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2024 Fast & Prayer

“INow, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.”

Chronicles7:14

“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.”

Joel2:12,13
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

It is recommend that you always consult your physician prior to beginning any type of fast. If you are poor in health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, we especially urge you to consult a physician before beginning your fast. There are different types of fasts to consider and choose. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on our corporate fast in a way that is healthy for you.

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Tips

Start with a clear goal

Do you need guidance, healing, deliverance, and restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Do you need employment? Be specific. Why are you fasting? Ask the Holy Spirit for direction. Commit to pray and read the Bible daily during your fast.

01

Prepare yourself spiritually

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Confess your sins to God. Forgive everyone who has offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4). Surrender your life fully to the Lord and resist worldly desires in the name of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1,2).

02

Choose the type of fast

The type of fast you select is at your choice. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that mealtime with prayer and Bible study.

03

Decide on the duration of the fast:

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may sense the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Beginners are advised to start slow.

04

Be advised

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. Naturally, you will experience hunger pains.

Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

05

End your fast correctly

Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

06

Geneeral Guidelines for Fasting

  • Spirit of Fasting  (Isa. 58:5-7)
  • Fasting to God (Zech. 7:5,6; Matt. 6:17,18)

Purpose of Fasting

  • To chasten the soul (Ps. 69:10)
  • To humble the soul (Ezra 8:21)
  • To seek the Lord (2 Chron. 20:3,4)
  • To prepare for spiritual warfare (Matt: 17:21)

When to Fast

  • When facing the judgment of God (1 Kings 21:27; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:12; Jon. 3:4,5)
  • During periods of national mourning (1 Sam. 31:11-13; 2 Sam. 1:12; 2 Sam. 3:35; 1 Chron. 10:11,12)
  • When communion with Christ is broken (Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:19,20; Luke 5:34,35)
  • When concerned for the welfare of others (Ps. 35:13)
  • When challenged by personal concerns (2 Sam. 12:15-17; 2 Sam. 12:21-23)
  • When facing danger (2 Chron. 20:2,3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:15,16)
  • When engaged in spiritual warfare (Mark 17:21; Mark 9:29)
  • When ordaining ministers of the Gospel (Acts 13:2,3; Acts 14:23)

Fasting Accompanied by

  • Abstinence from sexual intimacy with spouse and mutual consent. (1 Cor. 7:5)
  • Confession of sin (1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1-3)
  • Humiliation (Deut. 9:18; Ps. 35:13; Ps. 69:10; 1 Kings 21:27; Neh. 9:1)
  • Lamenting (Esther 9:30,31)
  • Mourning (2 Sam. 1:12; 1 Kings 21:27; Esther 4:3; Neh. 1:4; Joel 2:12; Ezra 10:6)
  • Personal demeanor (Matt 6:17)
  • Prayer (Ezra 8:23; Neh. 1:4; Ps. 35:13; Dan. 9:3; Luke 5:33)
  • Reading the Scriptures (Neh. 9:1-3; Jer. 36:6; Jer. 36:10)
  • Weeping (2 Sam. 1:12; Neh. 1:4; Esther 4:3; Ps. 69:10; Joel 2:12)
  • Worship (Neh. 9:1-3)

Promised Blessings Associated with Fasting

  • Answered prayer, insight and restoration (Isa. 58:9-12)
  • Joy, gladness and cheerfulness (Zech. 8:19)
  • Rewarded by God the Father (Matt. 6:17,18)
  • Spiritual power over demons (Mark 9:29)
  • Effects of fasting (1 Kings 21:28,29; Ps. 109:24; Matt.15:32; Mark 8:2,3)
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