and joy in the journey. May the Lord establish your family in His sight and may you find the grace and strength to endure until the day of flourishing comes! Amen.
Blessings and Peace,
Timothy
Struggles during Fast
Shalom to you all my brothers and sisters in the faith,
I came across your comments and found them to be of great encouragment . I'm doing the Daniel Fast, this is my 15th day. I'm fasting because my 19 year old daughter has been dating a Muslim 23 year old man. She's a Chritian believer and he has stated he has no interest whatsoever in turning to Christ. Mt husband, her step dad, has has openly accepted the fact he is a pregedist against Muslims and doesn't even want her in our house. He'll step out every time she comes in and remains angry for days. All these has been a nightmare for all of us. I started this fast for The Lord to resolve this situation. My prayer is that my daughter consagrates her life fully to The Lord and stops this relationship. Also I need for God to change my husband's heart towards her.
I notice at the very beginning of the fast I had a horrible dream of my family being haunted by some kind of demons. After that I was feeling very strong spiritually which helped me direct some devotionals I was honored to share with my congregation and put up with the stressful situation. I got together with my daughter and showed her int he Scripture how important was for her to stop this relationship. I really don't know what her reaction was.She shed some tears but she didn't want to share anything with me. She seemed angry. Now things have got really bad with my husband. he's been like a raging lion towards me and life in general. He received The Lord about a year ago but hasn't been serious studying The Scripture eventhough he congregates every Sunday and enjoys it a lot. These last 7 days hell has broken lose at my home. My husband almost left us the day before yesterday, he refused to spend the day with me and the kids on Mother's day and has been a tyran to me. I'm desperate for an answer from God but He seems so quiet. Things have only got worse since I started this fast. I wonder if there's anyone there who has gone through a similar situation. I've been tempted to believe that the fast I'm doing is being worthless and has just brought more problems. I've felt that God does strengthen me after the storms and my husband also feels horrible for acting so mean but he's still not reaching out to God. I feel like giving up altogether to the point of desiring to be taken out of this world.
Struggle during fasting
I salute you my Sister with the name of Abba,Jehova shalom.
The devil's restlessness is a tell-tell sign of God's anointing about to rain upon your life.For he knows the greatest power is about to be poured upon your life.He skulks around like a hungry lion on it's prey.waiting for signs of spiritual advancement,so he can pounce(sabotage).You have come a long way,do not let him steal you now.Your opportune moment is imminent.In Joel 2:18-32,God said in essence,'After you fast,get ready,because something good is going to hapeen.start making some noise,because I'm getting ready to break forth'
The results of sincere fasting and prayer is that God responds,bringing deliverance and blessings.
As Michael mentioned in his post,you will be tested.The devil has done it with Jesus Luke4:3-13.
Our Lord God is the I AM(John 8:58) he can be everything you want him to be.So right now I invite you to call upon his name and ask him to be your ressurector.Your Family's good relationship is not dead(irreconcilable)but it is asleep John 11:11 you hear me.God will awake it in the opportune time.By the precious blood of our saviour I pray that the lord strengthen and renew your faith in your wait for his manifestation.Amen.
Stay blessed and I'm expecting you to post a testimony with the good new in due course.
Please keep seeking his presence in prayer and his word.
It is so wonderful to hear
It is so wonderful to hear of Bernie's complete healing after JoAnna's intercession for her during JoAnna's 21 day fast. I also need a miracle, an urgent miracle, an urgent financial miracle. If one or more of you dear fasting and praying saints would add me to your prayer list I'd be most happy. I've been fasting every second day, along with my continual praying, for a financial breakthrough. I need God's help in getting through the month of May financially, but more than this, I want to be completely debt-free once again very soon, and I am presently way over my head. Thank you for including me in your prayers. God bless all of you.
PRAYERS
i had been infected with staphilococcus which proved resistant 2 drugs more than 2 yrs ago, iam fasting and believing God that i will be healed. include me in your prayers.
God is a God of miracles
my sister was diagnosed with an in-operable cancerous brain tumor several months ago ....five doctors agreed that they would only operate when she was within 48 hrs of dying..the tumor was massive ....7 inches long ...she could not speak or move...we had so many people praying for her ... we prayed for God to turn her cancerous tumour into a mass of infection ... He is a God who can turn water to wine ....we believed for a miracle ....when the time came the neuro-surgeon began the surgery to discover her tumor had no sign of cancer ...it was a massive infection.....he later told us he would have bet his home and his family that my sister would never make it ....he said my sister is nothing short of a miracle ...she is alive and well today ...she speaks, walks,eats and praises the God who healed her ....God is a God who heals... do not let the enemy whisper anything less in your ear...I will be praying for you every night ...you can believe that ....jodi ....Bless his Holy name!
Prayer
Good Day All,
I love to read the messages posted on this website. It give me confirmation of the goodness of God. My wife and I are praying for a financial blessing. We have had a couple of setbacks. I am beginning a 5 day fast this week. My wife can't join me at this time because she is pregnant. I am seeking to be closer to God and to recieve his blessing. I look forward to seeing what God is about to do for us.
Thank you for the encouraging words.
Fasting Tips
One of the keys I learned in fasting is the first day or 2 can be the hardest. Why? Hunger pangs. The stomach's stretch receptors are firing and telling your brain it is empty. Solution? Club soda, which is nothing but carbonated water. The carbonation blows the stomach up and will silence these pangs. It really helps me big time. If one has too then eat a large crunchy deli pickle. They're 90% water and will help as well.
The other problem is flu like symptoms from detox and fatigue around day 6 or 7. By now the body is shunting intestinal blood to the other organs to "clean up". Eventually the body will start to degrade some muscle to burn for energy as well. You'll feel weak. Two things I do for this. One, get a juicer and juice some carrots, apple and a beet. Throw in some cauliflower or broccoli. This not only helps the detox (beets are great for liver detox) but slows it down a little so it's not so harsh. Fatigue? Try some royal jelly (not honey) from the health store and throw it in a cup of hot tea. Also, sublingual B-12.
Here's another thing to do when you have hunger pangs. Go for a walk. Why? Cuz you force the brain to secrete enzymes (lipase) to go dig out more fat and burn it to raise sugar levels. Exercise will force the body to shut up and go get its own energy source and to quit bothering you to eat.
If you fast past 3 days then your body will start spilling toxins and it helps to take some form of soluble fiber. The fiber will mask and attach to the toxin and usher it out thru the colon or kidney. This prohibits any free radical toxins from running around carrying a charge and causing tissue damage. There are both insoluble and soluble fibers. Celery is insoluble. This will not work. You want soluble fibers in the blood. I get soluble fibers from the health store.
If you go 10 days and more then the toxins start to come out the pores of your skin and thru the lungs when you exhale. Keep the mouthwash handy or you may actually kill somebody. A hot shower to help the toxins release is good too.
Last but least by experience I know that whatever is goin on (pangs, fatigue, detox symptoms) they will leave. Sometimes I just go lay down for an hour.
fasting tips
Thanks for the great fasting tips!
I just went down to the store and picked up some club soda, as per your suggestion. Man, I'll tell you what, as for taste, it is not winning any awards! Blech!!!
But the purpose of fasting mitigates against pleasure of the taste buds, no?
Fasting is a fascinating subject because there are so many possibilities as far as various kinds of fasts.
The strict Esther fast stands out in my mind. No food or liquids for three days. That's pretty severe.
Then was it Daniel who suggested a fast with "no pleasant bread"? Now that one leaves much to the imagination as to what could be deemed "pleasant" Certainly not the club soda! (Well, of course, soda doesn't even qualify as bread.)
Anyway, there are juice fasts, partial juice fasts, water fasts, 40 day fasts, on and on ad infinitum.
I think one really needs to pray for wisdom before fasting to discern which way God would have you individually fast.
The longest I ever went was eleven days. It was pretty rough, I'll admit.
Maybe the secret is to be forgiving of ourself if we don't get it perfect. That is, if we are not able to fast as strictly as we would like. we're not Jesus.
The main thing is to have a purpose and a goal in mind before you start to give direction and meaning to your fast.
I like to fast on Friday's as a remembrance to the hungry of the world. It's a little covenant between me and God. Then the money that one saves on those meals is given to feed the hungry. One can take money and just give it to the hungry out-right, but it has much more meaning, I think, if you experience hunger yourself for two or three meals. I picked this one up from Dr. Lester Sumrall, when I was attending his church years ago.
Wasn't it David who said I will not give to the Lord of that which costs me nothing?
Prayer
I am really in need of prayer right now. My life is in turmoil, I am unemployed and drowning in debt. My creditor's are constantly calling me and really don't know what to do. I have applied to several companies locally and abroad but unfortunately I get unsuccessful letters. Please pray for me. God bless you.
Trust God!
Just hold on....GOD IS ABLE AND KNOWS YOUR NEED - KEEP TIGHT ON YOUR FAITH!
Remember the bridge of the song?...Though i may not understand all the plans You have for me...my life is in Your hands. And with the eyes of faith, I CAN CLEARLY SEE! GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!!!
One thing i know of - God promised to "Never leave us nor forsake us" and He is a FRIEND Who Keeps promises....
Great ! Praise Our LORD Jesus christ.
I am on this very move and alot i see success very big a head of me.
God is first of all strenghtening me . SO make up your mind to persue him his grace is sufficient.
Surety before the fast!
Even the fast must be an outworking of faith. Pray in the faith and see that toast, organge juice and for that matter the screams of the whole fridge silenced! If these persist you are entitled to righteous anger- demolish that fridge and for those with less faith preserve the contents first.
Complete Healing
Hello brethren.
Thank you so much for your nice and encauraging teachings especially concerning prayer and fasting and also healing.
I came across this website a few days ago at a time when i was so depresssed nad lonely.This came after i had trusted God to give me a husband .For sure God did bring a God fearing brother with whom we started courting.At the end of last year we resolved that Godwillingly we should wed by dec 2009.After this is when we decided to take Hiv tests.His was fine but mine showed that i was positive.
Loneliness struck and with it came despair too.I Tried fasting for three days previously and even attending healing services in the weeks that followed but nothing would happen.At the beginning of this week after testing again( results were positive) i almost crushed.I thank God because its at that point that i found this website.Since then i'm into prayer and fasting for the rest of this month because i found out the truth from here.
I now know its the will of God to heal me.So i'm not giving up but i'm persisting in prayer and i'm sure God will do his will- that is heal me,and also come through for us in our wedding preparations and the wedding too by early december 2009.
Kindly stand with me in prayer brethren and soon i will share the good news of my victory to the glory of our God.
Be blesssed
Bernie
Bernie...I will pray the
Bernie...I will pray the Lord's healing for you. I am on the 4th day of my 21 day fast, so throughout the rest of my fast you will be on my prayer list. Be encouraged and stay in faith. Much Love...JoAnna
Healed
God bless you my dear,
The lord heard us and i received my healing.Glory to God my healer.His promises sre true
All Glory to God
I am so happy to read amazing healing testimonies from this website. I'm thankful to God for your healing. Surely, Our God is the living God, if anyone doubts on His miracles in today's generation; let their eyes open to see what Our God is doing to those who have faith in Him.
Re: Complete Healing
"Holy Father, according to my sister's faith, so let it be done unto her. In Jesus' name, amen."
Blessings and Peace,
Timothy
Fasting
Michael you are right on the money.
You feel closer to God when you fast. The world and its desires and problems seem so small compared to God's immense power and awesomeness.
For the newcomer to fasting, try to fast with another christian (a father or mother 'in the Lord').
I personally prefer to fast either on only water, or no water and no food. The sugar in juice may intensify hunger. But each person should fast as the Lord leads.
I once fasted for 3 days with no water and no food. That was the best days of my life. My sisters later told me that my face was shinning. This was only possible with support systems of my church - we had daily fellowship with others who were also fasting and praying.
Our God is a good, awesome and powerful God. I think you are literarily baptised by the fire of the Holy Ghost when you fast, because he reveals all your hidden sins, you hear from him like never before and your faith in Jesus to move mountains explodes.
Thank you for this website and may the God of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to strengthen and provide for your ministry in Jesus name.
THERE IS AWESOME GOD'S POWER IN PRAYER AND FASTING
GOD HAS BE SO GRACIOUS TO ME AND FAMILY. I HAD REQUESTED THROUGH THIS MEDIUM THAT BRETHREN SHOULD JOINE ME IN PRAYERS CONCERNING MY BROTHER THAT BECAME INSANE SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR,BY THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH PRAYERS AND FASTING MY BROTHER HAS GOT OVER THE SPIRITS OF INSANITY AND COMPLETELY WELL NOW.GIVE YOUR LIFE OVER TO A MEANINGFUL PRAYERS AND FASTING TODAY AND SEE THE WONDERS OF GOD TODAY.
PRAISE GOD !!!!
Hallelujah!! It is wonderful
Hallelujah!! It is wonderful to hear our great God does great things for those who believe Him! May you and your brother be blessed with all spiritual blessings! Yes, our Lord cannot sit still when His children cry to Him from the bottom of their heart. Let us be ready to meet Jesus our saviour whose return is imminent! I humbly praise and thank Lord for giving your brother a wonderful deliverance! Let us pray none of us gets tempted in to the world and in to devil's work. Praise the Lord!
Praise God!
That's a great report. Why not send me a testimony or create a blog page here and post it. Please use lower case letters though - its easier to read. :-)
Prayer request
Hie Michael
Yesterday i came across your website and i was very touched by the stories and testimonies especially the ones on fasting.This website is very helpful. I have started fasting today for three days and i would like you to pray for me i am going through a very difficult time.
Please i ask you to pray for my partner who have left me for another woman three weeks ago. I love him so much and i pray that god will lead him back to me and help us restore our relationship. Please pray for the woman also that god has mercy upon her soul and that they both realise that what they are doing is not right. Pray for me also that god gives me stregth and guidance through this difficult time im going through and that i come out of the three day fasting stronger in faith. Thank you and god bless you
Maybe
God wanted you to take this time to see if this relationship was really meant to be. I noticed you said partner? God does want you to have someone to love you for you, but I don't think he believes adulterous relationships really lead one to true happiness. It took me a long time to learn that lesson. God has a better plan for you, but stick to your guns and hold out for the one that will bring marriage, not just just companionship.
Prayer Request
Please pray for me and my family. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and together for 26. We have three chldren but we are living in two different countries. the keys are with me; even though we talk every single day we have not seen each other for two years 2 months; and unless God grants us a miracle we would not be together for another two years.
Please, please, remind us in your prayers.
Fasting for the 1st time
Hello
Thank you for the information on fasting. I'm bookmarking it so I can refer back again. Today is my first attempt at fasting. Perhaps niavely (sp?) I stepped into this day thinking a piece of toast before sunrise and a juice drink later will do it. Today my focus is on learning about fasting and prayer. I hope I honor our Lord God today with my attempt.
God Bless You, Kathy
Prayer and fasting
Dear Brother and Sister,
Wanna say thank you for the scriptures written about prayer and fasting, since i was doing it now for 4 days, there i found the exact way of fasting and Jesus fast for 40 days, since we are disciples God we should fast. Thank you so much for the informative details.
God loves you, He cares and God bless you
Sister in Christ,
Marites
Thanks to Christian-faith website
I just want to thank Christian-faith website for such powerful scriptures and teachings about fasting. I feel God ministering to me through this website and its true that fasting brings you near to God. I really feel blessed and its my prayers that God will continue revealing his powers to this website.
Maggie
fasting
does God make any distinction in answering our prayer when we fast or not?is not He after our hearts,if our hearts are sincere, even we dont fast will it make any diffence for God?thanks. anna
Fasting
Anna,
Your Fasting is not what moves God to answer your prayers, rather your fasting subdues your flesh and moves you into a position in wish you can receive more from God. So yes God is after your heart and he blesses those who seek him with all their heart. However, so many times our flesh stands between us and God and the blessings that he has for us. This is where fasting comes in, it is a powerful tool that causes the flesh to surrender to the full work of God allowing him to do all he wishes to do in our lives and that includes answering our prayers.
Emem
PLEASE PRAY FOR US
Thank you so much I am a little worried about a situation that concerns my mother! On the way to work I work the graveyard shift a voice spoke to me and said be in one accord with your mom right now you and your siblings. Give up what desires of this world fast. My sister loves to eat and I as well I have a short fuse so we need to both fast and pray for our mothers situation to be delivered shut out the worldly things and connect to what God wants for our mother. I am asking for all of your PRAYERS as to let this wonderful and bountiful blessing be fullfilled for my mother!
Love Alway
REKAH AND LANI the daughters of TERRI
Fasting
A really good site on fasting is www.juicefasting.org - for how to do it and the physical details - how to do it, what to expect, so forth. I find it very interesting how much easier it is to be a good Christian when my body is in good health. The easy anger is gone and things like patience, compassion, etc. become easier.
Also, Stephen Harrod Buhner's book "The Fasting Path" goes into the spiritual aspects of fasting quite a bit. He talks about the mental/emotional changes in fasting that bring us closer to God and strengthen our feelings of love and compassion to those around us.
Also, I believe the meaning of this scripture was explained to m
e by the Holy Spirit.
A pastor at my church said this. "God's strength is made perfect in our weakness."
For some time, I was wondering how people's prayers were answered when they started fasting.
Well, I get "it" now.
When we are weak, as comes with fasting, God's strength is made perfect."
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