Fasting and Prayer: 21-Day Challenge

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7 STEPS TO FASTING

*Resource from 21 Days. Church of the Highlands*

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR FAST

Step 1: Set Your Objective

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

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HOW TO BEGIN YOUR FAST

Step 2: Make Your Commitment

Before you fast, decide the following up front:

• How long you will fast—one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.) (We are doing a 21 day church-wide, you decide your parameters)
• The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often)
• What physical or social activities you will restrict
• How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

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Step 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
• Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
• Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
• Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
• Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
• Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).

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Step 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

• Do not rush into your fast.
• Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
• Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

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DURING YOUR FAST

Step 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees (if you are married and/or have kids, include them in this time) for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God.

*Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.*

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO WRITE INTO YOUR DAY TO DAY SCHEDULE:

• Begin your day in praise and worship
• Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees
• Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13
• Invite God to use you, ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond
• Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will
• Take a short prayer walk
• Avoid tv or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus

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ENDING YOUR FAST

Step 6: End Your Fast Gradually

Depending on what you fast, it is a good idea to end your fast gradually.

If you are fasting meals or specific main parts of your meal, gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days.

Step 7: Expect Results

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21).

The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.