A humble heart and a mind open to Jesus is what He expects, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
Romans 8:26-27
During the Fresh Start 21-Day Fast, we will also incorporate Bible reading, engaging exercises and prayer. Prayer is a key practice in our relationship with God because this is the way that we communicate with Him. We pray using words and silence; listening and waiting on the Holy Spirit to direct us is a major component of prayer.
Can you imagine what the year would be if we simply committed to fasting, praying and asking the Lord to mature us – spiritually, emotionally and socially? Imagine no more — Now is that time. But what if we started differently? What if our sole plan was to seek our heavenly Father for His plans concerning us? Can you imagine what the year would be if we simply committed the first three weeks to fasting, praying and asking the Lord to mature us – spiritually, emotionally and socially? Imagine no more — Now is that time.
Why Should We Pray?
- We pray because we love God.
- We pray to worship God for who He is.
- We pray to say thanks to our Father.
- We pray to God to praise Him.
- We pray to intercede for others.We pray to petition God.
- We pray against the enemies of God.
- We pray to listen to God.
- We pray to resist temptation.
- We pray because He directs us to pray.
The Model Prayer
As you petition God in prayer for your concerns, also pray daily for: Sensitivity to the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit; Bishop Alexander and his family, and Wisdom for the Kingdom Team.
- “Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name … The prayer principles of adoration (praise for who God is) and thanksgiving (praise for what He has done).
- “Your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven … The principle of affirmation, that is, agreeing with God’s will and submitting to it.
- “Give us this day our daily bread … The principle of supplication, in which we make requests both for ourselves (petition) and for others (intercession).
- “And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors … The principle of confession in view of our need for forgiveness of sins.
- “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one … The necessity of renewal as we face the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” A closing prayer that honors the Lord and completes our thoughts.
Use #TPCFRESHSTART on social media as God speaks to you during this time of fasting.
What is a Fast?
A fast is a period of abstaining from something; denying self from a desire. There are multiple types of fasts, which we will address.
Why Should I Fast?
Fasting and Prayer combined can bring about a transformational revival in you, the nation and the world. The ultimate purpose of the fast is not you and what you seek, but God and what He seeks. Fasting is a true way to sacrifice for God and humble oneself to Him (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). Fasting is an act of worship and honoring.
How Should I Prepare for a Fast?
The best way to choose the appropriate fast is to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Pray purposefully in identifying God’s purpose and direction in your fast. His direction is the only thing that will make the fast meaningful and significant.
Spiritual Preparation
- Pray before you fast. Ensure that you communicate with God and seek His guidance regarding your fast.
- Ask God to help you to examine your heart, detect and repent any unconfessed sins.
Physical Preparation
- Consult a doctor before fasting, in order to ensure that all of your vitals are stable.
- If you have severe medical maladies you should definitely have professional supervision while fasting.
- Decrease the amount of food that you eat a couple of days prior to the fast starting in order to prepare your mind, stomach, and appetite for less food.
Types of Fasts
While fasting is great way to seek God, and to remove all the things in our lives that often take the place of primary in our lives, we certainly want you to take all the precautions to make sure you are safe. If you have severe medical maladies, you should request professional supervision while fasting.
The best way to choose the appropriate fast is to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Pray purposefully in identifying God’s purpose and direction in your fast.
- Partial Fast abstain from food for a set time; eat a simple meal of bread & water; sacrifice a certain food
- Daniel Fast abstain from delicacies, meats and wines, and focuses on fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables
- No Food Fast abstain from all food, including milk (protein) and only drink liquids and water
- Water-Only Fast abstain from everything except water
- Absolute / Supernatural Fast abstain from any foods or liquids, including water (the 40-day fast of Moses and Jesus and the 3-day fast seen in Esther 4:16)
Foods to include on the Daniel Fast
One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.
| All Fruits |
| fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned; including but not limited to: apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon |
| All Vegetables |
| fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned; including but not limited to: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy |
| All Whole Grains |
| including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn |
| All Nuts and Seeds |
| including but not limited to: sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter |
| All Legumes |
| canned or dried; including but not limited to: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans |
| All Quality Oils |
| including but not limited to: olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame |
| Beverages |
| spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices |