21 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2019

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1 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2019 Fasting Dates - January 14 - February 3 Revival Dates - January PM Each Night Daily prayer will be held in Elevate Life Prayer Room weekdays at 12 PM and streaming live on Facebook. Saturday Morning Prayer at 9AM in Elevate Life Main Auditorium - January 19, January 26, February 2 On February 3, the 21st day of the fast. We are believing God for a Supernatural offering to sow into what God is going to do in us and through us in Fasting Guide What does the Bible teach about fasting? Biblical fasting involves abstaining from eating (and/or drinking) for spiritual purposes. Old Testament In the Old Testament, Israel celebrated certain annual fasts, the most prominent being the Day of Atonement. There were also occasional fasts tied to specific historical events, sometimes individual and sometimes corporate. Here are a few of the occasions for fasting: at a time of grief (I Sam. 31:13; Nehemiah 1:4), at a time of repentance (I Sam 7:6; I Kings 21:27), as an expression of humility (Ezra 8:21; Psalm 69:10), and as an expression of a need for God s guidance and help. What all of these fasts share in common is that they were an expression of dependence on God. New Testament Fasting teaches us to that God s Word nourishes us: Matthew 4:1-4 records the only example of Jesus fasting, just prior to His being tempted in the wilderness. He faced temptation with these words, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3-5 which talks about the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, depending daily on manna to sustain them. He says that God humbled them and let them be hungry in order to teach them to depend on God s Word to sustain them. By His example of fasting, Jesus reminds us that food alone can t sustain us. We need to be nourished by God s Word. Fasting teaches us that doing God s will sustains us:

2 John 4:31-35 records Jesus encounter with the woman at the well. When the disciples return, they encourage Jesus to eat. He responds by saying, I have food to eat that you know not of. Then He adds, My food is to do the will of the Father. Again, Jesus reminds us that food alone is not enough. We are sustained by doing God s will. Fasting teaches us that Jesus Himself sustains us: In John 6:48-50 Jesus says, I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. We see this pictured symbolically in the bread and the cup of the Lord s supper. Jesus is the source of eternal life. Fasting is recognizing that the true source of life is Jesus. Jesus assumed that fasting would be a part of His disciple s spiritual life. In Matthew 6:16-18, He says, when you fast, not if you fast. He warns us not to fast to impress people, but to be near to the heart of God. What is the purpose of fasting? Fasting is designed to intensify our dependence on God by weakening our dependence on food and other things. How does it do that? Fasting reveals and heals our dependence on food (and other things) to fill the discomfort caused by low self-esteem, unfulfilling work, unloving relationships, uncontrollable circumstances, etc. It removes the false peace derived from the pleasure of eating. More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately. David writes, I humbled my soul with fasting (Psalm 69:10). Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear if they are within us, they will surface during fasting. - Richard Foster Fasting teaches us that we can go without getting what we want and survive. Fasting can free us from having to have what we want. Therefore, fasting can teach moderation or self-control, not only in relation to food, but in other areas as well. It teaches contentment. (I Timothy 6:6) Fasting expresses and deepens our hunger for God. Richard Foster says, Fasting reminds us that we are sustained by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God: (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, All things hold together (Colossians 1:17). Therefore, in experiences of fasting, we are abstaining from food or other activities and feasting on God s Word.

3 Fasting must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him. How to Fast Step 1: Clarify the purpose of your fast. Why are you fasting? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. Fasting is God-led and God-initiated. That means that He fuels a desire to fast and pray. He loves it when we fast. Step 2: Specify the kind of fast you will do. Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front: How long you will fast - one meal, one day, one week, several weeks, certain days? The type of fast God wants you to undertake - discussed in the Types of Fasts section below. What physical or social activities you will restrict. How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God s Word. Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life s pressures tempt you to abandon it. Step 3: Prepare your heart, mind, and body for fasting. Fasting is not a spur-of-the-moment thing. It is planned. There are several things you can do to prepare your heart. Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. Do not rush into your fast. Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high fat and sugary foods. Eating raw fruit and vegetables prior to your fast is helpful. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

4 Prepare your heart and mind: Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you. Confess your sins and accept God s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1, 2). Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others. (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13) Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6) Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Seasons of fasting and prayer can intensify the spiritual, emotional and physical battles that we face. (Galatians 5:16,17) Finally, and of deep importance, Jesus instructs us in Matthew to not let others know about your fasting. The strict details of your fast should not be something you constantly talk about to others. It should remain between you and God. Types of fasts Biblical fasting almost always concerns food. Since the purpose of fasting, as we saw above, is to focus on God, to humble ourselves and to remind ourselves that we are sustained by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, then the task in fasting is connecting our going without to hungering for God. Abstaining from certain types of foods (meat, sweets, etc.) - Daniel 10:3 This type is a good one for beginners to fasting or those with health needs and special or restrictive diets. Choose to abstain from something like breads, sweets, sodas, coffee, or even red meat. Perhaps spend some time reading through Daniel s fast in Daniel chapter 1 and chapter 10. Stick to only fruits and vegetables like he did or something similar. Determine the timing and duration of your fast and begin. You may choose to go without this specific type of food on only certain days like Fridays, or you may go without during the weekdays only or perhaps every day. Finally, choose the duration of your fast. This fast is 21 days (January 14 -February 3) but that does not mean you must go without for all of the 21 days. Determine the timing and duration ahead of time and stick to it. Rather, pray through it. Abstaining from all food - Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9

5 This kind of fast is more difficult but can be broken up by timing and duration. This seems to be the most prevalent of the fasts we see in the Bible. It is also the most intimidating but refuse to let it scare you. Fasting from all food is not scary if you determine beforehand when you will do so and for how long. Here are some ideas. Start slowly. Begin with fasting for only a part of a day (lunch, or lunch and dinner). Do this for one day a week, or perhaps three days a week. You determine the timing and duration. Take a step of faith. Fasting is risky and involves our faith. Next, try fasting from food but not beverages. This means that according to your timing and duration, you would not eat any solid foods but only water, juices, smoothies, or perhaps simple soup broths. Do this for the first one or two weeks. Devote the time that you normally would eat to Scripture reading and prayer. Focus on Jesus statements about food. Next, try a 24-hour fast. This means that you get up and eat a good breakfast and drink only water or juice until the following breakfast the next day. Set aside specific time, during normal meal times if possible, to pray and seek God. Finally, you may progress to a two or three day fast. For some, progression may lead to a multi-day, even multi-week fast. But remember the purpose of your fast. Abstaining from entertainment - Daniel 6:18 The king s voluntary fasting from entertainment in the time of Daniel helps us further understand yet another type of fast. Fasting from entertainment can be particularly helpful and accessible to kids and teens. Think of abstaining from television, movies, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc. for the duration of your fast. This can be a very powerful decision even as a supplement to food fasts. Choosing your fasting plan is a very personal decision. We are all at different places in our walk with God and our spirituality should never be a cause for comparison or competition. There is nothing more inherently spiritual about one type of fast as opposed to another. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but know your body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. It s also important to not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. This is a time to disconnect enough with your regular patterns and habits in order to connect more closely to God.

6 If you do not choose to fast, or no matter what kind of fast you choose, seek God with us in prayer. 21 DAYS OF PRAYER EMPHASIS DAY ONE - January 14 Revival Night 1 Prayer Emphasis - That we would experience revival. Psalm 86:6: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 80:18-19: Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. DAY TWO - January 15 Revival Night 2 Prayer Emphasis - Ask God for his vision and the good things he has for our lives and church. Matthew 7:7-12 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Psalm 78:24: He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Habakkuk 2:1: I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see what He will say to me.

7 Proverbs 29:18: Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom s instruction." DAY THREE - January 16 Revival Night 3 Prayer Emphasis - Ask God to empower us to experience more than we can ask, think, or imagine this year - that he would add his SUPER to our natural. Ephesians 3: the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Psalm 51:10-12 NLT Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. DAY FOUR - January 17 Prayer Emphasis - That God would reveal himself to us, be with us and we would feel his presence. Deuteronomy 29:29 - The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Psalm 100:3: Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 95:7-8: For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care. Today, if only you would hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness. 1 Timothy 2:8: Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. Matthew 13:58: And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. DAY FIVE - January 18 - Prayer Emphasis - Asking God to bring the right people, in the right place at the right time so that the right things can happen in our lives.

8 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. DAY SIX - January 19 - Prayer Emphasis - Unity within our church. Ephesians 4:1-7: Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10: I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. DAY SEVEN - January 20 - Prayer Emphasis - An increase in our personal growth and maturity. Ephesians 4:14-17: Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever, they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Signs Wonders and Healings- Hebrews 2:4: And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. DAY EIGHT - January 21 - Prayer Emphasis - For people who are lost would be found by God.

9 Luke 19:9-10: Jesus responded, Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Matthew 18:12-14: If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father s will that even one of these little ones should perish. John 3:16-17: For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. DAY NINE - January 22 - Prayer Emphasis - That we would be characterized by a spirit of Honor. Hebrews 13:18: Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. DAY TEN - January 23 - Prayer Emphasis - For our church family to be characterized by our heart and commitment to serve like Jesus. Philippians 2:3-11: Don t be selfish; don t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. DAY ELEVEN - January 24 - Prayer Emphasis - God would empower us to become generous financially like never before. 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They

10 should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. DAY TWELVE - January 25 - Prayer Emphasis - A fresh outpouring of God s Spirit. I Corinthians 12:6-11: God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. Mark 2:22b: But new wine must be put into new wine skins. DAY THIRTEEN - January 26 - Prayer Emphasis - A personal hunger for God and his presence in our lives. Psalm 51:10-12: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. DAY FOURTEEN - January 27 - Prayer Emphasis - In our worship we would be passionate and seek God with our whole heart. Psalm 111:1: Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Psalm 27:8: My heart says of you, Seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek. DAY FIFTEEN - January 28 -

11 Prayer Emphasis - Wisdom and revelation from God in our daily lives. Psalm 43:3: Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Ephesians 1:17-18: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and the incomparably great power for us who believe. DAY SIXTEEN - January 29 - Prayer Emphasis - God would fill us with his power and purpose for our lives Psalm 61:3 & 5: For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Psalm 92:11: My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. DAY SEVENTEEN - January 30 - Prayer Emphasis - That God would help us discover and fulfill our destiny. Psalm 139:24b:...lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 18:36: You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 37:23: The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him. Psalm 44:18: Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. DAY EIGHTEEN - January 31 - Prayer Emphasis - That we would produce the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives. Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

12 1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. DAY NINETEEN - February 1 - Prayer Emphasis - Healing and restoration in us and through us. Psalm 107:20: He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 147:3: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Malachi 4:6: He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction. DAY TWENTY - February 2 - Prayer Emphasis - That we would continue to seek God first in our lives. Proverbs 2:1-6 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Psalm 9:10: Those who know your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 1 Chronicles 29:13: Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. DAY TWENTY-ONE - February 3 - Prayer Emphasis - God would empower us to become who he has created us to be - people characterized by unselfishness and generosity. 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to

13 share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15: For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!