21 Day Prayer & Fasting Guide

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2 21 Day Prayer & Fasting Guide 2014 This devotional is designed to guide you through your 21-day Prayer and Fasting experience. The goal of fasting is not just that we disconnect from the world, it is that we connect with God. As Christians there really is no better way to bring about refreshing in every area of our lives than through prayer and fasting. Our hope is that this time of prayer and fasting will refresh you personally and our church family as we seek His blessings and guidance. We pray that you will experience the presence and power of God in an extraordinary way as you commit yourself to Him over the next 21 days. May you be closer to God than ever before as you seek to put Him first. As we prepare for the next 21 days, think about why you are fasting. Do we need spiritual renewal, guidance, a difficult situation resolved, or for a major need to be met? This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. When praying, make your primary goal to know and experience Him more. There are several things you can do to prepare your heart: Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from people whom you have offended, and forgive those who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3, 4). Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to his command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14, 15. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1, 2). If you mess up, don t get discouraged. Just get right back on track and keep going. God s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He wants you to finish, and He will give you the grace and strength to do it! We are suggesting the 21 Day Daniel fast. There is plenty of information on the internet and books written on Daniel Fast. Simply put, here is the type of food not eaten while on the Daniel Fast: No meats, dairy products, sweet foods, or beverages other than water. (Coffee and tea without extras is deemed ok)

3 Other Fasting activities suggested: Although not mentioned in the Bible we as Christians today can also commit to fasting from other activities: a. Electronics b. Computers c. TV d. Video games. e. Limited cell phone use if possible. f. Try to give up some entertainment like sports and movies and focus more on prayer and studying the Word of God during the times we do some of these activities. Important Note: Fasting requires reasonable precautions. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician prior to beginning your fast. Our prayer is that this will be a significant time in your life where you experience God s presence like never before! Read the devotions every morning (AM), pray and fast during the day, then record your thoughts and prayers in the journaling space provided (PM).

4 Finding Strength in Weakness Day 1 Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God In day 1 of this journey we find our weakness is really an open door for Kingdom work. We are blessed when there is less of me and more of Christ. This takes the focus off of me and puts it on the others in my life path. That's Kingdom work! His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. This wonderful truth is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness, Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. May the power of Christ rest upon us these 21 days of fasting! Let this verse be your strength verse for today. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Read Matthew 17:20. What is the topic of this statement from Christ? Pray for His strength as we start this 21 day journey.

5 Day 2 Breaking the Chains of Bondage Isaiah 58:6-9 - Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am. Wow.Is this not the fast we want? What chains in your life need to be broken? Are we shackled by some bond of wickedness, heavy burden, or sinful yoke? Seek the freedom we have in Christ. Make sure the chains of bondage in your life have been broken then you will be able to help others break their chains of bondage. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let Jesus break your chains. Then embrace your new found freedom! Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Do you know some others that are chained and are in bondage? Pray for them today.

6 I'm a New Creature in Christ Jesus Day 3 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Are you ready to be transformed? This is one of the purposes of prayer and fasting. Fasting is presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, acceptable to God. Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It is a brand new day! All things today have become new in Christ. Prepare your heart to hear the voice of God, and ask God to help you remove distractions that keep you from focusing on Him and hearing Him clearly. Read John 10: We have a life in Christ that needs to be proclaimed! Tell someone today!

7 Day 4 Spiritual Food Psalm 34:8 - Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! God's Word is life-giving, spiritual food. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He said, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt.4:4). Psalm 19 says this about God's words: They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. God's Word is life-changing, miracle-working, alive, holy, true, perfect, empowering, encouraging, trustworthy and healing. It guides us, gives wisdom, is a mighty weapon and is to be treasured! Jesus was the Word made flesh, our bread of life. To know the scriptures is to know Jesus better! Trust Him to sustain you as you Pray and Fast! He can do more than you can imagine (Ephesians. 3:20). Read Ephesians 3-6 and ask God to make these Words real to you today.

8 Cultivating Spiritual Hunger Day 5 Mark 1: Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. Jesus disconnected from the world to fast and pray...even Jesus. There are times that we, too, need to pull away from the things of the world and focus on God. When being with Jesus becomes more important to us than food, television, movies, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, and internet, then we can fill up our souls as well as our time. We need to fill up our hunger for God! Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Matthew 6:19-21 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. During this time of fasting and praying, you will find that being still before the Lord will set you in a place of increased strength, peace, and hunger for God! Read 2 Timothy 2:20-22 What is God saying to you in these scriptures? What kind of vessel are you planning on being today?

9 Day 6 Prayer with Fasting Removes Unbelief Matthew 17: And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, Why could we not cast it out? So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. When we pray and fast, we don't do so to change God or His will but to CHANGE US! When we pray and fast, one thing that leaves is our unbelief. Faith will give us confidence to come before our Lord with confidence, even boldness (Hebrews 10:19) Mark 9:24 - Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! It's okay to acknowledge if you struggle with unbelief. It's the first step in allowing God to strengthen your faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from your unbelief and pray with confidence knowing nothing will be impossible for you. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. What does the knowledge of God do for you? Think about it.

10 Effective, Fervent Prayer Day 7 James 5:16b - The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Fervency speaks of our level of intensity and passion. Many times we can lose our passion in prayer. Go read Matthew 7:7-11 and see if you can see our Lord's passion for us to have passion! God loves for us to pray with passion (James 5:16b). Psalm 141:2 - May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. 1 Peter 3:12a - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. Commit to praying to God with passion and persistence, trusting the answer will come in God's perfect way and in His perfect timing. That answer could be in the next hour! Think of the answers to prayers that God has already answered. Praise Him for those answers. Now pray fervently today for requests needed and watch for His perfect timing!

11 Day 8 If You Believe, You Will See John 11: Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me. Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth! And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, Loose him, and let him go. The story of Lazarus' death and resurrection reflects the power of Jesus' spoken Word. He already knew in His heart the miracle that was about to take place, but His words spoke the miracle into existence. Do you believe? When Jesus came to Lazarus tomb (John 11: 38 44), he had been dead 4 days. Jesus declared that He knew God heard His private prayer to raise Lazarus from the dead, but He would say it out loud so others nearby would hear and believe: He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth! Lazarus came forth at Jesus command, at the very sound of His voice. How can you use the power of your spoken words to speak God s truth in the lives of others? Prayer is our declaration of our dependence on God, but our spoken words can be the manifestation of what s happening in our hearts. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Will you use your words to build up or to tear down those with whom you come in contact? Take a moment to seek God in prayer ask Him for the words and discernment that may help someone today.

12 Humble Yourself Day 9 Matthew 17: And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him. What a great example of humility this man approached Jesus and knelt before Him in the midst of a crowd. As the father approached Jesus, he believed that Jesus would bring his son relief. But even in his belief, his approach was humble and submitted to what Christ would choose to do. He continued to seek after Jesus even though the disciples couldn t help him. Being humbled before God is realizing our need of Him, submitting to His will, pursuing Him and being confident the outcome will occur at God s perfect timing. Do you think to humble yourself before God in times of need? Or, in your pride or self-sufficiency do you seek to solve your own problems? James 4:6-7a - But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Prayer is a posture of humility. Humble yourself before the Lord each day and bring your cares to Him. But remember in your humility God wants to meet you where you are and answer your every need. Is there discouragement in your heart today? Write it down and release it to your perfect and caring God! Read Colossians 3: Which virtue in this scripture binds all other virtues together in perfect unity? Now, let that virtue reign in your heart today.

13 Day 10 Clean House Romans 8:5-6 - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Have you ever looked at your ceiling fan blades, or under the couch cushions, and noticed the filth that builds up over time? Even though we might clean regularly, there are times when we need to go a little deeper, into places we don't regularly go. What appears to be clean on the surface is actually quite filthy. The same thing can happen spiritually. Even if we regularly worship, pray, and read our Bible, the different pressures and cares of this world quietly build up, and can consume our lives. Fasting promotes the deep cleaning that helps us take our mind off the things of this world and allows a fresh focus on the things of the Spirit. In fasting and prayer, our service to God returns to something we want to do rather than something we have to do. As you pray and fast today, ask God to show you any areas of your life that need a fresh spiritual cleaning! Then, like King David, pray that God will restore the joy of your salvation. Read Psalm 139. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your heart (verses 23-24).

14 What's Your Assignment? Day 11 Luke 4:1-2a, 14 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. This chapter of Luke describes the beginning of Jesus public ministry. Notice that He went into the desert filled with the Holy Spirit. When He returned from Galilee He was in the power of the Spirit. Being full of the Spirit is knowing God and His character; walking in the power of the Spirit is when we know that we have the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will. Fasting and prayer are helpful to receiving a clear vision of God s specific path for our lives. God will empower you to walk in His power to accomplish what He has called you to do. Are there areas of your life where you need more clarity? Are you walking in the power of the Spirit and living in God s purpose for your life? As you continue your fast, pray that God continually reveals His purpose and gives you ever increasing clarity and strength to walk it out. Read Isaiah 48: What does God mean by peace...? like a river? Is that what you really want?

15 Day 12 Don't Worry Pray Instead Philippians 4:6-7- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Worry seems to be an inescapable fact of modern life. No doubt there s plenty to worry about the list could go on forever! But when we worry about something we re spending energy on it, wondering what might happen, rehearsing possible outcomes. Why not take that same energy and refocus it on prayer instead? When we worry, we re simply talking to ourselves about it. let s talk to God about it! He is already there and knows exactly what will happen each step of the way! Are there some things you are worried about now? Talk to God about them and allow His peace to guard your heart. As you go through your day today, recapture each worried thought and send it up to God as a prayer. See how your outlook changes when God s peace is activated through prayer! Are there areas of your life where you need more clarity? Are you walking in the power of the Spirit and living in God s purpose for your life? Read Jeremiah 29: What does God promise to do when you pray to Him?

16 Praying Boldly Day 13 Hebrews 4:16- Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. As children of God under the new covenant of Jesus, we don t have to be timid or fearful when coming to God in prayer. We can approach God boldly. Our boldness is a result of knowing God! God has already settled the issue of our access to Him, but we can be assured, our access is not because of our own righteousness. It s because of what Jesus did on the cross. We can come to the throne with such outrageous boldness because Jesus was outrageously righteous! We come to God in prayer in the authority of Jesus name, and we can be confident that we will find grace, mercy and perfectly-timed help. Do you approach God with timidity or confidence? Seek God boldly today knowing that you are fully forgiven and Jesus has made you righteous. Read Ephesians 3: What is it that is mentioned in this scripture that surpasses knowledge and what is at work within us? Claim these two attributes of God for your day today!

17 Day 14 Alignment with Heaven! Matthew 6:10 (KJV) Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. We ve all heard the phrase just like heaven on earth. When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), He provided some insight into what heaven on earth might look like. In reality heaven is a place where God reigns supremely. The purest motivation for our prayers is that God will be glorified and that His will would reign supreme in our lives, just as it does in heaven. On a more personal level, we can pray that His will be unhindered in our lives. As we yield to the Lordship of Christ over every area of our lives we come into agreement with Him. This is where we find the most fulfilling and joyous life, but it all starts with one, personal yes, Lord on our part. What does God s will on earth as it is in heaven look like in your life? Do the desires of your heart line up with His will? Let s seek God together and pray as Jesus taught us: Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. How is your fasting going? Read Isaiah 58:1-12. Now what does your fasting look like to God after reading this scripture?

18 Confession Day 15 Psalm 51:1-4 - Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight-that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when You judge. Consider the things that come between you and God. Hold them up for confession. Sometimes we do not want to face our nature because it can be a frightful thing. Sincere confession is a bridge to God and is followed by God's drawing near in forgiveness. 1 John 1:8-9 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There is no depth to which we may sink, where He has not been, or where we will be out of reach of the mercy of God. Please spend some time asking God to reveal the sins you need to confess. Then repent and turn from those sins.

19 Day 16 Pride and Humility James 4: But He gives more grace, Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hears, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let you laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Our godliness can often be measured by the line between our pride and humility. Scripture tell us that God has placed a spirit of fierce desires in us. Pride can ignite these God-given desires into an occasion for doing wrong. Humility, on the other hand, makes room for God, who tempers and directs our desires, and guides us to lasting fulfillment. Philippians 2:8 - And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. In what area of your life or in what relationship do you need to ask God to grant you humility? Is there someone you need to humbly approach and ask for forgiveness? Is there an area you need to surrender to God and no longer seek your will, but to trust in Him for His will to be done?

20 Passion for God Day 17 Matthew 10: Jesus teaches His disciples, Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. The word 'passion' comes from a Latin word which means 'suffering'. The suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross has always been referred to as The Passion. We have come to apply the word passion to mean any kind of strong feeling, or commitment, even though more properly it describes a suffering for some worthwhile thing. How do we respond to God's call to follow Him? Are we passionate, or passive? To walk with Jesus, who said, take up your cross and follow me, we must accept God's direction and choose to follow the path laid out for us, even if that path brings passion (suffering). In what areas do you actively choose God's ways and desire to live for Him, or, do you passively follow Him. Ask God to enable you to passionately love and follow Him. Psalm 130: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning-yes, more than those who watch for the morning. Let your passion show today, when given the opportunity!

21 Day 18 The Suffering Christ Isaiah 53:3-6 - Surely He has borne our grief s and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Because of Jesus' suffering we have an advocate when we suffer, no matter what we are going through. Jesus understands. Sometimes in the 'dark holes' of our life we may wonder where is God and why won't he rescue me? Consider for a moment that Jesus doesn't gaze down at us from some great throne in Heaven. He is beneath you, waiting for you to let go and fall back into His arms. Jesus has experienced the limit of suffering and He is able to meet you where you are. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him? Do you fully realize the blessings God has given you because of the offering of Christ? Jesus Christ has made you righteous and accepted in God's eyes. Spend some time thanking Him today for His sacrifice and that your sins are completely forgiven once and for all. Thank Him now!

22 Love Day 19 John 13:3-5 - Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciple s feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. At the last supper Jesus washed the disciples' feet. He also gave them a new commandment, Love one another as I have loved you. On Good Friday Jesus demonstrated how God loves us when he died upon the cross. All for the love of us. John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. Are you washed in the love of Jesus? In what areas of your life and in what relationships do you need His Spirit of love? How do you plan to show love today?

23 Day 20 Darkness Falls Mark 15: Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? Which is translated, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Darkness falls over the earth on this Good Friday. God's own Son goes to His death to save us from the darkness in our hearts. While He was walking out to this terrifying mission, His followers seem to do everything they can to show how little we humans deserve what Christ did for us. On the cross, He was destroyed and cut off from His Father. It was to have been our fate. In the midst of humanity's own darkest hour, and in the face of His followers' cowardice, selfishness and laziness, God does not cut us off. In His awesome mercy, He sends His own Son into the darkness so that we might live in the light. John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Today, pray for people everywhere according to their needs. Pray for our church and the church around the world. Pray for those you know who need this salvation.

24 Victory In Christ Day 21 Matthew 28:5-7 - But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you. The darkness of Good Friday ends in Victory on Easter Sunday. Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! How holy and blessed is this day when wickedness is put to flight, and our sin is washed away. Ending Thoughts: Has this season of prayer and fasting strengthened your relationship with Christ? How? Please take the time to write a letter to Jesus about our love for Him and any new revelations He has revealed to you. Also include new commitments you are making. How will you live more passionately for Him because of His ultimate sacrifice? Commitments might include acts of regular prayer, service to others, and personal disciplines in spending more time with Him. Put your letter in an envelope with two dates; today s date and six months from now. Place the envelope in your Bible and open it in six months. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

25 Prayer & Fasting Guide By Bill Bright Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian Disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God s people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God s face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from Heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts: Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, when you fast not if you fast. Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the first love for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said I humble myself through fasting. Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you! Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience. Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others. Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sins, you will experience special blessings from God. Through your fast, and that of many other believers, God will heal our land. How to Fast Safely As you begin your fast, you may hear from concerned loved ones and friends who urge you to protect your health. And they are right. You should protect your health. But I assure you, if done properly, fasting will not only prove to be a spiritual blessing, but physical blessing as well.

26 By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. But, be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area and so their understanding is limited. Even so, it would be wise to ask your doctor for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that would make fasting unwise or dangerous. Also, if you are under any type of medication, make sure you talk to your doctor before changing your regimen. Prudence and caution are in order. When you are assured that you are in good health, you are ready to begin your fast. In spite of the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example: Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other food-related disorders. Those who suffer weakness or anemia Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart or other important organs Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia Women who are pregnant or nursing If you have never fasted before, I applaud your present interest! Fasting has been a major emphasis in the lives of many of the great spiritual leaders throughout history. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist denomination, fasted every Wednesday and Friday and required all of his clergy to do the same. Effective ministers of God from the apostle Paul to Martin Luther to John Calvin made it a continual part of their walks with God. None of those men had a formula fast that was the only right way. Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. Each time that I have fasted for forty days, it was because I felt impressed by God to do so. So, start slowly by fasting for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended 40 day period. How Long and What Type of Fast is Right for You The Bible recounts primarily two types of fasts. A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from delicacies, meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3). The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the absolute and supernatural absolute fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9, I Kings 19:8). So, I strongly advise you to drink plenty of liquids. Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an

27 absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you. Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes. I personally recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desires for solid food that you can chew. When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advice I can give you is to follow the important consideration in fasting; why are you fasting- to seek something personally from God s hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving? Spiritual preparation In preparation for this special time with God, I strongly urge you to examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat and is full of nutritious and healthy foods. However, if you have special dietary needs, you should consult your health professional before you start this fast. You can then modify the fast to meet your specific health needs. Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn. All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter. All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans. All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

28 Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs. All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice. All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods. All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol. Remember, READ THE LABELS! When you shop for foods remember to READ THE LABELS to make sure the only ingredients in packaged foods are suitable for the Daniel Fast. You will want to be especially aware of chemicals, dairy products and sweeteners- all of which are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Snacks for the Daniel Fast To have a successful Daniel Fast, it s a good idea to have several snack foods available for those times when you need a little something. I suggest you still take snacks in servings, so you don t over eat on these sometimes high-calorie foods. * Rice cakes, just plain old crunchy patties * Rice cakes with peanut butter and raisins *Almonds *Dried fruit including apricots *Apples dipped in nut butter *Sliced fruit *Veggies with dip *Popped popcorn *Trail mix with nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut pieces and dried fruit *Fruit kabobs *Frozen fruit including grapes, blueberries, strawberries and bananas *Whole wheat crackers with nut butter *Hummus with flat bread

29 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting January 10th - 30th 2014 North Asheville Baptist Church 20 Reynolds Mountain Blvd. Asheville, NC