Fasting Instructions

We will begin the 2023 calendar year with fasting and praying together as a church family. Fasting will begin on January 8th and continue until January 29th. Participants are asked to select the fast(s) of their choice from the list below with the exception of Wednesdays, which have been designated as Family Fasting days. On Family Fasting days, participants are asked to fast from 6:00am until 6:00pm with water only. If you are not able to refrain from food, eat fruits and vegetables only. Practical Help For Fasting tips are provided below.

Types of Fasts

Danial Fast - No meat, sweets, dairy, or processed foods. Water, 100% juice, fruit, nuts, and vegetables only.

Complete Fast - No food. Water only.

Partial Fast - Select food(s) to refrain from. Water and 100% juice only.

Liquid Fast - Water, 100% fruit/vegetable juice, broth, or smoothies only.

*Everyone is asked to drink only water & 100% juice the entire 21 days regardless of the type of fast that you choose.*

Praying Together

Additionally, everyone is asked to join our time of prayer & worship at 8:00pm(cst) nightly. Sundays via Facebook (CLICK HERE) and Monday through Saturday by calling our prayer line: 609-663-0482.

PRACTICAL HELP FOR FASTING

PREPARING SPIRITUALLY - Often when we fast, physical and spiritual problems can arise. They were already there, fasting simply alerts us to them, prepare your heart for this, be ready to forgive others. We should have a practical plan, and we approach with faith, but often the Lord will bring things up in our hearts we were not expecting, so remain flexible. Reading the word and prayer are very important and powerful during times of fasting, we always encourage planning for that time in the day. Be expectant for things in your life to shift. 

PREPARING PHYSICALLY -   If you have health concerns, consult your doctor prior to beginning a fast and explain what you plan to do. This is especially important if you take prescription medications or have a chronic ailment.

HOW TO BEGIN - Start with a clear goal. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you fasting for the salvation of loved ones? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

DECIDING WHAT TO FAST - What you fast is between you and God. It is a decision made in your prayer time with God. You may choose a full/complete fast or a partial fast. Sometimes it helps to work towards a full water fast if you are choosing to do a longer fast. You can start with a partial fast (no meat, sweets, etc). It’s mostly eating vegetables, fruit and drinking water, then move to a liquid fast with juices, then to water. Whatever you decide, please be wise and get some advice from those who have fasted before if you need to. 

There are a few other things to focus on during this time that will help you maintain a “clean vessel.” For example, refrain from critical speaking and spreading negative words about or to anyone else. Also, consider limiting how much time you watch TV, and how much time you spend on things that are distracting. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study. That time with Jesus will produce dramatic change in your life.

DECIDING HOW LONG - Most people can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

WHAT TO EXPECT - When you fast, your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. Naturally, you will have hunger pangs. Limit your activity, and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings miraculous results.

You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

HOW TO END - This varies a great deal on the length of your fast. Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin by eating smaller portions of food or snacks such as fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods and sugar. If you have fasted for a great length of time on only water, please seek advice on how to break your fast, it is important to do this correctly. Ending a long water fast correctly can be very difficult, and it’s crucial to your health.