Fast: Ignite Your Spiritual Passion
Theme of the Fast:
Your primary goal in fasting is to enhance your intimacy with God by forfeiting a need of the flesh to prioritize your spiritual life. . Increase your prayer, Scripture reading, journaling and quiet time. Study the Scriptures with a new intensity. When the fast is over, you should have a new spiritual strength from overcoming the cravings that usually control your life and from dedicating yourself to God. Participants are also encouraged to join us on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm for praise & worship, prayer, teaching from two of God's humble servants: Dr. Carison Adams and Pastor Demetrius McClendon.
Details of the Fast:
Step 1: Select the type of fast you will practice
Step 2: Determine the number of meals each day you will fast. We are requesting the evening meal
Step 3: Attend the evening sessions on Monday to Wednesday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Step 4: Gather with your family on Thursday for extended time of prayer and Scripture reading
Step 5: Fellowship and break the fast with other families from Destiny Church (Friday)
Step 6: Implement what God teaches and/or communicates to you during fast
Step 7: Join us on Wednesdays now until February 24th as we spark our spiritual passion
Biblical Model of Fasting:
Fasting is described as a one of the spiritual disciplines. In the book of Daniel, chapter 1, Daniel describes an example of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah described God's chosen fast in Isaiah 58. Jesus fasted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and spoke of the necessity of fasting for believers. Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns. Fasting is a physical experience that reflects a spiritual commitment. (Matt 6:16-18; Ps 35:13; Ezra 8:23)
Types of Fast:
1. Absolute Fast: No water, no food, no entertainment.
2. Normal/Routine Fast: No food, fluids as needed and desired.
3. Partial Fast: Vegetables and/or Fruit Only, fluids as needed and desired.
4. Simulated Fast: This one is for those that cannot abstain from food but sacrificing a habit in lieu of food.
Following your own conscience:
The precise details of your fast are between you and God. The apostle Paul says, "Each person is free to follow the convictions of his own conscience" (Romans 14, The Message). If you fast often, you may need to turn up your fasting another level during this time. If this is your first fast, you may not be able to endure as many restrictions as someone else who fasts frequently. In the future, live a "fasted lifestyle," increasingly accommodating God and not the flesh.
Restricting television and entertainment:
It will be difficult for you to consecrate yourself if you feed yourself on television and movies during this time.
Students & Children:
Children are encouraged to join in with their parents in the daily readings and utilize the questions at the end of each chapter for open discussion. However, a modified version of the fast should be utilized especially for small children. They will be encouraged to give up sweets during the fast, as opposed to a stricter regimen.