23 Dec Fast Forward
The Power of Prayer & Fasting
As we enter into a new year we’ve decided to honor the Lord with 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. We will be going to weekly worship experiences for the first time on January 22nd and we thought what better way to start off 2012 than seeking God through prayer and fasting.
We know that many people have questions about fasting. It is such a powerful weapon in the belt of every person who follows Jesus. So to help you decide wether or not you’d like to fast with us, here is some information about fasting.
Types of Fasts – You may choose a “Daniel’s Fast” – a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, or you can participate in a total fast, consisting of water only, or a liquid fast of fresh juices. Other ways to participate include fasting from television, radio, internet, or anything that you recognize as having control over your life. Fasting is something the entire family can participate in to varying degrees – each person in their own way.
About Fasting – It is much easier to fast while active. Fasting will cause hunger pangs initially, but you will get the energy you need from stored fat in the body. If you are under the care of a physician, please seek his/her advice regarding the level of participation that is best suited to your physical condition.
Why Fast? – Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all those discussed in the Bible. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life and produce incredible results. Prayer alone is mighty, but when combined with fasting it produces a powerful force against which hell cannot prevail
Filling Ourselves during a Fast – The secret to being filled with the Spirit of God is first to empty ourselves. Through fasting, we empty ourselves of food so that He can fill us. Food is man’s greatest carnal impulse. Fasting helps you to master this appetite. When you can control the strongest appetite, you can gain control of the other carnal appetites as well. Your appetite acts as a prayer alarm. Instead of eating to satisfy your cravings, you pray. This keeps you focused all day long. We replace pleasures of the flesh with spiritual pleasure. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Taste is a trigger which sets off certain physical and mental reactions or connections. When you taste the Lord through fasting and prayer, it triggers various reactions in your heart.
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Preparing To Fast
Best Ways to Prepare Physically for the Fast – While hunger pangs and weakness can be expected, you need not dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. There are several ways to prepare yourself physically for a healthy fast:
Days before the Fast
- Stop eating foods that are high in caffeine or sugar.
- Begin drinking more water than usual.
- Eat something small every two hours.
- Avoid foods with caffeine or salt.
- Drink plenty of water.
Final Meal Before the Fast
- Plan your final meal early enough in the afternoon so there’s no rush to finish before your fast begins.
- This final meal should contain high carbs and low salts.
- Don’t eat too much, but drink plenty of water
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