21
Days of
Prayer and Fasting 13th July - 2nd August, 2015
The Essence of Prayer and Fasting Isaiah 58
Understanding Fasting Fasting is voluntary abstinence from food and/or drink for the purpose of seeking a deeper spiritual experience with God. It’s a time of returning to God and seeking His forgiveness and intervention in our circumstances. What does the Bible say about Fasting? Jesus cautioned that fasting should not be for show or publicity. Just like prayer, fasting is personal or corporate business with God. (Matthew 6:16-18).
Types of Fast Normal Fast - is referred to as the ‘Jesus Fast’ where one abstains from food but takes water. A healthy person can comfortably do up to 40 days of a normal fast (Matthew 4:2). Absolute Fast - also known as ‘DRY fast’. One takes neither food nor water, medically the body can take up to 3 days of Absolute or Dry fast. However it’s important to physically prepare your body in advance for this kind of fast (Esther 4:16, Jonah 1:17 - 2:10 and Acts 9:9). Partial Fast – This is where one restricts their diet. One could choose to fast from meat and other pleasant food, drinks or just live on ‘soft’ food, little portions of food or drinks such as fruit juice and porridge (Daniel 10:2-3). There is power in fasting. None is more superior to the other. These are different levels of denial and commitment to seek God.
Fasting Changes Things It’s key to Establishment of God’s Work (Acts 13:1-3, 14:23). Prayer and Fasting empowers God’s servants and the church to do the work of the ministry. Fasting releases the Holy Spirit to do a work of Revival In us. God’s fresh presence takes us into deeper experience in Christ. It gives us a greater awareness of God’s reality and work in our lives (Phil 2:13). It changes the Destiny of Nations and Individuals (Jonah 3:5-10, Esther 4:14-17, 2Chro 20). It purifies us spiritually - It suppresses the physical and strengthens the spiritual man in us (Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 3:16). It brings God’s power into difficult situations (1 Sam 7:6). Fasting results in brokenness. Fasting brings healing and helps activate our faith in God.
2
Preparation For A Fast
1. 2. 3.
Set aside specific objectives. Keeping your goals in focus will help sustain your fast e.g. of objectives: spiritual renewal, healing, resolution of problems or special grace to handle a difficult situation. Prepare yourself spiritually. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit, confess and repent all your sins. Spend time meditating on the word of God: Psalm 1, Psalm 15, Psalm 51 & Ephesians 4:17-32. Prepare yourself physically. Reduce your food intake gradually as you approach your fast. If you intend to do a dry fast, take only raw foods a day or two before the fast begins . Avoid stimulants like coffee, tea and coke. NB: Seek medical advice if you are recovering from a sickness or under medication before you start your fast.
the kind of fast you will take. Is it partial? For how long? Pray and always ask the 4. Decide Holy Spirit to guide you in making this decision. ahead to limit your activity level. Avoid strenuous physical exercise or activities 5. Plan especially during a long fast. Doing heavy manual work, for instance may not be a good
idea, take time to rest so you won’t be too exhausted to concentrate on your prayer and meditation. If possible you can take a few days of your leave to pray and fast.
6.
Set aside ample time to be alone with God. The more time spent in praise, worship and adoration to God and meditation on His Word, the more effective and meaningful your time of prayer and fasting will be.
prayer cover. It’s good to let your prayer partner(s) or spiritual leader know that 7. Request you are fasting so that they can back you up in prayer. This will give strength and provide protection during your time of prayer.
on God. During your fast expect to hear from God. Plan to record any thoughts or 8. Wait promptings the Holy Spirit may lay on your heart. Keep a diary.
9. Corporate fasts: could be done with prayer partners, friends, family or workmates. •
Agree together. It’s important for there to be agreement among the participants concerning the issues of prayer and the times of fasting, those committed to it should be faithful!
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Plan for joint times of prayer, this could be daily, in between the fast or at the end of the fast.
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It may be significant to break the fast together if it’s possible, this builds up a greater sense of unity, faith and purpose.
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Breaking Your Fast 1.
Do it gradually. Begin by drinking fluids or taking very light meals until your body adjusts. Breaking a fast gradually helps to prolong the spiritual effects of your fast. Never break a long fast with a solid protein meal this could result in physical harm.
2.
Expect transformation. Long for and expect change. Seek to draw closer to God and to learn His will. Plan to diligently follow through any of the issue that God may point out in your life. Make commitments to change and maintain your regular spiritual disciplines after your fast. Psalms 34:4… “I sought the Lord and He heard me, He delivered me from all my fear’’
Fasting Calls For Sacrifice, Humility And Self Denial. (Matthews 16:24). Take time, seek God and spend time reading your Bible as we prepare for the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.
2015
REVIVAL WEEK
3rd - 9th
August
REV VAL IN
BETHEL
Touching Families Impacting Nations