Fasting is physical prayer.
On Sunday, April 22nd, we were challenged as a body of believers to fast and pray for 21 days beginning this Sunday, April 29th. A corporate or community-wide fast is rooted in Scripture. We read about God’s people fasting in 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, and Acts 27:33-37. The goal then and now is the same: to deepen our relationship with God and to seek His leading as to how we (as individuals and a church) are to walk by faith.
Below you find some resources that may help you as you prepare for your fast. If you’ve fasted before, then you are aware of the significant spiritual benefits fasting provides. If this is your first fast, get ready to connect with God like never before. The essence of any fast is simple: deny yourself something and insert time with God.
We hope you find these resources helpful. Our prayer is that you will learn, grow, and benefit greatly from a deeper connection to our Father. Please let us know if we can assist in any way through this 21 day journey.
Fasting Types:
Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Alternatives for fasting from food:
Television
Spend time with God rather than watching TV.
Video Games
Subtract video games, add time with God.
Cell Phone
Texting and talking can consume much of our time. Put the device down and insert time with the Lord.
Lunch Hour
You don’t have to give up food to fast for your lunch hour. You can take the time you typically spend eating with others and spend it in reflection and prayer.
Secular Music
Removing the influence of secular music and replacing it with Christian music can help you stay connected with God through the day. This is a great alternative to teens and older children that may want to participate in some manner.
Further resources
https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/fasting
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/fasting-for-beginners
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/personal-guide-to-fasting.html
http://www.sdrock.com/files/docs/fast/21-day-prayer-fast-guide.pdf