Minneapolis First Seventh-day Adventist
21 Days PRAYER and FASTING Schedule
Revive…Rebuild…Repair
November 8th -28th, 2021
Most of us initiate our prayers with OUR goals in mind. What do WE want out of this.. When we start off in such a way, we have already blocked out possibly 90% of what God has to say to us.. give us.. Because we only want to hear and receive what WE want, we limit the blessings far beyond our imaginations because we refuse to let God reign over our vessels, which we claim to be part of His Kingdom. The message from God that appears the smallest to you, may indeed become much bigger than you can presently understand.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL IN PRAYER IS LISTENING FOR GOD’S DIRECTIONS FOR OUR LIVES!
God has unique relationships with all of us and therefore our prayer lives are unique as well. Some of us put unnecessary pressures on ourselves to pray like someone we have heard, when the most important thing that God wants from us, is for us to Seek His Face (Psalm 27:8), to look for Him, the All Knowing for guidance, to love on Him, and continuously build a relationship with Him (John 15:14-15). A relationship with God is similar in one way to relationships with others, the more we communicate the stronger the relationship becomes; the communication is in fact our relationship. Prayer IS our relationship with God.
No prayer = no relationship with God
More prayer = BIGGER relationship with God
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).
WHY SHOULD WE FAST?
If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:
• Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.
• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life—and make you a channel of revival to others.
• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will 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.”
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 petition God.• We pray to confess our sins.
• We pray to intercede for others.• 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.
Fasting and Prayer combined can bring about a transformational revival- in you, the family, the Church, the nation, the world.. it can be a very powerful tool in seeking God.
The ultimate purpose of the fast is not you and what you seek, but God. 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.
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.
How Should We Prepare for a Fast?
BASIC STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL FASTING AND PRAYER
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR FAST
How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
STEP 1: SET YOUR OBJECTIVE
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.
Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.
STEP 2: MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT
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) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
o How long you will fast—one meal, one day, a week, three weeks,
o (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)
o The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often)
o What physical or social activities you will restrict
o How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.
STEP 3: PREPARE YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
o Ask God to help you.
o Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
o Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
o Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
o Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
o Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
o Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
o Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
o Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).
STEP 4: PREPARE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY
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.
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.
o Do not rush into your fast.
o Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
o Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
WHILE YOU FAST
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
o Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician’s supervision.
o Limit your activity.
o Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
o Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
o Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
o Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
STEP 5: PUT YOURSELF ON A SCHEDULE
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
o Morning
• Begin your day in praise and worship.
• Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
• Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
• Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
o Noon
• Return to prayer and God’s Word.
• Take a short prayer walk.
• Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community’s and nation’s leaders, for the world’s unreached millions, for your family or special needs.
o Evening
• Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”
• If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
• Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.
When possible, begin and end each day on your knees for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone
• 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
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.
Partial Fast – abstain from food for a set time; eat a simple meal of bread & water; sacrifice certain food.
Daniel Fast - abstains from delicacies, meats, and wines and focuses on fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables
No Food Fast - abstains from all food, including milk (protein) and only drinks liquids and water
Water Only Fast - abstains from everything except water
Absolute/Supernatural Fast - This fast involves abstaining from any food or liquids, including water (the fast of Moses and Jesus)
It is important to focus on God, rather than food. The spiritual focus and growth will replace the normal presence of food during the fast. It is Our Prayer that the Lord’s most wonderful love and blessings will be poured out on you as you take this exciting step of faith.
The Model Prayer- Matthew 6
“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.
Schedule
DAY 1
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Submission to God – Read Romans 12:1–2; Luke 9:23 – offer your life to Christ.
DAY 2
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer of Adoration & Thanksgiving – Read Revelation 15:3-4 – spend time worshipping and praising God
DAY 3
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Examination – Read Psalm 139:23-24 - Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
DAY 4
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Your Identity in Christ – Read Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Colossians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:24; Philippians 1:20-21; 2 Corinthians 2:14
DAY 5
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer for Filling of the Spirit – Read Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25 - Ask the Spirit to control and fill you for this day.
DAY 6
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer on Fruit of the Spirit – Read Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; - pray on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
DAY 7
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for the Purpose of My Life – Read Matthew 22:37, 39; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 4:19; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; John 15:8 – pray for guidance and direction.
DAY 8
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for the Circumstances of the Day - Read Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 8:28 & 29 - commit the events of this day into the hands of God.
DAY 9
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Protection in Warfare - Read Romans 6:6–7, 11, 13 – pray for protection and spiritual warfare.
DAY10.
Omit 1 meal today.
Prayer for the Coming of Christ and Your Future with Him – Your kingdom come, Your will be done. (Matthew 6:10) – Read Revelation 22:20; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Philippians 3:20
DAY 11.
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer for Renewal – Read Deuteronomy 10:12; Philippians 3:12- 14 – pray for personal renewal.
DAY12.
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer Against Spiritual Warfare – Read Philippians 4:6-9 & Ephesians 6:13-18 – pray against the world; pray against the flesh; pray against the Devil.
DAY 13.
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer for Growth in Christ – Read Psalm 61:2-4 - pray for a greater desire to know and please Him; greater love and commitment to Him; grace to practice His presence; grace to glorify Him in your life.
DAY 14.
Omit 1 meal today.
Prayer for Growth in Wisdom – Read James 1:13-15 – pray for developing an eternal perspective; to renew your mind with truth; greater skill in each area of life.
DAY 15.
Omit 1 meal today.
Prayer for Family – Read 1 Samuel 12:23 – pray for your immediate family; your relatives; spiritual concerns; emotional and physical concerns.
DAY 16.
Omit 1 meal today.
Prayer for Churches & Ministries – Read Ephesians 4:4-6 – pray for Minneapolis First; other churches; evangelism and discipleship ministries; educational ministries.
DAY 17.
Omit 1 meal today.
Prayer for Believers – Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 – pray for personal friends; those in ministry; those who are oppressed and in need.
DAY 18.
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer for Relationship with Others – Read 1 Corinthians 16:14 – pray for greater love and compassion for others; loved ones; those who do not know Christ; those in need.
DAY 19.
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Faithfulness as a Steward - May I be a person who fears God, loves truth, and hates dishonest gain. (Exodus 18:21) – pray for your time, talents, treasure, truth, relationships.
DAY 20.
Omit 1 meal today
Prayer for Evangelism and Missions – Read Ephesians 6:19; Acts 17:30-31 – pray for friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, special opportunities. pray for local missions, national missions, global mission, the fulfillment of the Great Commission
DAY 21.
Fast from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prayer for Spiritual Insight – Read Psalm 25:3-5; pray for understanding and insight into the Word; understanding your identity in Christ; who you are; where you came from; where you are going; understanding God’s purpose for your life
Closing Prayer – Read Psalm 73:25-28 – Offer praise to God for the spiritual revival in your life and the life of Minneapolis First Church.