Fasting Guide 2015 - Grace ChurchFasting-Guide.pdf · 21 DAYS PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE JANUARY 4TH - JANUARY 24TH . 4 DAY 1 January 4 Today is the first day of something new. Regardless

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PREPARE YOUR HEART in 2015

Family and friends of Grace Church:

There is no better way to revolutionize, energize and transform your spiritual life than starting the

New Year 2015 in prayer and fasting. Each year our church family dedicates the first weeks of the

year to seeking God’s heart and direction for our Church and personal lives.

The following guide and suggestions are to help you have a successful time of fasting and prayer. We

provide you with some prayer points, and prayer events so you don't have to do this alone. We will

continue the “One Year Bible” Reading Program. Each day, for 365 days, Pastor Thornton, and the

staff will do our daily devotions from the One Year Bible reading plan. Don’t forget to set your own

spiritual goal for breakthrough and pray about it regularly during the fast.

There are several different types of fasts. Since this is an extended fast, 21 days, we recommend

following are some simple and encouraging Scriptures and tips on the 21 Day Daniel Fast. In 2015, as

you are seeking GOD’s Will for your family, yourself and our church, you will be greatly blessed.

The definition of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose (Read Isaiah 58). The Daniel Fast:

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came

into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2, 3)

Jesus Fasted: Before He began His public ministry Jesus spent 40 Days in prayer and fasting. This

prepared Him to accomplish the Father’s will for His life. (Read Luke 4:1-14)

Christ’s Disciples are called to Pray and Fast: Jesus explained the need for His disciples to pray and

fast. (Read Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 17:14-21)

P R AY E R &21

Day

s

FASTING JAN. 4TH - JAN. 24th

http://www.gracechurchsp.org


What is the Daniel Fast The Daniel Fast is a Biblically based partial fast. It is a

method of fasting that men, women and young people all

over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual

discipline of prayer and fasting. There are two

foundational scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the

prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included

fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we

get two of the guidelines for the fast: 1. Only fruits and

vegetables; 2. Only water for a beverage – in Daniel 10 we

read that the prophet ate no meat nor any precious

breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from

this scripture, we get a third guideline: 3. No sweeteners

and no breads. Another important guideline is drawn from

Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during

the fast. So that’s why yeast, baking powder and the like

are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Finally, with all the

above puzzle pieces, we conclude that no artificial or,

processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed on the

Daniel Fast. It is basically a “vegetarian diet with a few

more restrictions.”

Fasting Focus Fasting helps us humble ourselves before the Lord and

helps us experience spiritual breakthroughs in our lives.

Start with a clear personal goal in addition to our

corporate goals. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you

need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family

issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy

Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible. Cultivate

a new and fresh closeness with the Lord. Your mental, and

spiritual focus should grow more and more Christ centered

during the fast.

Examine your life and figure out what areas most need

breakthrough. We definitely want you to fast for spiritual

breakthroughs in our Church family as well as your

personal life. You may also want to consider fasting for a

family member or on behalf of someone else.

How To Fast Saturday January 4 • 24-hour Liquid Fast - Drink water, natural fruit juice and herbal caffeine-free tea (lunch will be our last meal and we will resume meals at dinner on Sunday). Sunday, January 4th • Begin the “Daniel Fast”.

At dinner, begin to introduce

meals with pure foods of

fruits and vegetables. This

plan will continue for the next

20 days. The Weekend of

January 24th • Break the

Fast. Ease back into eating

regular foods.

21 DAYS PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE JANUARY 4TH - JANUARY 24TH

3 “Then I turned my face to the LORD GOD, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes” Daniel 9:3 ESV



Instructions

Fast Foods The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate some common things

from our daily diet, but will have generous options available. We will focus on eating fruits

and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have included a list of foods to eat and foods

to avoid. (see page 7)

*Consult with your doctor first, before beginning a fast, if you have any medical conditions. If you have any condition which would prohibit you from being a part of the Daniel Fast, there are other options.

Choose something from your daily routine (i.e. specific foods or beverages, television, other

technology, etc.) and fast in that manner for the next 21 days. Remember, the details are not

as important as the spirit in which you participate. Fasting is about humbling yourself

before God (Psalm 69:10, “When I wept and humbled myself with fasting...”). There is an

aspect of self-denial, seeking and becoming more dependent on God that we must give

ourselves to with fasting.

A Message to Families about Prayer and Fasting Together... Your children may hear you speak about the upcoming 21 Day Prayer and Fasting Emphasis

with much anticipation. They may wonder if this is something that they can do along with

their family, and the answer is yes! Explain to your children that fasting will help them grow

stronger as a Christian and closer to Jesus. When they take special time out to pray to Jesus

and at the same time, take special effort to not enjoy a favorite food/snack item or activity

during a certain period of time, they are fasting.

As a family, sit down together and talk about for whom or what your children are seeking

God about and in which way they are going to fast. Then, have your children write down

their decisions on an index card. Explain to your children that there will be times when they

will find it hard to fast and may even want to change their minds in the middle of the fast.

However, as parents, gently encourage them and help them keep the commitment they

made to the Lord and see how He answers their prayers.

How to End the Fast The fast will end on Saturday, January 24th at 6:00 PM. Please! Ease back into your

“typical diet.” This is especially true with caffeine, sugar, fatty foods, meat and dairy

products. Small portions are wise and you should go slow, perhaps just one or two foods

per day. For caffeine beverages, drink one small cup or glass and then see how your body

reacts.

Links: http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/fast_recipes

http://www.daniel-fast.com/aboutthefast/



http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/fast_recipes


http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/fast_recipes



DAY 1 January 4 Today is the first day of something new. Regardless of where you are in your relationship with God, 21 days of prioritizing the Lord over essential needs in your life will draw you closer to Him and transform whatever needs to change. Jot down what your breakthrough focus will be during this fast. Prayer: Lord, help me to prioritize according to Your Will. Help me choose simplicity in life that allows me to have time alone with You. Father, I choose today to make You, Your Word, prayer, praise, and worship a priority in my life.

One Year Bible (1YB): Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6

DAY 2 January 5 Take this opportunity to draw close to the Lord by humbling yourself, and cleansing your heart through confession of sin. One purpose of fasting is to empty ourselves, and let the Holy Spirit fill us afresh. Prayer: Lord, show me any sin in my life so that I can confess it to You and be cleaned. Keep me undeceived in my heart and mind. Where I have sinned against You, I ask You to forgive and restore me. Show me if I need to confess my mistakes to anyone else so that the air can be cleared between us.

1YB: Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

DAY 3 January 6 Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a verse from Scripture that you can stand on as God’s promise for your breakthrough and write it down. Post it where you can see it every day. Make this your prayer/confession daily.

(1YB): Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19

DAY 4 January 7

Pray we would all depend upon the Lord and recognize He is the one who meets all of our needs in life. Pray for God to give you His perspective for your life. God has great plans for your life and you need to see clearly the paths He wants you to travel. Pray for discernment in critical decisions and the wisdom to know what to do and when to do it.

1YB: Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23

DAY 5 January 8

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are my shield, because I live Your way. Help me to not be overcome by evil, but instead give me the strength to overcome evil with good. Hide me in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of evil men.


DAY 6 January 9

I hope you have stayed with your commitment up to this point. If you have not, then today is “get back on your horse” day. Pray that God will renew your commitment and give you the strength to re-commit to Him. If you have been going strong, ask Him to give you a renewal of passion to keep on going with this journey. Don’t forget to pray about your own specific breakthroughs.


DAY 7 January 10

Today, focus your heart on giving praise and thankfulness back to God. The Bible talks about praise and thanksgiving being the doorway into His presence. (Psalms 100:4,5) Think back over the last year and week and give God glory for the things He has done. God glory for the things He has done.



Week 1 January 4 - 10



DAY 8 January 11

Quiet yourself before the Lord. Take time to find a quiet spot and just be still. Do your best to eliminate any distractions and quiet your own thoughts. It doesn't have to be long, but make it a regular practice in your time with God. Prayer: Lord, give me a vision for my life. I put my identity and destiny in Your hands. Show me if what I'm doing now is what I'm supposed to be doing. Father, You promise that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Lord, I ask that You show me the gifts and talents that You have placed within me. Lead me in the way that I should go as I grow in them. Enable me to use them according to Your Will and for Your glory.


DAY 9 January 12

Focus on what God is saying back to your heart. We often hear God's voice as a small internal voice. This can come to us as spontaneous thoughts, ideas, scriptures, life events or pictures/dreams. Start today by asking God, "What do You want to say to me?" Take time to listen and then write down what you think He is saying.


DAY 10 January 13

Begin again today by asking God,” What do You want to say to me?" Ask God to speak to you all day and show you things you wouldn't normally notice. Be open to God speaking to you in new ways. Pay attention to things that stand out to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding.


DAY 11 January 14

Today ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches us that it is the life that is yielded to the Holy Spirit that is victorious. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us, guides us, empowers us and helps us live in ways that please the Father God. Prayer: Lord, guide my every step. Lead me in Your righteousness and make Your way straight before me. As I draw close and daily walk in intimate relationship with You, I believe You will get me where I need to go. Not my will, but Your Will be done in my life. I delight to do Your Will.


DAY 12 January 15

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13) Today ask God about your coming year. Ask Him to give you clarity and direction. Write down what God is saying to your heart.


DAY 13 January 16

Prayer: Lord, help me to prioritize according to Your Will. Help me choose simplicity of life that will allow me to have time alone with You. Father, I choose today to make You, Your Word, prayer, praise and worship a priority in my life. Lord, I submit to You all of my responsibilities, my career, friends, finances, activities, family friends and interests into Your hands.


DAY 14 January 17

Think over what God has been saying to you this past week. Are there any themes? Pray about your next step and what God wants you to do. Pray that God would give you an idea of how you could serve one of your neighbors or even invite them to a small group or Worship Service on Sunday. Continue praying about your own specific breakthroughs.






DAY 15 January 18

Ask God to provide all of the resources necessary for Grace Church to bring transformation to our cities. Pray that He will provide for people to generously give and serve. Ask God to give our Elders and Pastors the wisdom to make correct decisions concerning the direction of the church.


DAY 16 January 19

Pray for the residents in your neighborhood and surrounding area that are in need of hope. Pray that God would open their eyes to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that God would use you to be a blessing.


DAY 17 January 20 Pray for the spiritual protection of our church against spiritual warfare. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but we have been covered by the power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. He has disarmed, and defeated the devil and we need to remind the devil of what happened on the Cross of Calvary. Pray for the protection of your family and put on the whole armor of God as stated in Ephesians 6:10-20.


DAY 18 January 21

Read. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Hold fast to what is good, or the world will take it away. When Satan saw that what God gave Adam and Eve was good, he set about to take it away from them. When he saw that King David was pleasing to God, he attempted to destroy David’s relationship with God. Never take the good in your life and the spiritual progress you have made during this fast for granted. If you do not hold on to it firmly, it may be lost. People will challenge the good that you are practicing. They may criticize you for your moral stand, your use of money, or your involvement in church. Time pressures will attack the good in your life. Your time to pray, study Scripture, be with your family, and serve in your church will all be pressured by the many other time demands you face. You may give generously to your church and other Christian causes, but you will be tempted to spend your money selfishly and minimize the good you are doing with your finances. Pray that you will remain faithful.


DAY 19 January 22

Pray for ways to become a better leader in your family, your work, your neighborhood, and your church. Pray for God to give you the passion and focus you need to serve Him by serving others. Ask Him to show you ways that you can step up and increase the way you impact the lives of others.


DAY 20 January 23

Take today to write out some reflections of what God has spoken to you during this emphasis of focusing on the Lord. What has He shown you about distractions? What have you learned about your relationship with Him? How has He blessed you? How has He stretched you? Going forward...how should this change your life? Write this out and then pray about implementing a new relationship and commitment with God in the future.


DAY 21 January 24

Today is the final day of our emphasis. Whenever you complete a major accomplishment it’s always time to celebrate. So today is a day of praise. Shout to God and sing to Him and call out the praises He so rightly deserves. Celebrate with Him the changes you have experienced and the blessings He’s provided. We would love for you to share any testimonies of what God has done during this time or after the fast. Join us in one of our four services, Southern Pines or Seven Lakes, as we bring our fasting to a conclusion with our celebration.






FOODS TO EAT

• Fruits (organic) • Vegetables (organic) • Legumes • Whole Grains • Water

FOODS TO AVOID

• Meat, Poultry, Fish• White Rice • Fried Foods• Carbonated Beverages• Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives• Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes• White Flour• Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products• All Breads• Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.)

ENDING THE FAST

One of the most important aspects of fasting is breaking it properly and safely. Your body needs time to adjust as you re-introduce foods you had abstained from. Start with small portions, eating every few hours and gradually increasing the amount every day. Your digestive system has gone without some food and you may experience adverse reactions like nausea or stomachache if you immediately eat a full meal after breaking your fast.


Fasting Guide 2015 - Grace ChurchFasting-Guide.pdf · 21 DAYS PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE JANUARY 4TH - JANUARY 24TH . 4 DAY 1 January 4 Today is the first day of something new. Regardless

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