January 10 – January 30
WHY 21 DAYS of FASTING?
The goal of Christian fasting is God.
GOD FIRST is the priority that should rule our lives! Jesus said it this way in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
FASTING is one of the classical spiritual practices that can help us shift our priorities by eliminating distractions and focusing on what is truly important. It helps us put GOD FIRST, hear His voice, know His heart, receive His guidance, pursue His plans and receive His blessing. Fasting can also serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and breakthrough.
A2 Church will begin 2021 with 21 days of prayer and fasting. Fasting in January is similar to praying in the morning in order receive God’s direction for the entire day. That’s why we will begin the year by giving God the first and “best part” of the New Year, believing that He will respond by blessing the rest.
Start the New Year off right and discover the rewards of putting God first.
WHY SHOULD I FAST?
- Do you desire a deeper, more intimate relationship with God?
- Do you want to increase your spiritual sensitivity to the heart of God?
- Do you need to break free from self-defeating habits that keep you hostage or hold you back?
- Do you have a friend or family member that needs to know Jesus personally?
- Do you want to know God’s will in some area of your life? Are you desperate for direction?
- Is there a dream inside you that only God can make possible?
- Do you, a family member or friend need healing or a miracle?
- Do you want to jumpstart your spiritual growth and momentum in 2021?
- Do you desire a greater awareness of God’s presence in our church and in your life?
- Are you passionate about seeing A2 Church fulfill the vision God has given us to “be a church for people who’ve given up on church” and desperately need to know that they matter to God?
HOW TO BEGIN
Set your objective. Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting?
Do you need revival, spiritual renewal, guidance, healing, the restoration of a marriage or relationship, grace to handle a difficult situation, a financial breakthrough, etc.? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Determine a clear object or set of objectives. This will enable you to pray specifically and strategically throughout 21 Days of Prayer.
Always include prayer and Bible reading. Check out the list of recommended Bible Reading Plans available at the Info Desk and establish daily time in God’s Word throughout this focused time of prayer and fasting.
PREPARING SPIRITUALLY
The foundation of prayer and fasting is repentance. Repentance isn’t a bad word. It simply means to “change your mind.” To “change your mind” about God and about you! Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart for 21 Days of Prayer:
- Confess every sin the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Ask forgiveness from everyone you’ve hurt or offended. Forgive all of those who have hurt or offended you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4).
- Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
- Surrender your life fully to the purpose and plan of God (Romans 12:1-2).
- Believe that God “rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
- Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan will usually intensify his efforts when you devote yourself to prayer and fasting (Luke 4).
- Develop an accountability partner who will encourage you in your fast.
Keep a journal during your fast. Write down specific insights God gives you from His Word, promises you’ve claimed, and answers to prayer that you receive.
DECIDING WHAT KIND
The type of fast you go on is between you and God. Jesus implied that all believers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). For Him it was a matter of when believers fast, not if they should fast. Here are some fasting options:
- A Complete (Full) Fast – Abstain from food, drink only liquids (water and / or specific juices).
- The Daniel Fast – Abstain from meats, breads and sweets, drink only water. (Vegetables and most natural fruits are acceptable.) Recommended Books: The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory or The Daniel Plan Jumpstart Guide by Rick Warren.
- The “Partial” or “Jewish” or “Sun-up to Sun-down” Fast. Involves abstaining from eating any type of food from sun-up to sun-down. Some people determine specific times of the day to observe this fast. For instance, fasting from 6 am to 3 or 4 pm.
- Selective Fast – Removing certain foods from your diet in pursuit of God. This could include foods like dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners, breads, grains, soda, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, etc. You prayerfully choose the foods you will eliminate. Several variations exist.
- A Non-Food Fast – A decision to limit or completely abstain from something in your life where you may need to develop more discipline. For instance, you may choose to stop using social media, viewing television, Netflix, news media, etc. and devote more time to reading God’s Word and prayer.
NOTE: If you are on medication, have a medical condition, or are engaging in a prolonged fast, please consult your doctor.
Deciding on what kind of fast you will observe ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon your fast.
IMPORTANT
For maximum spiritual benefit, it is important that the time normally devoted to eating be given to prayer, Bible reading and study and being alone with God.
Pray often throughout the day. Spend time in Bible Study. Make personal praise and worship a priority. Spend time in solitude and get away from every distraction possible (television, radio, cell phones, computers, etc.) Keep a journal. The more time you spend alone with God, the more effective and meaningful your fast will be.
GATHERED PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES
January 10 – 30
Week Day Prayer
Mon – Friday @ 6 am
Saturday Prayer
Jan 16, 23 + 30 @ 9 am
MAKING THE COMMITMENT
- My purpose or reason for fasting is: _________________________________
- I will observe the following kind of fast: ______________________________
- I will observe this fast for this period of time: _________________________
- My accountability partner during this fast will be: _____________________
- Why is this the right time for me to fast: _____________________________
I believe that God is the only answer to my need and that prayer without fasting isn’t enough to get an answer to my need. Therefore, by faith I am fasting because I desperately need God to work in my life and in this matter.
God being my strength and His grace being my basis, I commit myself to the above fast.
________________________________________
Signed / Date
A2 Church · PO Box 381115
Birmingham, AL 35238
A2.CHURCH