Daniel Fast
Join us as our Church takes 3 weeks to Fast, Pray, and Pursue God!
How can I join?
1. Commit to fasting something (more info below)
2. Seek the Lord in your Personal Life:
Intentionally Take More time these 3 weeks to spend with God, in worship, in His word, and seeking Him in personally in prayer.
3. Seek the Lord together!
JOIN US FOR PRAYER & WORSHIP–
Prayer Summits will be happening on January 7, and 14th of the Fast at 7:00pm. Join us for this for a time of worship and prayer together. Childcare will be available for children 6 months – Age 6
ALIVE: Join us for a night of worship on January 22 at 7:30.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is the act of taking something the body needs and or wants and intentionally abstaining for spiritual purposes. It is meant to be an act of worship to proclaim: “God, you are more important than this” and “God, I need you more than this”. Fasting is a great reminder and way to teach ourselves that we are not to be led and mastered by our flesh but by the Lord. Fasting is a way to humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). You may find yourself relying on God more fully for strength when you fast.
Fasting isn’t meant to put your body through suffering to earn God’s favour, but rather be an act of worship and love to God. Taking time to seek God in prayer is an incredibly important part of fasting as you do not want the focus of your fast to be on the physical diet but on Spiritual/Heart Renewal.
Fasting was a common practice in Biblical times. As a believer in God, there was an expectation that disciples would fast. When people noticed Jesus’ disciples’ were not fasting, Jesus had to clear things up saying “But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Mark 2:20).
How to Prepare for the Fast
- Take time in Listening Prayer – ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what He wants you to focus on in prayer during the fast and what He would like you to fast
- Prepare Physically – if you will be fasting certain foods or types of foods consider getting a jump start on helping your body adjust by weening off of these foods before you start your fast. This will make your fast a bit less shocking on your body.
- Read Biblical Passages about fasting like: Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 14:13, Ezra 8:21-23, Joel 2
What Should I Fast?
There are many things you could fast so we encourage you to pray about this commitment and be wise and consider your own health conditions, dietary restrictions, as well as other factors that fasting could impact Ex. Nursing/Pregnant
Types of Fasts:
Media/Entertainment Fast:
Given how much time many spend on our screens and media, fasting different types of media is a very beneficial thing to do.
Pray about what media you should fast but also be careful of simply replacing one form of media with another I.E. I’ll fast Social Media but watch more Netflix.
Selected Food Fast
Fast-specific types of food or drinks such as meat, bread, sweets, pop, snacks, coffee/caffeine, alcohol, grains etc.
Daniel Fast (Daniel 10:2-3)
A partial fast where you eat only fruits, vegetables, 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) All Nuts and Seeds Legumes, (including 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, grape seed, peanut, and sesame), Water, Non-Caffeinated Teas, Fruit Juice (no sugar added)
Fast a Meal
Skip a Breakfast, Lunch, or Supper
24hr Full Fast:
- Drink only clear juices or water for 24 hours
- You can do this one day per week
- If family obligations permit it, devote the meal times to prayer and reading of the Word.
3-day Fast or longer:
- Follow the same guidelines as for 24hr full fasts
- Don’t “stock up” on food leading up to the fast; have lighter meals beforehand
- Be careful when ending your fast, your stomach has shrunk so eat lighter meals that are easy to digest
- Please note if your body or mind is struggling with not eating or you find you are not physically able to go the full length you set out to fast: that is okay! You can always modify your fast and continue to press into the Lord just the same! If going longer than 3 days use wisdom and seek to include others in that decision