start the Year off right fast
7 day fast
We are inviting you to join us as we enter into a “7 Day Corporate Fast”. The dates we have set aside are for January 15-22, 2023. Fasting is a common practice in Christianity. When Jesus was talking with His disciples, He taught them about fasting. It was expected that His disciples would fast (Matthew 6:16-18).
The Bible has examples of one-day, three-day, seven-day, twenty one-day and forty-day fasts (Judges 20:26, Esther 4:16, 1 Samuel 31:13, Daniel 10 and Matthew 4, respectively). City Servants church will enter into a 7 day Daniel fast (fruits and vegetables).
SCHEDULe
Date: Mon-Fri (Jan 16-22, 2023) Prayer Times: 12:00 Noon (EST)
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Key Scripture Passage:
“I saw another strong angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was on his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; 2 and he had in his hand a little scroll, which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; 3 and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices. 4 When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them.” 5 Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven, 6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will no longer be a delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He announced to His servants the prophets.
8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the scroll which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” 9 And I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little scroll. And he *said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11 And they *said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.” —Revelation 10:1-11
AREAS OF FOCUS: TO CALL AS PROPHETIC MESSENGER (INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORD OF GOD FOR 2023).
IN ADDITION, FAST FOR BREAKTHROUGH FROM SIN, SICKNESS, POVERTY AND FOR INCREASE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, PROVISION, BLESSING AND BENEVOLENCE. This will be our focus for these 7 days during our fast!
Fasting Tips
Tell Only the People You Must
Your spouse will need to know you are fasting. Beyond that, you would be better off not telling many people that you are fasting. Most won’t understand. Fasting can also become a source of pride and boasting as you spread the news to more and more people.
Be Still and Focus on God
Fasting is a time to study God’s Word, meditate and pray. To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast. Look for verses you want to memorize and meditate upon. Fasting by Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer. Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.
Consider Your Schedule
While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenience to you—not to those around you. You should not obligate others to skip meals because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.
Wean Yourself Off Caffeine
Several days before your fast begins, you should start weaning yourself off caffeine. Some people experience unbearable headaches 2 to 3 days after ceasing to drink caffeinated products. During your fast you will already be acutely aware of your stomach. There is no need to add a second discomfort if it can be avoided.
Avoid Media
Disconnecting from TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet can help you stay focused on your purpose for fasting. You will be less tempted by the constant bombardment of advertising as you become physically and emotionally challenged. Avoiding media will give you more time to focus on the Lord and His Word.
Disconnect from people
Fasting is not necessarily a vacation, though dedicating time off and away from people during your fast can help you get the most benefit out of this precious time. Leave your email and cellphone behind. If possible, find someone who can cover your responsibilities at work and ministry. Many people fast and still carry on their normal daily activities. But if you can get away, it will give you more time in quietness and stillness with the lord.
Beware of Your Emotions
Some people experience vast mood swings during a fast. One moment they are totally focused on God and the next they are wallowing in pity. Knowing that this is likely to happen will help you react properly. Learning to refocus on God and His goodness during this tough emotional time will help when your fast is over and you experience similar emotions.
Rest
Laziness is a problem that the Bible speaks against, but most of us today suffer from being too busy and not getting the rest we need. If you disconnect from the media and other people you will have extra time allowing you to get a full night’s sleep. During your fast you will be forced to slow down since you won’t be needing long meal breaks. A fast will reveal to you that you have too many activities and busyness in your day-to-day routine.
Stay Physically Active
You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God’s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.