Stay Informed

 Church Wide Fast Information

 

Dates: Monday January 6th – Monday January 27th. These may be adjusted if you need to plan for your

individual schedule. The goal is 21 continuous days.

Special Prayer Dates: January 10th, 17th & 24th (3 consecutive Fridays) at the church @7pm. Please join us for prayer even if you are unable to fast.

"...when ye fast..." Matthew 6:16

“...when ye pray...” Matthew 6:5

 Fasting should be a regular part of the believers’ devotions to God (Along with prayer and giving). It is meant to bless and refresh the participant.

 

Church Fast Guidelines:

1. Pray specifically about what God would have you to do. This is a good time to learn how to hear God speaking in our lives. Also, pray and plan about any special occasions during this time, for example birthdays, anniversaries or other special days that you typically celebrate.

2. Obviously, a 21 day fast is extended, and this means that you will need to eat and drink. Consider some ideas such as Daniel fasting (eating and/or avoiding certain types of food) or missing one or more meals a day (always be careful to limit your portion sizes). It is tempting to eat twice as much at the next meal. Whatever you feel you should do, it should last for 21 days. Stay hydrated.

• Plan and Prepare – start limiting those items you will not consume before the fast starts.

• Grocery shop in advance. This is not a weight-loss program.

• A base-line standard is to fast from sweets (food and drinks) during this time.

• Reintroduce foods/drinks slowly at the conclusion of the fast.

  3. Whatever direction you feel to take, make sure that the fast is working in you (moving you closer to God). It should be something that is done daily and for 21 days. Try to make the 21 days as you can. In fact, there may

 be some who fast longer - let God lead you.

4. Do not be discouraged if you experience a setback. Do not let one day or moment determine the remainder of the fast. Again, look honestly at your work, school and special events schedule for this time and plan for it.

5. As always, if you have special dietary needs, follow your medical professionals’ orders. 6. Be in specific prayer and Bible reading during this time.

7. A final consideration may be to add entertainment restraints. Consider reducing or removing social media time as a part of your fast.

Again, put this into prayer for you and your family. This is meant to be a blessing to you, your family, and the church.

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In Jesus Name,

J. Maratta, Pastor - The Pentecostals of El Paso