21 Days of Fasting/Alignment
January 2014
We are
encouraging our First Baptist family to set aside January 6-27th as a special
season of fasting, prayer and alignment with the mind of Christ.
Why fast?
·
Putting God first by offering the first part of
our year to Him in a special way.
·
Denying the flesh in order to get it to “shut
up” so that we can hear from God.
·
Jesus’ example and expectation (see Matthew 6)
·
Highlight
His work in our lives
Fasting could be called the italics
of the spiritual life; it adds emphasis to other activities we may already be
pursuing, such as prayer or repentance or discerning God’s purpose for
us. It brings a sense of urgency and earnestness to anything else we are
undertaking Douglass Rumford
Example: We will be focusing specifically on renewing our minds, loving
the Lord with all of our minds, during the month of January. Fasting could be a highlighter, a tool to
help us break free of unhealthy patterns and grow the mind of Christ.
Options for fasting:
·
Alternate day fasting (fast every other day)
·
Sunrise to Sunset
·
Restricted calorie
·
Fasting something that we crave
·
Water only for a limited time
·
Water and juice for a limited time
·
Fruits and vegetables only (add nuts?)
·
Skip breakfast and/or lunch
·
Mix and match the above
·
Other—Fast something besides food for periods of
time. Perhaps certain types of media or other
activities that will free your time and your mind to focus on the Lord.
How to plan your fast
- Two questions to ask:
·
What puts God first?
·
What works for you?
Pre-fast
planning: (Planning frees time during
the fast for spending with God.)
·
Decide what you’re going to try and plan meals,
recipes, etc.
·
Shop to get what you will need that you don’t
have.
·
Re-prioritize/re-order your schedule.
·
Decide what you are willing to surrender (before
that, consider what God might want you to surrender).
Take into consideration any medical restrictions or needs. If you should eat, please eat. If you have a question, please consult your
doctor before starting a fast.
Ideas for Prayer:
·
Prayer Pact
Covenant with one or two others to
pray daily for the church and for something that you and your prayer partners
desire. Let your partners know that you
have prayed that day in some simple way.
·
Individual prayer time. See insert entitled “Make Up Your Mind” for a
suggested focus.
·
Corporate Prayer
Times: Tuesday evenings at 7:30 in the sanctuary
Wednesday
mornings at 6:15 in the sanctuary
Prayer
times in your small groups and/or Bible studies, etc.
Look for announcements of any
special prayer times
Fasting/Prayer Calendar
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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1/6 begin
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7:30 PM prayer
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6:15 AM prayer
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7:30 PM prayer
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6:15 AM prayer
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7:30 PM prayer
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6:15 AM prayer
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1/26 last day
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Add your own ideas/events/plans.
