fasting 101
Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray
and fast. Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which
you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in
Heaven, says Matthew 6.
When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning
of the year, you set the course for the entire year.
Why should I fast?
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God's will for your life?
PRAYER FOCUS
Please pray for the following during our 21 day fast:
1. Children’s Director
2. Seven (7) New Spiritually Mature Couples / Ministry Leaders
3. Strongholds to be Broken
4. Financial Miracle for Truth Tabernacle of Praise
5. Fill the church
BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all
that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty."
ROMANS 12:1
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your
reasonable service."
MATTHEW 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you."
ISAIAH 58:6-12
"[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness,
to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break
every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the
poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover
him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light
break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and
thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy
reward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he
shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the
putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul
to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in
obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee
continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou
shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail
not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt
raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The
repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."
We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific
areas we will be focusing on together are leadership and finances. The Bible
instructs us to continually pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we lift
up our leaders, here in the United States and around the world, we can expect
God's peace in our lives and in our nation.
Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast
will "undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free." We are living in
tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial
burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens can
be lifted and that financial blessings may be released into your life!
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your
biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during
your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and
give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year
(Matthew 6:33)!
Types of Fasts
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
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.
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
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which
God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). In
Isaiah 58:7, God reminds us that when we fast, we are to pay particular
attention to benevolence - making sure we are sharing our food, providing
shelter and clothing, and certainly taking care of our own extended family. Of
course, we should do this always, but especially when we fast.
May
God greatly bless you as you fast!
Quick Tips
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).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. 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 time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
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.
What to Expect
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 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.
How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food
gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
For more information visit Jentezen Franklin's Fasting website, where the above information was gathered.
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, Truth Tabernacle of Praise is a place where you can come just as you are and find others just like you and be encouraged in your walk with God.
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5705 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
phone 404.297.7700
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