Your guide to 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer

21 DAYs of

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Fastin & Praye

Perth Alliance Church ©2010

Contents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Fasting Basics

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1. How long should we fast?

2. What are the different types of fasting?

3. Why should we fast and pray?

4. How do we start fasting and prayer?

5. What are the “DO’s” and “DON’Ts” of fasting?

6. How should we break the fast? (after extended fasting) 7. Other remarks References B. Fasting & Prayer: Daily Schedule

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C. Fasting & Prayer: Prayer Items Week 1. (26/3 - 3/4) Week 2. ( 4/4 - 10/4) Week 3. (11/4 - 16/4)

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Hymns

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Notes

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

(Jer 29:12-13) This year, our church has decided to commence “21 Days of Fasting and Prayer” on 26/3, to commit ourselves to pray for church growth/direction and for spiritual renewal of our brothers and sisters.

Many could have heard of fasting and prayer, but very few have really done so. Therefore, it is normal to expect some concerns or queries: “Praying regularly is good enough, why fasting?”

“Will fasting have negative impact on our body, work and normal life?”

“If we fast, how can we make the most use of it for the best spiritual benefits?”

This booklet seeks to answer those questions, and will help you experience God in the next few weeks through fasting and prayer.

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A.

Fasting Basics

1. How long should I fast?

The Bible recorded examples of fasting for 1 meal, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 40 days. What matters most to God is not how long we fast, but why we fast. Normally a healthy person can fast for up to 3 days without problem. Yet for extended fasting, one needs to make sure s/he has been so led by God. 2. What are the different types of fasting? i. ii. iii.

Absolute fasting – no food, no drink (Ex 34:27-28).

Normal fasting – no solid food, but with liquid (Lk 4:2).

Partial/selective fasting – fasting from 1 or several different kinds of food only (Da 10:3).

In modern days, people normally go for type 2 and 3 above. People with health problems, pregnancy and on long-term medication should refrain from type 1 and 2, and should consult with medical professionals before fasting.

3. Why should we fast and pray? i. ii. iii.

For the Kingdom of God and the spiritual things so that we can seek God with all our heart (Ps 35:13; Mt 6:33).

For learning to rely on God’s strength rather than physical strength/fulfilment while battling against the forces of darkness (Eph 6:10-18).

For more intimate time with the Lord in praying, worshipping and reading His word and discern His will about what is to come (Da 10:3, 11-12).

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iv.

For sharpening our spiritual sensitivity, and releasing the power of God into our prayer life.

4. How do we start fasting and prayer? i.

Setting your goals Apart from being called to take part in fasting and prayer, we should ask God what we need to fast and pray for. Has there been any prompting from God recently, about praying for your unsaved family members, for those who are very sick, for your spiritual renewal, or for your career directions etc? Once confirmed, let’s make these your goals of fasting and prayer, in addition to interceding for the church.

At the same time, we should decide prayerfully the duration of our fasting (number of days or meals), and when to start, and which type of fasting we should use – full or selective fasting. ii.

Preparing our body Before fasting, we should eat smaller meals and avoid sugary & highfat foods. NEVER feast before you fast. On the other hand, consult your physician especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. iii.

Preparing our spirit & mind We should pray before we start fasting. Pray that as we fast to seek God, He will give us wisdom to understand His will. Furthermore, we should expect great things from God in our lives and in our church as we attempt exceptional things for God.

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5. What are the “DOs” & “DON’Ts” of fasting?

During fasting and prayer, our physical strength will be impacted for sure. Thus, prior to starting, we need to schedule wisely our daily tasks and try to avoid appointments or activities that require significant physical output. It is wise also to minimize physical workout or exercise during fasting, while basic house chores, office work and studies would not pose any problems.

Drink lots of water and other fluid during fasting and prayer, eg. fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid milk, tea or coffee as it will make you feeling hungrier.

A typical daily schedule will look like the following. For a more detailed suggested schedule, please refer to: “Fasting & Prayer Daily Schedule”  Worship and Confession  Devotion and Bible Reading  Prayer and Intercession The following should be avoided: × × × × ×

Fasting without prayer Fasting without Bible-reading Fasting without a repentant heart Fasting without a humble spirit Fasting without intimate moments with God

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6. How should we break the fast?

When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.

Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your extended fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.

Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly: •

Break an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon.

•

While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following: 1st day: Add a raw salad.

2nd day: Add baked or boiled potato, no butter or seasoning.

3rd day: Add a steamed vegetable.

Thereafter: Begin to reintroduce your normal diet.

•

Gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days. Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Advance to a few tablespoons of solid foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and baked potato.

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7. Other remarks When we fast and pray, we are entering aggressively into a spiritual battle, which will sadden Satan. We can expect that it will lure us away from experiencing God by all sorts of temptations, difficulties, thoughts, and relational matters etc. Its primary aim is to distract us so that we give up. We need to pay attention to this.

When we fast, it is very normal that we will feel hungry. Remember that as we make ourselves hungry physically for the sake of hungering for God, “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness … will be filled” (Mt 5:6).

References 1. The Coming Revival (Bill Bright, 1995) 2. The Transforming Power of Fasting and Prayer: Personal Accounts of Spiritual Renewal (Bill Bright, 1997) 3. 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer – http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/7steps-to-fasting/index.htm (Online resources) 4. Fasting Basics – (Online resources) http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/fastingbasics.php

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B.

Fasting & Prayer: Daily Schedule

“WE are constantly on a stretch, if not on a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel.

This trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man or sink the man in the plan or organization. God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else.

Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.

The Holy [Spirit] does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.”

--Power through Prayer

* How to make use of this Schedule:

We encourage you to set aside as much time as possible (approx 30-45 minutes) during your normal meal-time which is now for fasting and prayer, and 1. Read the suggested Bible verses (or what God has impressed on you) and meditate upon them; 2. Use the songs in this booklet (or others which will help you worship God); 3. Follow the schedule with prayer and intercession focusing on personal (morning), family (mid-day), church (evening) needs (you may refer to the “Fasting & Prayer – Prayer

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Items” section of this booklet or the weekly updated version)

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27 March (Sat) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Pro 16:18, 5; 29:23

Mid-day (family)

Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Ask God to remove the pride in our hearts …

Bible verses：

Pro 22:29; 23:4-5; Ps 90:17 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray for your spouse or another family member regarding their work/duties/chores …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： Jam 3:1; 1 Pet 5:1-4, 8 Prayer： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray for the pastors/elders/leaders of the church as you are led …

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28 March (Sun) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Ps 37:8; Mt 5:22; Pro 16:32 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Ask God to remove the anger in our hearts …

Mid-day (family)

Bible verses： 1 Tim 2:9-10

Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray for your spouse or another family member regarding their character …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： 2 Ch 7:14 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led, asking God to cleanse and humble His

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church…

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29 March (Mon) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Job 5:2; Pro 14:30 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Mid-day (family)

Pray as you are led …

Ask God to remove the jealousy in our hearts …

Bible verses： Eph:1-3 Prayers： Pray for your parents or other family members …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： 1 Jn 5:16 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Let us stand in the gap and bring about reconciliation, and ask God to show mercy …

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30 March (Tue) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Mt 5:27-28; 1 Pe 1:13-16 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Mid-day (family)

Pray as you are led …

Ask God to purify and cleanse our hearts, purge from us any evil thoughts and habits …

Bible verses： Eph 6:4 Prayers： Pray for your own offspring (future children) or any children that you know …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： 1 Jn 4:19-21 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Ask God to give us a heart to love one another, and forgive us if we have not loved …

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31 March (Wed) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Lk 12:18-19 18; Dt 8:3 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Mid-day (family)

Pray as you are led …

Bible verses：

Lk 12：29-31; Pro 28:27; Ps 37:25; 1 Tim 6：17 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray for the family finances and wisdom to handle it in a godly way …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： Jam 5:13-16 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Pray for those in sickness and who suffer in pain, that we confess to and pray for one another …

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1 April (Thu) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Pro 19:15; 21:25; 2 Pe 1:8 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Mid-day (family)

Bible verses：2 Pe 3:9 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Evening (church)

Pray for a non-believing family member …

Bible verses： 2 Cor 6:16-17 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Ask God to give us a repentant heart, and set us apart for His use …

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2 April (Fri) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Is 53:1-5 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Mid-day (family)

Bible verses：Mk 12:30; Ps 91:14

Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray for your spouses or another family member to put their trust in God …

Evening (church)

Bible verses： Jer 29:11-13 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Pray for the whole church that we seek God wholeheartedly …

Joining the Good Friday service

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7:30 @ U6/41 Belmont Ave, Belmont

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3 April (Sat) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： Is 53:6-12 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Mid-day (family)

Bible verses：Rom 10:9-15 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Evening (church)

Pray for a non-believing family member that s/he will know God in a personal way …

Bible verses： Rom 15:5-7 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Pray for the church’s unity …

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4 April (Sun) Morning (personal)

“…Your sin have deprived you of good” (Jeremiah 5:25) Pray to Holy Spirit that cleans our inmost selves, mercy on us…

Bible verses： 1 Tim 6:6-10; Mk 8:36 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40)

Mid-day (family)

Pray as you are led …

Ask God to take away our greed and make us contended with what we have …

Bible verses： Ps 18:2-3; Php 4:6-7

Evening (church)

Prayers： Pray for your parents or other family members …

Bible verses： Act 2:17-18 Prayers： Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 6:40) Pray as you are led …

Ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church …

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C.

Fasting & Prayer: Pray Items ( 26/3 - 3/4 )

Family & Marriage 1. Please pray for a number of families in our church who may still have some family members currently residing or working overseas. Pray for God’s protection while they are away and that their family will be reunited soon.

2. Pray for the many families whose members may all be Christians, but that they may be able to serve God as a whole family.

3. Ask God to give wisdom and strength to the married couples of our church to build strong marriages upon which the entire family and their children’s welfare rely.

4. Pray for Jason Wong’s family so that God can effectively use us to bless those around us (James, and wife, Jason, Lillian, Jenny, Justine). ‐

Pray for Zach, for his birth and also for us as we strive with God's strength and wisdom to bring him up in a godly manner.

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Pray for Lilian's mum and dad, that they will one day soon come to know the Lord.

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Pray for Lilian's mum for the 2 months she stays here to help look after Zach. Pray that we maintain a united spirit within the family, even through cultural and generational differences.

5. Aunty Gim’s family.

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Conversion 1. Please pray for the many non-believing spouses (mostly husbands) of our church members, that through their wives’ prayers and good deeds, their hearts will be softened to know and accept the Lord into their lives.

2. Kindly remember some families in prayer who will visit their hometowns during the year that they will be able to share the good news and bring many to Christ.

3. Let us come to God boldly for the work of the Holy Spirit among our non-believing families and friends that they are convicted of sins, righteousness and judgement, and that they can only find hope in Jesus Christ.

Health & Healing 1. There are a number of pregnant sisters in our midst. Please pray for Wei Bing, Angela, Duo Duo, Dan, Lucy, Hwa Ping, Lilian, Ophelia, Cathy, Ivy, and Phoebe.

2. Pray kindly for those of our church who suffer from various diseases: headache, diabetes, stomach-ache, back pain, stroke, that they experience God’s healing hands and will fully recover in Jesus’ name.

3. Remember those elderly members in our church that God grant them joy in their old age and more meaningful years to come.

4. Pray for healing of Zengfu’s dad (Jane’s grand-dad) who had a stroke a couple of years ago. Pray also for his steady and strong faith in Christ.

5. Pray for the healing of Matthew Chan’s eczema condition.

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6. For those who are in the midst of pain and suffering, please pray that the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.

Others 1. Please pray for a number of Mandarin families who are currently applying for their PR status to be able to work and live in Perth. Ask God to show them He is in control.

2. There is a relatively large young working adults group in the Cantonese congregation. Please pray for them as they are settling down and adjusting in their work, married/family life.

Let them not lose sight of God’s calling in their lives.

3. Pray for Grace Yi’s direction in life and for her music business development (Music of Grace) to bring hope to the broken generation.

Then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard !

Isaiah 58:8 b

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2010/3 PAC Prayer Committee All Rights Reserved

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Hymns: Prayer Father hear our prayer, As we gather before you Standing with one voice, Lifting up our hands One heart to worship you Father hear our prayer, As we pray for our nation May your glory show, Salvation love and hope Made known to the world Chorus: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia~ Almighty God May Lord Jesus reign forever, May your Spirit steer our lives, May our footsteps reflect your glory, Your will be done (x2) (Chorus)

7 Prayers Lord, please help me run the race of the cross.

Lord, please help me gain Christ and consider everything else worthless Lord, please help me not to lose sight and direction Lord, please have your Holy Spirit fill me and teach me to imitate Christ Lord, please teach me to listen and submit to your word Lord, please help me to love you more and persevere to the end Lord Jesus, please empower me to walk the narrow path

Seeking God’s Face If my people will humble themselves Pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways Then I will hear their prayer from heaven Forgive their sins and heal their land Let us seek God’s face as He cleanses us May the Spirit revive me turning weakness into strength

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And heal the sick to reveal the Kingdom of God

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Notes:

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