We are inviting you to join us in a season of Prayer and Fasting over 2023. Whether you’ve fasted a hundred times or you’ve never even considered fasting you are welcome to join in, learn, grow, be challenged and see breakthrough.
What is Fasting and why should I do it?
Fasting is a biblical discipline that creates an environment of personal humility before the Lord. King David said in Psalm 35:13, “I humbled myself with fasting.” From a place of humility, the Holy Spirit can begin to work in your heart to reveal your true spiritual condition. This can be a very challenging place to approach as you begin to encounter any sin, disobedience, or areas that require deeper surrender in your life. The Holy Spirit, in love will use this time to shine the light into the dark places of our lives that we often will hide with our fleshly desires. When we deprive the flesh of its desires, it cultivates an environment for the Father to lovingly grow us in holiness - to become more like Jesus. Do not be discouraged! These times of personal revelation will grow your relationship with the Father, build your trust in Him and strengthen your faith. This will be a deep encouragement in your faith, which will overflow into refreshing your body, mind, and emotions.
The purpose of fasting is not to get a better “rate-of-return” on our prayers. Instead, true fasting is a way to cultivate a better, more humble, and biblical approach to prayer and intimacy with the Father.
How do I fast?
Biblically, there are two main types of fasts: a partial fast and a complete fast.
Our biblical example of a partial fast comes from the book of Daniel. Daniel was a prophet during a time of Israel’s exile. For three weeks, Daniel and his men only ate vegetables, fruits and water. (See here https://ultimatedanielfast.com/pdf/DanielFastFoodList.pdf)
Other partial fasts can consist of media fasts, fasting from addictions such as coffee or caffeine, sugars, alcohol, or nicotine. Keep in mind, the idea is to deprive your flesh of the things it desires so your fast should be a serious consideration.
A complete fast is a water-only fast. A well known example of a complete fast would be Jesus Fasting in the wilderness for 40 days after He was baptized and before He was tempted by the devil.
Other fasts to consider are juice fasts or liquid fasts where you only consume water, juices, and/or vegetable broth or stock. These will provide you with more daily energy while still depriving the flesh of solid chewable food.
Remember, fasting should be an act of sacrifice. It SHOULD be challenging. However, it is important to consider your health and activity requirements. Choose a fast that will be challenging but not put you in danger. The Holy Spirit will help if you ask Him.
What is a corporate fast?
A corporate fast is where any number of people commit to fast and prayer during a season. It could be your family, your small group, your church community, or even a global call to fasting and prayer! The goal could be for a specific breakthrough, for intercession, growth or any number of reasons. A Corporate fast presses into Acts 1:14 where the disciples "with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer." With One Accord we agree in faith and in prayer. We hold each other accountable and encourage each other in faith through the fast.
What are we fasting for?
Simply put, we're fasting for revival in the church. Many churches and leaders talk about revival and the word gets tossed around very loosely. Revival is an awakening within the Body of Christ. It is a call to return to your first Love. It is a restoration of the Church to her place of influence. It is where the Body of Christ remembers how to Love the Bridegroom and also how to love the unlovable, the outcast, the leper, the heathen, and the "unclean." It is a call to desire holiness and walk in righteousness. Revival is when Jesus takes His place in the throne room of our lives as Savior and LORD. We are fasting for revival in our homes, churches, cities and the nations. From a place of revival, we can expect a spiritual awakening of the lost around us. The hopeless can find hope. The broken can find healing. The dead will find life again. The lost will find a home. - All because the Church remembers how to love again and she is burdened once again for the lost souls.
Why is it called Fast P'23?
Excellent question! Apart from the obvious (2023) our focus in the scriptures will be Psalm 23. As we fast and pray, whenever we feel weak or tempted, we commit to "resetting" with Psalm 23.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23 (KJV)
It is an admission, a declaration, and a reminder to our souls that He is enough. When our flesh leads us away from the still waters, He leads us beside them. When we begin to fear, in Him the fear must flee no matter what shadows we find ourselves walking in. When we feel weak, tempted, discouraged, fearful, or weary we will return to these scriptures to find peace and satisfaction is HIS sufficiency and tenderness toward His children.
What does each day look like?
For three weeks, 21 days we will join in devotional time. Every day will consist of two elements Devotional time and Rod and Staff Moments.
DEVOTIONAL TIME is where you set aside time (ideally first thing in the morning) to dwell in the scriptures and prayer time. Each day will include a scripture to meditate on, some guided prayer points, and a short word of encouragement. If you're still on social media during the fast there will be multiple short videos on Facebook with reflections on the devotional scripture and encouragement during the fast.
ROD AND STAFF MOMENT can occur anytime you experience temptation arise from the object of your fast. E.g. You are doing the Daniel Fast and you are tempted to order some fast food for lunch. Recognize the temptation, thank the Lord for the conviction in your heart, and grab your Bible and read and pray through Psalm 23. “Your Rod and Your Staff comfort me.” In this time of temptation, trial, discomfort, or weakness I resolve to be comforted by my Shepherd.
Do you have more questions about fasting?
Check out the FAQ on Fasting!
Join us by following The WhatIfs on Instagram and Facebook and signing up to join us February 3-23 to Fast and Pray!
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