Value 4 - Elders in each local church

Fasting and Prayer Resources

Why do we fast? ‘The goal of fasting is to turn ourselves from worldly things and set our minds and hearts fully on God. It is not a way to manipulate God or coerce him to hear and answer our prayers, but rather it acknowledges our complete dependence on him. Fasting awakens us to the reality that we are so often driven by our fleshly desires and appetites. It humbles us and awakens us to our great need for and reliance on God. As you consider fasting, we want to encourage you to listen to the Holy Spirit. Ask God to lead you in this time of seeking His face. Whether you choose to fast for one day, several days, or the entire 21 days, the point is to humble yourself in a new way and draw near to God. Here are some ideas of what you could choose.’ (The Summit Church)

TAKE PART IN A SIMPLE FAST

During January we fast together as a community - encouraging individuals to fast, and for all those who can to join us in a ‘partial fast’ - a Daniel Fast. In the bible, Daniel's fight against spiritual forces was aided by his prayer with fasting. The Daniel Fast is a simple way for us all to learn and grow together in the powerful discipline. You eat a simple diet and this helps focus your heart on God and continue to pray.

THREE REASONS TO TAKE PART

It will help us pray beyond our gatherings and add spiritual weight to our prayers.
We will encounter God.
In this time of adversity, it will help us thrive.

HOW IT WORKS

To take part simply download the guide and cookbook below and plan your fast (thanks to Relational Mission for these resources). If you are changing your diet or doing a form of fast for the whole 21 days, start on Monday 6th January and break fast on Sunday 26th January. If you can’t change your diet for medical reasons or you just don’t think you can fast from certain foods, the guide includes suggestions as to other ways you can fast.

We believe that, like Daniel, our fasting together will lead to even more breakthrough than would otherwise have happened. Join us, let’s draw near to God together and see Him move in power.