FASTING AND PRAYER GUIDELINES - OCTOBER 2015

This is a time for us to rededicate our lives to God through fasting, prayer, and consecration. For the next 3 days, we will dedicate our time and focus on pursuing after God by limiting our fleshly desires and increasing our spiritual disciplines.

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” (Daniel 9:2, KJV).

WHAT IS FASTING:
Fasting is denying your flesh of natural desires for a period of time while devoting that time strictly to God. With the proper motive, and through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Therefore, during this time, we ought to seek God’s face and not His hand, with a broken, repentant, and contrite heart. 

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV). 

THE PURPOSE OF THIS FAST (not limited to):

 For spiritual revival and increased faith

 For spiritual growth and direction

 For the saving and restoration of souls

 For personal breakthroughs and deliverances

 For the covering of our children, families, and marriages

 For our Country, Government officials, and local community

 For our Pastor and church family

 READ JOEL 2:12-32

WHEN YOU FAST:

 Focus on the Word of God.

 Sing songs of worship and praise. 

 Increase your prayer time, and pray specifically.

  

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO FAST:

During our 3-Day fasts, it recommended to use the Daniel Fast, especially if you are working or have a medical condition(s). It is very important to understand that fasting is more than just abstaining from food, but it is an act of self-denial, for the purpose of strengthening our spirit-man. Therefore, be sure that your heart, attitude, and motives are pure and pleasing to the Lord during this time of fasting.

NOTE: If you are on medication please follow your prescription instructions during the days of fasting. Use wisdom and consult your doctor. 

THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE NEXT 3 DAYS:

• No social media activity or posting, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…etc..

• No internet access, unless for work, school, biblical study, or to listen to/watch sermons, gospel songs or programs.

• No video games.

• No movies, programs, or realty shows that promote drugs, lust, violence, fornication, adultery, horror, or any other ideas that strengthen the flesh.

• Limit your daily television entertainment time.

• No baked goods, processed breads, sweets or candies, i.e., cakes, pies, chips, ice cream, etc.

• No sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrup, canned or bottled juice, sugary drinks, soda, coffee, energy drinks, etc.

• No meats, including, but not limited to beef, lamb, and pork.

• No fried or deep fried foods.

• No dairy products such as milk, cheese, cream, butter, or eggs.

• No shortening, margarine, lard, or foods with high fat.

• No white rice, white flour, white bread, or foods that contain artificial preservatives.

SUGGESTED FOODS TO EAT DURING THE NEXT 3 DAYS:

• Poultry: Chicken, turkey (baked or broiled) ONLY ON SALADS.

• Fish: (baked or broiled).

• All Fruits: Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. Fruits include, but not limited to, fruit salads, apples, bananas, berries, cherries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, mangoes, nectarines, tangerines, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, raisins, and watermelon.

• All Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. Vegetables include, but not limited to, vegetable salads, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsley, potatoes, scallions, spinach, squashes, sweet potatoes, yams, tomatoes, and zucchini.

• All Whole Grains: Including, but not limited to, whole wheat (bread), brown rice, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pastas, tortillas, rice cakes, and popcorn (no butter).

• All Nuts and Seeds: Including, but not limited to, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame, and walnuts.

• Peas and Beans: Canned or dried. Peas and Beans include, but not limited to, pinto beans, split peas, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, and white beans.

• Beverages: Spring or distilled water, 100% all-natural fruit or vegetable juices. Protein and smoothie drinks (ONLY if they are sugar-free, dairy-free and chemical-free).

• Other Items: Seasonings, salt, herbs, and spices for cooking ONLY.

HEALTH TIPS DURING FASTING:

HEALTH CORNER- Fasting and Chronic conditions:

It is wise to approach the fasting period with wisdom. People who have high blood pressure or diabetes, or other chronic conditions, and are on medications, should consult their healthcare provider before fasting.

 
The most important advice is to fast smart. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). They include: Shakiness, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, confusion, and weakness. Stop the fast immediately if blood glucose levels exceed 300 mg/dl or drop lower than 70 mg/dl.

Protect yourself while fasting: Learn the appropriate treatment for low or high blood sugar, including use of glucose tablets, glucose gels, or glucagon injections. During the fast, test your blood glucose levels more frequently. Keep emergency contact information where others can find it. Use this opportunity to eliminate fried food and junk food, if your provider does not recommend fasting. Eat 4-6 small meals a day. Cultivate better eating habits, such as portion control and carb counting. Finally, don't do anything without first consulting your doctor or diabetes educator.