Note: Below are last year’s messages to begin to prepare your heart and mind
Join us via Zoom on Mondays – Saturdays from 6:33am – 7:03am for prayer each morning during the Soul Fast (August 12th-17th)
SET SOME GOALS
Write down some specific goals or areas in your life that you’re believing God to speak to you about. Begin with the goal of knowing God more intimately and hearing His voice more clearly. If there are areas in your life where you are needing a breakthrough, commit them to God and believe that He can work in your life as you fast and pray. Most importantly, remain open to whatever God wants to speak and do as you seek Him!
SHARE THE JOURNEY
As we embark on a journey over the next 21 days as a church, we’re doing this together! Find someone who can journey with you – your spouse, a close friend, or someone that you serve alongside at Zeal. We’ll be going through this Bible reading plan together: Awakening: 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting together each morning on the Zoom prayer meetings. Commit to sharing with each other what you sense God is speaking to you and doing in you over the 21 days.
WHAT TO PHYSICALLY EXPECT AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR JOURNEY
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mindset on seeking God’s face.
DECIDE WHAT TO FAST
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
A “Full Fast” is drinking only liquids.
“The Daniel Fast” is when you eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. “
HOW TO FAST
A “partial fast” is from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food throughout the 21 days.
Other Fasts: If it is not medically feasible for you to fast, you may pray about abstaining from other activities such as entertainment, hobbies, movies, social media, etc. This will increase your ability to focus on God in extra prayer time. Note: this should be in conjunction with any of the food fasts listed above
BE INTENTIONAL WITH WORSHIP
Pastor Brandon has personally curated a worship playlist that is filled with songs that will make you want to pray, and even instrumental songs to play while you are reading the Word of God. These songs echo the heart of this season of seeking God. You are encouraged to listen to it in your quiet time, in the car, or wherever you are. Make it your soundtrack for the season! Remember, we want the songs we sing to become the narrative of our lives!
VISION FOR FASTING
x x x x x x x x x
WEEK 1
To learn about the biblical and spiritual principles of fasting, watch this message on from Pastor Brandon called “First Focus.”
WEEK 2
Pastor Brandon talks about how “The Proof is in the Pursuit.” Watch the video here!
WEEK 3
To learn about how our bold perseverance can help in our pursuit of God, watch this message on “Resilience Required” from Pastor Brandon.
WEEK 4
Pastor Brandon reminds us to pray because we are loved, to pray because both heaven and hell are listening, and to pray because it gives us leverage!
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR FASTING:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
RELATION TO PRAYER AND READING OF THE WORD:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
CORPORATE FASTING:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37