A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FASTING
Why Fast?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline God uses to advance His kingdom, spark hope, initiate change, and bring victory in people’s lives. Bridge Church desires to start a new practice every start of the year with five days of prayer and fasting to humble ourselves before God, submit ourselves to Him for the upcoming year, and agree for breakthroughs as a church family.
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Jesus knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting makes us spiritually strong and prepares us to do God’s work.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. MATTHEW 4:1-2 (NIV)
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. LUKE 4:14 (NIV)
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Prayer and fasting gives us an opportunity to humble ourselves before God, receiving His grace and have access to His heart.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. EZRA 8:21 (NIV)
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When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we become more sensitive to God’s voice. Then we are better able to focus on God and submit to His will.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. MATTHEW 6:31-33 (NLT)
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Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. The discipline of fasting helps break unhealthy addictions in our lives.
PLANNING YOUR FAST
Then Joshua said to the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” JOSHUA 3:5 (NLT)
1. Pray
Spend time reading the Bible before the fast. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your prayers. This is a good time to write down your faith goals and specific prayer requests for your family, friends, church, and the city.
2. Commit
Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it ahead of time. Ask God for grace to help you follow through your decisions.
3. Act
Start eating smaller portions a few days before the fast. Avoid food high in sugar and fat. Plan to limit physical and social activities for the week of the fast. Ask someone to be your prayer partner throughout the fast.
NOTE: Please use wisdom, especially when your job is physically demanding. Consult a physician, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. If your situation does not allow you to do a full fast, determine what will work best for you.
DAY 1: LOVING GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
DAY 2: LOVING GOD WITH ALL YOUR SOUL
DAY 3: LOVING GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND
DAY 4: LOVING YOURSELF
DAY 5: LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR
PRAYER MEETING SCHEDULE
January 17 - 20, 2022
Monday - Thursday
6:30 - 7:30 PM (Zoom)
Meeting ID: 839 7052 4976
Passcode: PRAY
NIGHT OF WORSHIP AND PRAYER
January 21, 2020
Friday
7:00 - 8:30 PM
1314 Jones St., Omaha, NE 68102
