21 Days of Fasting/Alignment

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

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	1/6 begin	7:30 PM prayer	6:15 AM prayer
		7:30 PM prayer	6:15 AM prayer
		7:30 PM prayer	6:15 AM prayer
1/26 last day

Add your own ideas/events/plans.