2023 FASTING SCHEDULE – JANUARY 11-31
EVERY WEDNESDAY – Prayer is at 7 pm in the main auditorium at City Church. Join us online or in person.
Fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible along with giving and praying as an important part of the Christian life. Here at City we like to give God the first month of the year as a time to seek Him in fasting and prayer as a church family. This is called a corporate fast.
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer.
If you are new to fasting, hopefully the information below will help to define it, answer any questions, help you get started and most of all encourage you on your journey.
If you would like to join in with your whole family, please use this guide to help your kids pray throughout the 21 days. Click here to see some fasting recommendations and information for your kids! The guide includes prayer focuses and verses for each day. If you have any questions about the 21 days of prayer and fasting, please ask your child’s teacher at drop off or pick up.
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific and write it down. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage, family or finances? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Preparing Spiritually
It’s important to set your heart and spirit to prepare for the fast. Pray, confess your sins and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive people who have hurt you. It’s important to start the fast with a clear heart!
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you want to try another type of fast. Remember to replace that time with prayer, worship and Bible study. If you have any health conditions or are on any medications, you should consult a doctor before beginning a fast.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. For our yearly corporate fast we will do 21 days, but if you start late, don’t worry about it! Be sure to pray about what God would have you do, and start slow if it’s your first time.
What to Expect
When you fast you might experience headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And of course- you will be hungry! Respond accordingly, limit your activity and exercise. Take time to rest. Remember, you are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to worship music, praying as often as you can, getting away from normal distractions. Set your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast, or you’ll be sorry you did! Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.You may have heard of the types of fasts below. Please pray about what type of fast God would have you do during this specific time.
Here are some of the different things that you can fast:
Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. It’s called the Daniel Fast because it’s taken from the book of Daniel in the Bible.
3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown.
For those that aren’t advised because of medical or other reasons to fast or restructure their diet too drastically, there are many other kinds of fasts that you can do to grow closer to God and hear from Him during this time.
Social Media Fast
Giving up engaging on Social Media for a certain period of time. During the time you would be scrolling social media, you could instead worship, pray, read the Bible or engage with family and friends in a meaningful way.
TV Fast
Giving up watching TV for a certain period of time. During the time you would be watching TV, you could instead worship, pray, read the Bible or engage with family and friends in a meaningful way.
These are just some of many different forms of Fasting that you can engage in during this time! Pray about what God has for you this season and respond!
Here are some verses from the Bible that offer some insight to fasting and prayer!
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 – I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
ROMANS 12:1 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
MATTHEW 6:33 – Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
ISAIAH 58:6 – No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.”Below are some of the common reasons why people fast.
Ask yourself these questions to help direct you as you begin to figure out how and what you should fast this new year!
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the touch of God in your life?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Do you need to break away from hurts habits and hang-ups 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?
Have Questions? We’re here to help! Complete our contact form and someone will be in touch.