Fast!

STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule:For maximum spiritual benefit, try to set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. If you are married, try to begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with the Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

Morning
• 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. Pray for God’s vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
• Ask God to use you. Watch and discover how you can influence, your family, your church, your work/ school, your community, etc.

Noon
• Return to prayer and God's Word.
• Take a short prayer walk.
• Intercede on behalf of your city and nation’s leaders; pray for the unreached of the world; pray for your particular needs and your family.

Evening
• Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
• If possible, find time to meet with others who are also fasting.
• Limit the t.v. or other diversions that may hinder your spiritual focus.

Daniel Fast: Get Set...

STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Repentance is the foundation of fasting and prayer. Un-confessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Confess all sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance, and accept God's forgiveness.

• Forgive those who have hurt you, and seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended.

• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

• Focus on God’s attributes: His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, etc.

• Expect God to do something great.

• Don’t be surprised if you face obstacles or experience opposition.

STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Those who are elderly, under twelve, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, have a history of eating disorders, have a medical condition, have a cold, the flu or some other temporary illness, or take certain medications should not fast from food. Since we are starting with a partial fast, the physical impact should be minimal; however, planning in advance will allow you to maximize your ability to pay full attention to the Lord in prayer.

• Begin limiting caffeine intake, and minimize high-fat and sugary foods. Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

• You may also experience mental discomforts like impatience, crankiness and anxiety.

• Rest as much as your schedule will permit.

• Drink plenty of water. If you experience hunger pains or headaches, increase your liquid intake.

Daniel Fast- Get Ready...

In preparation for our fast 2/15-2/17, I am posting some helpful hints that will hopefully make your fast effective.

STEP 1: Set Your Objective• The first question you should ask yourself is, “Why am I fasting?” Are you fasting for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems or for special grace to handle a difficult situation?

• Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

STEP 2: Make Your Commitment• We will participate in a partial fast that is based upon the fast of the prophet Daniel (Dan.1:1-13). For 3 days, we will only eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and water.

Other things to consider during your fast:
• 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.