40 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting is from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

Biblical fasting refers to abstaining from food, but in a broader sense it is the denial of a desire of the flesh in order to focus on spiritual issues

"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer." -Ezra 8:23

WHY FAST?

Fasting draws us closer to God & His purposes It reveals the condition of our heart and opens the way for breakthrough Some things can only happen in response to prayer and fasting

Lk 4:1-2; Js 5:16; Mk 9:29; Mt 16:24; Is 58:6-9

HOW TO PRAY AND FAST SUCCESSFULLY

Follow biblical principles and direction Act in faith and humility Determine a specific purpose and time frame Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit Make prayer a priority throughout the day

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING

Instead of yielding to the desires of the flesh, surrender to the Holy Spirit Deny yourself food or an activity, using that time to seek God, pray and listen to His Word

THE SPIRITUAL FOCUS OF FASTING

Personal spiritual growth and clarity Spiritual breakthrough, breaking down of strongholds, salvation of the unsaved, revival in your home, church and community

Mt 6:16, 18:19; Jn 15:7; Is 58:6-9; Lk 17:5-6; Js 4:2,10

*The KEY is to spend time with God*

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FASTS

Complete Fast- Abstain from solids or liquids but not from water

Liquid Fast- Abstain from solid food but allowing for liquids of various kinds

Partial Fast- Abstain from certain foods or from all foods for a portion of a day or week

Jewish Fast- Abstain from food only from sunup to sundown

Daniel Fast- Abstain from eating meats and sweets, instead, eat fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds.

Media Fast- Abstain from social media, tv, sports, entertainment and/or phone use

RESULTS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

  • Answered prayer

  • Guidance in decisions

  • Increased concentration

  • Deliverance from bondage

  • Physical well-being

  • Wisdom from God

  • Spiritual victory

  • Deepening your faith and walk with God

SUMMING UP FASTING

Whatever type of fast you choose, do not give up. Start where you are. Pray, read God’s Word, reflect, and rest in the Lord Focus on meeting with God, not on perfect performance