FASTING & PRAYER
Fasting and Prayer is laced into the fabric, DNA and foundation of Jubilee Christian Church. Everything we do begins and ends with communication with the Father. We believe that when we join together in prayer and fasting, we are given great access to the knowledge and wisdom of heaven. Join us from Monday, April 14th to Saturday, April 19th, as we fast and pray together.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is to voluntarily abstain from eating/drinking for an extended period of time. “Eating” and “drinking” can represent anything that is holding you back. What do you “consume” in terms of social food, intellectual food, spiritual food, and emotional food? Are these things distracting you from your relationship with God? Fasting brings you into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. Fasting transforms prayer into a richer, more personal experience and draws you closer to God. (James 4:8)
The Purpose of Fasting
Our ultimate goal is to draw nearer to God. While it is possible that a season of fasting can bring about life changing miracles, signs and wonders or bring about breakthroughs, we count these as bonuses.When we decrease and make life less about ourselves, our wants and our needs, we increase the capacity of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. Experiencing communion with the Father is the reward.
Biblical Examples of Fasting
Special revelation - Exodus 34:27-28
In times of war - Judges 20:26
Courage and wisdom - Esther 4:3,16
In times of grief - Nehemiah 1:4, 2 Samuel 1:12, Samuel 31:13, 1 Chronicles 10:12
Spiritual recuperation - 1 Kings 19:1-9
Mourning - Daniel 10:1-3
Repentance - Jonah 3:5, Daniel 6:18
Ministry preparation - Matthew 4:2
Spiritual power - Mark 9:29
Ministry commissioning - Acts 14:23
Set aside self for holiness - 1 Corinthians 7:5
Spiritual discipline - 1 Corinthians 11:24-28 (Paul “fasted often”)
Ways to Participate
Option A
Fruits & Vegetables Only
Option B
Daniel Fast
All Fruits:
Apples, peaches, berries, grapes, pineapples, oranges, bananas, melons etc. (fresh/raw, frozen, dried, juiced or canned in their own juice, not syrup)
All Veggies:
Squash, lettuce, spinach, carrots, kale, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, greens, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. (fresh/raw, frozen, dried or canned)
Whole Grains:
Brown rice, oats, barley, grits, hot cereal, whole-wheat pasta, etc.
Other Natural Foods:
Beans and peas, seeds and nuts, oils, rice milk, soy milk, water, healthy beverages and smoothies (with no sugars or artificial preservatives), spices, herbs, tofu, soy, vinegar.
Avoid:
X - Meat (including poultry & seafood)
X - White Rice/White Flour (no bread)
X - Fried Foods
X - Caffeine & Caffeinated Beverages
X - Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners
X - Dairy Products (butter, milk, eggs, etc)
Preparation
Prepare Your Mind
Make a decision and stick to it. Remember new beginnings require new decisions. Decide that you are going to commit to these 21 days no matter what. If you fall off or make a forgetful mistake, make the decision to start again. Make up in your mind that you are going to do what you say you are going to do. This is half the battle. Then, decide when and where you will meet with God. Decide what and when you will eat, and how you will spend your time differently. Remember, fasting is about growing closer to God. Find intentional ways to spend time with Him throughout your days.
Prepare Your Body
When you fast, your body eliminates toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability, especially during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. Naturally, you will have hunger pains. If this is your first time engaging in this type of fast, consider slowly eliminating specific food groups from your diet in the days leading up to the fast or as the fasting season goes on.
Prepare Your Spirit
The atmosphere of expectation is the breeding ground for miracles! As you fast and pray, may your faith be increased as you place greater expectation on God. The closer we get to Him, the more we understand His character. God is a provider, a healer, a creator and a way maker. And He desires to bless you abundantly. Our belief makes way for the miraculous to occur. As you prepare to fast expect an encounter with god that will change your life forever.
Helpful Tips
• Explain to your family in advance what you are doing and why you might be missing out on meal times.
• Never complain or brag about your fast, and avoid talking about it. (Matthew 6:5)
• Establish an accountability partner for prayer & encouragement. (Proverbs 27:17)
• Stay away from negative people. (Psalm 1)
• Spend as much time as possible alone in prayer. (Matthew 26:36-46)
• Acknowledge that your flesh cannot be trained, but must be crucified. (Galatians 2:20)
• Journal as you pray and meet with the Lord. Write down the miracles God does in your life so that you will always remember. (Psalm 77:11)
Prayer Schedule
Join us for prayer during these days of fasting. Remember fasting goes hand in hand with prayer.
Online
M-F: 6A - 7A (@JubileeBoston)
Sat. 7A-8A (@JubileeWorcester @JubileeBoston)
*All prayers and reflections are streamed on all of the Jubilee Boston social media outlets. (@JubileeBoston and @Jubileeworcester)