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Stay at it. Stay faithful. Spend time in prayer - don’t just skip food. Jesus said that when you fast and pray in private, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6.18, NLT) In his book Fasting, Jentezen Franklin said, “When you fast and pray you should expect miracles.” Believing for great rewards for you!
Guidelines - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
1. Biblical Basis for Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18, NLT - Fast and pray in secret. Your Heavenly Father rewards you.
Matthew 9:14-15, NLT - Jesus said His disciples would fast when Jesus went away.
Exodus 34:28, NLT - Moses fasted 40 days when he received the 10 Commandments.
Luke 4:1-2, NLT - Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast 40 days.
Acts 13:1-3, NLT - The early church fasted for God's direction.
2. Helpful Tips For Fasting
How to Begin
Don't binge before a longer fast. Taper off food intake in preparation.
Write down specific areas in which you're praying for breakthrough - in your life and for people you care about.
Decide What to Fast
Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
The type of fasting and the length of time that you fast is between you and the Lord.
Normal fast - Only drink liquids (One gallon of water per day!)
Partial fast - Fast one meal per day. Or just fast for one whole day during the week.
Daniel Fast - Eat fruits and vegetables; abstain from sweets and meats, and only drink water.
Key
Replace the time you would have spent preparing and eating food with time in prayer, Bible reading, and listening to God/journaling. (Also, consider limiting TV, movies, and Internet during the fast.)
What to Expect
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. Naturally, you will have hunger pains. You may need to limit physical activity. Take time to rest. Pray as often as you can throughout the day - every time you're hungry say a prayer. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.
How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
3. Fasting and Your Health
We recommend that you always consult your physician prior to beginning any type of fast. If you are in poor health, pregnant, or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, we especially urge you to consult a physician before beginning a fast. If you are physically unable to go without food, consider abstaining from other things such as: coffee, TV, movies, Internet/Facebook. Just set aside something that you normally enjoy doing, and use that time to seek the Lord.
4. Pray For Our Church
Pray for:
Spiritual Breakthrough (Acts 3:19-20, NLT, James 5:13-16, NLT, James 1:5, NLT)
Financial Breakthrough (2 Corinthians 9:6-11, NLT, Luke 6:38, NLT)
Kingdom Growth Breakthrough (Luke 10:2, NLT, Matthew 28:19-20, NLT, Acts 5:14-16, NLT)
Resources
For more great reading: "Fasting" by, Jentezen Franklin, available online, or in the NFC Bookstore.
 Join us in our NFC Bible Reading Plan! Just begin at today's date. Free Journals are available on Sundays at NFC's Information. Join us in experiencing God speaking in a fresh way!
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