INTRODUCTION:

Here is a simple guide for you to use during the next 21 days. To start off the new year right, we are encouraging you to grow in your walk with Christ in three areas: reading, praying and fasting. We desire for this to be helpful to you as you pursue Jesus daily.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose of Your Fast

Why are you fasting? (For the purpose of the 21 Days, see above.) Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives foryour prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. Fasting is God-led and God-initiated. That meansthat He fuels a desire to fast and pray. He loves it when we fast.

Step 2: Specify the Nature of Your Fast

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14, 15) ForHim it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it.

Before you fast, decide the following up front:

• How long you will fast for - one meal a day, Just liquids for the entire duration of your fast, fasting on certain days of the week etc.
• The type of fast God wants you to undertake - discussed in the Types of Fasts section
• What physical or social activities you will restrict
• How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word

Step 3: Prepare

We must prepare. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.
• Do not rush into your Fast. Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
• Prepare your heart and mind remembering that God is your Father and He loves you and is for
• Surrender your life fully to Jesus (Romans 12:1,2) Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power,wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9, 1 O; 103:1-8, 11- 13).
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11 :6)
• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit.(Galatians 5:16, 17)
• Finally, and of deep importance, Jesus instructs us in Matthew not to let others know about our fasting. The strict details of our fast should not be something we constantly talk about, It should remain between us and God.

PRAYING:

DURING THE FAST, WE WOULD ASK YOU TO SEEK GOD ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS—FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OUR CHURCH AND THE COUNTRY:

WEEK ONE: PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

Habakkuk 2:2, Proverbs 29 :18, Psalm 91, Mt 19: 26

• Pray that God will build His church, so the gates of hell does not prevail against her.
• Pray that the presence of the Lord dwell among us.
• Pray that the will of God will be done in the church.
• Rebuke any voice that seeks for worship other than God. Father, let Your will be done in our church.
• Pray that the Lord shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
• Ask God to open unto us great and effectual doors.  
• Pray that the mercy and grace prevail  over the church.
• Pray for guidance for the church's leadership to fulfil God's vision for the rChurch.
• God MAKE NCH a cloud with rain and we’ll with water.
• Lord revive the church, revive our hearts, open our eyes to see you, to live like you
•  

WEEK TWO: PRAYER FOR THE COUNTRY

Mt 6:10, Ps 91, Pro 19:21, Pro 2:6, 1 Kg 3:9 ,1 Cor 15:58, Ps 85:6, 2 Chr 7:14, Jer 29:7

• Pray for a revival and the fire of the holy spirit to fall on our nation
• Pray for guidance, wisdom for our leaders
• Let our leaders not seek to pursue their own interest but look at the interest of the Nation
• Let our nations/city be known as a place of hope, love, and faith

WEEK THREE: PRAYER FOR YOURSELF

Phil 4:19, Ps 34:10, Mt 6:26, Jm 1:5 Ps 32:8, 3 Jn 1:2, Isa 53:5, Mt 19:26, Eph 3:20-21

• Thank you lord for your continuous provision in every area of my life
• Lord open my eyes to see you.
• Lord use my life as a sign and wonder to confirm to your word In my generation
• Your Personal prayer 

FASTING:

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT FASTING?

Biblical fasting involves abstaining from eating (and/or drinking) for spiritualpurposes:

In the Old Testament, Israel celebrated certain annual fasts, the most prominent being the Day of Atonement. There were also occasional fasts tied to specific historical events, sometimes individual and sometimes corporate. Here are a few of the occasions for fasting: at a time of grief (I Sam. 31 :13; Nehemiah1 :4), at a time of repentance (I Sam 7:6; I Kings 21 :27), as an expression of humility (Ezra 8:21; Psalm 69: 10) and as an expression of a need for God’s guidance and help. All of these fasts express a common dependence on God. Several New Testament passages give us more insight about fasting.

Fasting teaches us that God's Word nourishes us:

Matthew 4: 1-4 records the only example of Jesus fasting, just prior to his being tempted in thewilderness. He faced temptation with these words “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3-5 which talks about the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, depending daily on manna to sustain them. He says that Godhumbled them and let them be hungry in order to teach them to depend on God’s Word to sustain them. By His example of fasting, Jesus reminds us that food alone can’t sustain us. We need to be nourished by God’s Word.

Fasting teaches us that doing God's will sustains us:

John 4:31-35 records Jesus encounter with the woman at the well. When the disciples return theyencourage Jesus to eat. He responds by saying “I have food to eat that you know not of,” then He adds“My food is to do the will of the Father.” Again, Jesus reminds us that food alone is not enough. We aresustained by doing God’s will.

Fasting teaches us that Jesus Himself sustains us:

In John 6:48-50 Jesus says “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” We see this pictured symbolically in the bread and the cup of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is the source of eternal life. Fasting is feasting on Jesus. Jesus commanded that fasting would be a part of His disciple’s spirituallife. In Matthew 6:16-18, He says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” He warns us not to fast to impress people, but to be near to the heart of God.

Fasting is designed to intensify our dependence on God by weakening our dependence on food and other things:

Fasting reveals and heals our dependence on food (and other things) to fill the discomfortcaused by low self-esteem, unfulfilling work, unloving relationships, uncontrollable circumstances, etc. It removes the false peace derived from the pleasure of eating. RichardFoster, in His Classic Celebration of Discipline, says, “More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs tobe transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fast- ing these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69: 10). Anger,bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear- if they are within us, they will surface during fasting.”

Fasting teaches us that we can go without getting what we want and survive:

Fasting can free us from having to have what we want. Therefore, fasting can teach moderation or self-control, not only in relation to food, but in other areas as well. It teaches contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

Fasting expresses and deepens our hunger for God

Richard Foster says, “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God: (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “Allthings hold together” (Col. 1: 17). Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so muchabstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God and on Christ Himself. Fasting is feasting.” Fasting for other reasons, such as a “spiritual disguise” for losing weight, is anaberration to Biblical fasting. Fasting to even appear spiritual to others is more akin to thePharisees than Jesus’ instructions. Fasting must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him.

TYPES OF FASTS:

Biblical fasting always concerns food. Since the purpose of fasting, as we saw above, is to focus on God, to humble ourselves and to remind ourselves that we are sustained by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, then the task in fasting is connecting our “goingwithout” to “hungering for God.” This takes time, focus and prayer in itself.

Please do not expect to be an “expert” at fasting right away. Fasting is a discipline that can take a very long time to understand well. Also, do not let this fact deter you or intimidate you.

ABSTAINING FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF FOOD (MEAT, SWEETS, ETC.) -DANIEL 10:3

This type is a good first step for beginners to fast or those with health needs and special orrestrictive diets. Choose to abstain from something like breads, sweets, sodas, coffee, or even red meat. Perhaps spend some time reading through Daniel’s fast in Daniel chapter 1 and chapter 10

Stick to only fruits and vegetables like Daniel or try something similar.

You may choose to go without a specific type of food on only certain days like Fridays, or you may go without during the weekdays only or perhaps every day.

ABSTAINING FROM ALL FOOD (ESTHER 4:16; ACTS 9:9)

This kind of fast is more difficult but can be broken up by timing and duration. This seems to be the most prevalent of the fasts we see in the Bible. It is also the most intimidating but refuse to let it scare you.

Fasting from all food is not scary if you determine beforehand when you will do so and for how long.

Here are some ideas:

• Start Begin with fasting for only a part of a day (lunch, or lunch and dinner). Do this for one day a week, orperhaps three days a week. You determine the timing and duration. Take a step of faith. Fasting is a faith move.
• Next, try fasting from food but not This means that according to your timing and duration, you would not eat any solid foods but only water, juices, smoothies, or perhaps simple soup broths.
• Do this for the first one or two Devote the time that you normally would to eating to Scripture reading and prayer. Focus on Jesus’ statements about food.
• Next try a 24-hour This means that you get up and eat a good breakfast and drink only water or juice until thefollowing breakfast the next day. Set aside specific time, during normal mealtimes if possible, to pray and seek God.Finally, you may progress to a two or three day fast. For some, progression may lead to a multi- day, even multi-weekfast. But remember the purpose of your fast.

ABSTAINING FROM THINGS BESIDES FOOD (DANIEL 6:18)

The king’s voluntary “fasting” from entertainment in the time of Daniel helps us further understand yet another type of fast.

Fasting from non-food items like entertainment can be particularly helpful and accessible for everyone.

Think of abstaining from television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc. for the duration ofyour fast. This can be a very powerful decision even as a supplement to food fasts.

Choosing your fasting plan is a very personal decision. We are all at different places in our walk with God and our spiritualityshould never be a cause for comparison or competition. There is nothing more “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast asopposed to another. Your personal fast should present a

level of challenge to it, but know your body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer about this and followwhat the Holy Spirit leads you to do. It’s also important to not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. Thisis a time to disconnect enough with your regular patterns and habits in order to connect more closely to God.

NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF FAST YOUCHOOSE AND EVEN IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO FAST, PLEASE SEEK GOD IN PRAYER ANDREADING

READING:

WHEN

Morning or Evening: Jesus and the psalmists are often found praying in the morning (e.g., Psalm 5:3;Luke 4:42). The evenings less so, but choose a time when you are at your best and most attentive.

Lunch Break: If you have time during your workday to read during your lunch or another break, this might be a perfect way to spend your time.

Anytime: Some of you may have such busy lives that you need to fit it in whenever you can. This is totally normal. Make sure that whatever time you decide to read your Bible that you are in a place whereyou can focus and reflect on God’s Word.

WHAT

Bible Reading Plan: Choose a plan and work the plan. If you miss some days, do not try to catch up. Simply pick up where you left off.

Journal: We recommend using a simple journal that’s easy to use. You can find these at just about any store, especially book stores or online.

Pen: Take notes within your Bible or a journal.

HOW

Pray: Ask God to speak to you through his Word. And then expect God to speak. Your approach toGod’s Word will greatly impact your times of personal worship. Ask God to search your heart and to transform your life.

Read: Take notes as you read. If you have a question or have difficulty understanding something, usethe study Bible notes to explore answers.

Journal: (try to limit it to one page per day to start): Start a new page and record the date and Scripture you read on the top line. Write down a verse or two

that stood out to you. Stay focused on what God is saying through his Word that intersects with your everyday life. This is not about speculation, private interpretations or manipulating God’s Wordto say what you want it to say. This is about bringing Christ to your everyday life based on the truth ofGod’s Word rightly interpreted.

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH:

OLD TESTAMENT:

The Prayer Ministry at New Covenant House has been called to be intercessors and watchmen for the church. We pray regularly and without ceasing for the move and will of God to be made manifest in the body of Christ. As we strive to continually pray earnestly and fervently, our goal is to equip the church do the same, so that the prayers of today may become the testimonies of tomorrow.

If you are interested in serving in the prayer ministry, please click here and complete the form with 'Prayer Ministry' as your primary area of interest. God bless you and we look forward to having you in this awesome and powerful ministry.

Need Prayers? Please fill out the prayer request form and we'll be sure to pray along with you or email us at [email protected]

“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

Isaiah 62: 6 – 7

“A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.”

Leviticus 6: 13