21 DAYS OF FASTING & PRAYER

JANUARY 6-26

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.

EZRA 8:23

SCHEDULE

JOIN US FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP ON THESE EVENINGS.

  • JAN 8 | WED | 6:30 PM

  • JAN 12 | SUN | 6 PM

  • JAN 15 | WED | 6:30 PM

  • JAN 19 | SUN | 6 PM

  • JAN 22 | WED | 6:30 PM

  • JAN 26 | SUN | 6 PM

WHAT IS FASTING?

Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. To fast is to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food and/or drink for a specific time and purpose.

WHY FAST?

  • Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus practiced and God rewards (Matthew 6:18).

  • Fasting demonstrates the depth of your need, your humility, and your dependence on God. It’s an indication that you are serious enough about your prayer request to pay a personal price. It is not about “earning” an answer to prayer. God honors deep desire and faith and will answer out of grace; He cannot be blackmailed by human effort.

  • In the Bible, fasting is always connected with prayer. Fasting provides opportunity for focused prayer. Fasting releases God’s supernatural power. Prayer and fasting are ways God can work in us to deal blows to the enemy

HOW DO I FAST?

  • Drink water often and limit physical exercise .

  • Try to seek God’s face continually, even when you’re tempted to focus on physical discomforts that come with fasting .

  • If you have any health issues or are pregnant or nursing, seek a doctor’s advice before beginning any fast. In these cases, you should fast only if your health practitioner recommends it.

24 HOUR FAST

Abstain from meals and drink only water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice.

ONE MEAL FAST

Abstain from one meal for one or more days a week.

DANIEL FAST (DANIEL 1)

Consume only foods such as vegetables, fruit, and nuts and drink only water.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE TO FAST?

  • Think and pray about your reason to fast . What are you seeking God for?

  • Pray about the type and length of your fast, and then commit to doing it.

  • Think through normal activities you will restrict during your fast.

  • Plan out the times you will read Scripture and pray during your fast.

  • Deal with sin in your life . Confess it, seek forgiveness, and/or forgive others.

  • For a longer fast, prepare yourself physically by limiting food intake a few days before and after the fast. Remember to consult your doctor first.

  • Start your fast expecting God to work and answer your prayers!

WHERE IS FASTING FOUND IN THE BIBLE?

  • Moses (Exodus 34:28)

  • Elijah (1 Kings 19:8)

  • David (2 Samuel 12:16-17)

  • Ezra (Ezra 10:6)

  • Daniel (Daniel 10:3)

  • Esther (Esther 4:15-16)

  • Anna the Prophetess (Luke 2:36-27)

  • Jesus (Matthew 4:2, Luke 2:36-37)

  • Paul (Acts 9:9)

  • New Testament Church Leaders at Antioch (Acts 13:2)

  • Paul & Barnabas (Acts 14:23)

RESOURCES USED

  • “40 Days’ of Community” Resource by Rick Warren (2002)

  • “7 Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer” by Bill Bright

  • “God’s Chosen Fast,” Arthur Wallis (1968)

  • “A Hunger For God - Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer,”

  • John Piper (2013)

  • “A Fasting Guide.” www.mykingdomcity.ca/21daysofprayerandfasting

  • “Quotes on Fasting.” www.trustworthyword.com/quotesonfasting