As we have done in years past as a ministry, we start a 21-day corporate church fast that concludes on January 31st, 2020. Over the 21 Day fast, we will be expecting God do amazing things in our families and personal lives as we grow closer to God relationship with him.

What is Fasting

Fasting is chastising your flesh by abstaining from natural pleasures for a selected period of time while focusing on a deeper relationship with God.
 

How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. 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.

Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have 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 Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

How to stay committed

Find a person or group of people with our church who are also fasting and hold each other accountable and encourage each other when you feel weak.

Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you drink liquids only. You may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water, or you desire to do a partial day fast where you do not eat until after 3 pm. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

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.

Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sunup to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food

Scripture of Benefits of Fasting

• Fasting enables us to humble ourselves before God. Psalm 38:13, Ps 69:10, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
• Fasting is a means by which a believer brings his/her body into subjection. 1 Corinthians 9:27.
• Fasting changes man, not God. God is omnipotent and unchanging. Mal. 3:6
• Fasting breaks down the barriers in man's carnal nature that stand in the way of the Holy Spirits omnipotence. Ephesians 3:20
• Fasting intensifies prayer and enables the believer to become more effective spiritually. Daniel 9:2, 3; Daniel 10:1-14
• Fasting empowers the believer to obtain deliverance, spiritual breakthroughs, answered prayers and victory. Isaiah 58:6, 2Chronicles 7:14, 15, 2Chronicles 20:1-30
• Fasting prepares the believer to receive a fresh outpouring of the Spirit and the blessings of God. Joel 2:12-29
• Fasting has medical benefits. Isaiah 58:8.
• Fasting will bring peace to our land. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Deciding How Long
Our vision is for 21 days our entire church will fast together, but You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

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. And naturally, you will have 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. 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.

How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks. Scripture References for Fasting:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

May God greatly bless you as you fast!