WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is considered as a lifestyle for those who know Christ. However, there are times when we, as Christ-followers, need to set aside a time of prayer.

A very simple approach to prayer is to use the A.C.T.S. method.

A - Adoration (Psalm 148)

C - Confession (1 John 1:9)

T - Thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

S - Supplication (Philippians 4:6)

WHAT IS BIBLICAL FASTING?

It is denying yourself food for the purpose of prayer and to focus on Christ.

It is to be done:

In humility
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

 
In secret
So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:18)

 
When making important decisions
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

 
In response to a specific need
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. (Joel 1:14)

GUIDE TO A 24-HOUR FAST*

• A 24-hour fast is a time of denying yourself food for 24 hours. The purpose is to devote time to God in prayer and have a prayerful attitude throughout the day.

• Be sure that you know why you are fasting. It’s not to lose weight.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best.

• Have a specific prayer list to guide you (see our suggested list).

• Journal what you prayed for. You will be amazed!

• Consult a doctor if you have any medical issues before starting your fast.

SAMPLE PRAYER SCHEDULE

The evening before you begin

• Eat a normal, but not excessive, dinner at your regular dinnertime.

• Before bed, spend time reading Scripture. (Suggested Scriptures to read: Psalm 1, Psalm 63, Luke 4).

• Spend some time praying for God to increase your passion for Him. Confess any sins you know are hindering your relationship with God.

• Once you get in bed, pray until you fall asleep.

Morning of your fast

• Wake up at your normal time.

• Instead of eating breakfast, spend time with God. Read Philippians 2:1-11.

• Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for you. Pray that God will enable you to have His attitude today.

• During the hours when you are hungry, view those hunger pains as God nudging you to pray.

• Pray quietly throughout the morning, even during your regular routine.

• Engage your normal responsibilities, but do so with an awareness of His grace.

Lunchtime

• During your lunch hour, remove yourself from the day-to-day rush and spend 20 or 30 minutes in prayer.

• Walk around outside of your office or home. Shut off the noise and spend some time listening to God.

• If there is a decision or a struggle in your life, ask God to give you clarity.

Afternoon

• This will be the time when you are most hungry and weak.

• Each time you are hungry, thank Him for filling you spiritually.

• Each time you feel weak, thank Him for being the One who truly satisfies (Psalm 63:8).

 
Evening

• The last few hours of the 24-hour fast are often the most intimate with God and the most clarifying.

• Devote time praying for your personal spiritual health.

• Spend time declaring God’s greatness and thanking Him for all He has done.

• Confess any ongoing struggles or sins you wrestle with.

• Yield to Him. Submit to Him.

• Devote time praying for Christ Fellowship, your church.

• Do not rush to eat. Eat at your normal dinnertime.

• Conclude your fast. While you eat, reflect on God’s provision for all your needs.