21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING

+ What is Spiritual Fasting?

Spiritual fasting is the process of going without something, usually food, to gain a right perspective of who Jesus is and what He wants from our lives. During a spiritual Fast, the time usually spent preparing meals and eating is replaced with prayer, worship and Scripture reading.

While fasting for weight loss and other physical benefits have become more popular in recent years, the practice of spiritual fasting is often neglected by Christians. Often, believers will avoid fasting because they see it as fanatical or as something just for the spiritual elite, those people who are walking more closely with God. Many Christians are simply unaware of the spiritual discipline of fasting and other believers are afraid of the unknown. Fasting is not comfortable or easy and the idea of going without food may seem odd, especially in our Western culture. However, fasting is mentioned 77 times in Scripture. For comparison, baptism is mentioned 75 times. If the Bible talks of fasting as much as baptism, we shouldn’t ignore that. Spiritual fasting is incredibly important and is a large part of a disciple’s journey.

+ COMMON QUESTIONS

Why are we fasting as a church?

According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and Fast. Read Matthew 6:1-21. Pay particular attention to one word in verses 2, 5 and 16. Jesus says, “ WHEN you give...WHEN you pray...WHEN you fast... ” Those are directives, not options.

Fasting makes you aware of the presence of Jesus in your life. The more you are aware of Him, the more time you spend with Him, the more your relationship with Him will thrive. This will impact your marriage, friendships, career and the way you interact with other people in the world. Ultimately, this leads to the greatest treasure of all, storing up treasures in Heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Fasting reminds you to hunger for His Word. When Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness, He answered the temptation of Satan by saying, “... People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God .” (Matthew 4:4) If you’re not hungry for God, this sounds like nonsense, but what truly sustains you is the Word of God.

Fasting grows a hunger for Jesus in your life and reveals unhealthy habits. When you are hungry (or hangry), you see how the stomach can have control over your actions. While fasting, unhealthy habits are revealed. You’ll realize when you are seeking comfort or avoiding issues by using food, alcohol, social media, etc., that do not satisfy, instead of turning to Christ and His Word. It reveals things that may be controlling you, rather than having self-control. Fasting trains you to seek His will.

Fasting will help you find balance in life, revealing where you may be out of balance in how you spend your time and resources.

Fasting helps you see clearly. Do you have a big decision that you need to make? Are you considering a move? Are you considering changing careers? Are you considering marriage or starting a family? Before any major decision, the Bible is clear that we should Fast and pray. Psalm 119:105 says, “ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path .” The Word will give us direction and peace in our hearts when we seek God for life’s decisions.

+ HOW TO GET STARTED

Fasting grows a hunger for Jesus in your life and reveals unhealthy habits. When you are hungry (or hangry), you see how the stomach can have control over your actions. While fasting, unhealthy habits are revealed. You’ll realize when you are seeking comfort or avoiding issues by using food, alcohol, social media, etc., that do not satisfy, instead of turning to Christ and His Word. It reveals things that may be controlling you, rather than having self-control. Fasting trains you to seek His will. Fasting will help you find balance in life, revealing where you may be out of balance in how you spend your time and resources. Fasting helps you see clearly. Do you have a big decision that you need to make? Are you considering a move? Are you considering changing careers? Are you considering marriage or starting a family? Before any major decision, the Bible is clear that we should Fast and pray. Psalm 119:105 says, “ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path .” The Word will give us direction and peace in our hearts when we seek God for life’s decisions. During a spiritual Fast, the goal is to spend more time in prayer and in the Word, not in planning, preparing and cooking in a way that attempts to replace what you have removed. Try not to get caught up in complicated recipes. Make a simple plan and prep for multiple meals in advance so that your mind is focused and in control rather than your stomach. One great way to do this is to make a one-week plan and repeat it weekly. Choose one or two options for each mealtime and get those ingredients in place. Food is meant to fuel the body, so for these three weeks, eat for nourishment, not entertainment, pleasure or comfort.

1) Decide why you are fasting

Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, revival, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

2) Preparing Spiritually

God cannot work in you and through you if your life is full of sin. Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

3) Deciding what type of fast you are doing

You must choose what fast you will be doing. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember the practice of fasting means that you are replacing that time where you would be eating with prayer and Bible study.

4) Deciding how long your fast will last

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. If you feel led to a complete fast, please see your personal physician before you attempt this type of fast. Going without food will affect your body. Use common sense, wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

+ WHAT TO EXPECT DURING / AFTER THE FAST

What can you expect during your fast?

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars.

So, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6, “But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” and do your best not to let anyone know you’re fasting by complaining about it, looking like it or being mean. We all can get a bit edgy when we go without certain foods, coffee or cokes for a while. So pray that you don’t bite anyone’s head off because you’re fasting.

Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

What can you expect after your fast?

Here’s a tip from experience...don’t go to Outback and order the biggest, greasiest bacon cheeseburger on the menu! It will not end well. When you come off your fast, realize your body has been purified and has gone without certain things (proteins, sugars, caffeine, etc.) for some time. It will take some time for your body to re-adjust. So, don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

+ P.R.A.Y.

There is no special formula for prayer. There are no “buzz words” or phrases that capture God’s attention more than any other. Prayer is pouring your honest, surrendered heart out to God and seeking His answers to your struggles. When asked by His disciples about prayer, Jesus responded with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.""

Jesus’ response points out four key attributes of prayer. We’ve made an acrostic to make easy to remember every time you pray. This isn’t a formula, but if you need a little direction in your prayers, this serves as a great guide.

PRAISE: Praise God for who He is and His attributes. Begin by giving Him your worship and adoration.

REPENT: Confess to God the things you have done in word, thought or deed which led you into sin. Confess and repent.

ASK: After you have spent time in praise and repentance, make your requests known to God by asking Him to provide your needs.

YIELD: God is always at work around you. Take time to notice when He invites you to join Him to become part of His mission.

+ RESOURCES, BOOKS, FOOD LIST

www.danielfast.wordpress.com/

www.ultimatedanielfast.com

BOOKS:

Fasting by Jentezen Franklin. Scripture filled to teach and support the practice of Biblical fasting as a means of focused prayer.

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola. This has over 100 all natural recipes for the Daniel Fast.

Finding our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices by Brian McLaren

Fasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnight

Prayer and Fasting by David Roadcup and Michael Eagle

FOODS LIST & RECIPES:

List of Foods to Eat

List of Foods to Avoid

Sample Recipes

+ WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS I CAN FAST?

We realize that not everyone can do the “Daniel Fast” for all kinds of reasons and that’s ok. We have, however, provided some other ideas and practices for those who still want to participate in this fasting season. Our goal is that 100% of our church family would come along side us as we focus our full attention on the things of our heavenly Father.

Full Fast

Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

*Please talk to your personal physician before attempting a Full Fast.

The Daniel Fast

Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

*There are resources in The Source to assist you with this.

*Recommend reading “Fasting” by Jentzen Franklin.

3-Day Fast

This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast

A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Technology Fast

Maybe it’s time to give up certain things in the technology world. Whether it be social media platforms like Facebook or Snapchat to Video games and yes, even Netflix. Whatever is distracting you from seeing God’s true vision and the life He has for you this is a perfect time to set those things aside to focus on Him.

+ FASTING GUIDELINES

Fasting involves much more than going without food. Genuine fasting requires planning and preparation, and it also demands an intentional and complete commitment to seeking the Lord throughout the fast.

Below are several steps you should take if you desire to fast effectively.

PLAN YOUR PRAYER TIME

Determine how much time you will spend praying and studying God’s word daily. Part of the fast is filling the time you normally would spend preparing and eating meals with prayer and study. You must be intentional in this.

TAKE A SPIRITUAL INVENTORY BEFORE YOU BEGIN

When you fast and pray you are giving up food to discipline your body. Make sure you do the same with your attitudes and thoughts. You want to bring all parts of your life under the discipline of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

REPENT

Acknowledge your sin, repent, and be done with it. For God to hear your prayers you must first empty yourself of your sin. Ask for forgiveness and then live forgiven. (1 Chronicles 7:14-15)

CHECK YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

If you have hurt another person, you must go to them and ask for forgiveness. If there is someone who has offended you, pray for them and forgive them. (Mark 11:25-26)

ASK GOD TO TEACH YOU FROM HIS WORD

Remember, there is a measure of spiritual blindness in each one of us, so we must ask the Holy Spirit to teach us and to take away our spiritual blindness. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

ASK GOD TO FILL YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The more you know about the Holy Spirit, the more you can give Him control of your life. And the more you walk with the Holy Spirit, the more He can exercise His influence through you. (Ephesians 5:18)

YIELD YOURSELF FULLY TO JESUS CHRIST

Give everything to God. Once you have yielded your physical self you must also yield your inner self. (Romans 12:1)

ASK FOR FAITH

The first step toward a stronger faith is developing an expectant heart for things which you are praying. (Hebrews 11:6)

BE AWARE OF SPIRITUAL ATTACKS

Remember there is an enemy and he will do anything and everything to destroy your fast and wreck your faith. Be prepared to face the enemy by keeping your thoughts on God and His Word. (Jude 20)