Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1 New International Version
WHEN:
Sundown January 1st to Sundown January 8th.
This is a time where the whole church fasts and prays together. This is a special time of spiritual growth and breakthrough.
1st: Choose your Fast
- Total Fast - fasting all food (check with your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions)
- Daniel Fast - no sweets, no meats, no alcohol (click for more info on a Daniel Fast)
- Media Fast - no movies, no tv, no secular music, no social media
2nd: Pray with Us
- Daily morning prayer, 6am, January 1st – 8th, on Zoom (click here)
- Daily evening prayer, 7pm, January 1st – 8th, in person at Hope United
Prayer OUTLINE:
Follow along with us as we pray every day.
January 1st - Repentance & Protection
January 2nd - Faith, Freedom & Healing
January 3rd - Renewed Mind/Pure Heart
January 4th - Hearing God & Miracles
January 5th - Fruits of the Spirit/Gifts of the Spirit
January 6th - Relationships, Love & Unity
January 7th - Open Doors, Favor, Blessings
January 8th - Salvations, Revival, Breakthrough
Fasting Basics:
According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast. Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6. When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.
Why should I fast?
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS:
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
ROMANS 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”
MATTHEW 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
ISAIAH 58:6 “[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are leadership and finances. The Bible instructs us to continually pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we lift up our leaders, here in the United States and around the world, we can expect God’s peace in our lives and in our nation.Another great promise from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray, seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!
Tips On Fasting:
How to Begin: Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually: Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
What to Expect: When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
How to End: Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.