“The 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer Guide” entails giving up particular foods or activities for 21 days and setting aside specific time for prayer, reflection, and asking for guidance from above. It is a concentrated time of spiritual discipline that enables people to seek guidance and clarity, undergo personal transformation, and strengthen their relationship with the divine.
People can opt to fast in many ways during the 21 days. While some may choose to follow a partial fast, restricting their intake of particular meals or food categories, others may choose to follow a total fast, forgoing all food and only drinking water. The method of fasting chosen is determined by one’s spiritual and physical objectives.
21 Days Of Fasting And Prayer Guide
A popular fast that is based on the biblical book of Daniel is the Daniel Fast. It is a 21-day period of unrestricted food consumption that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds and is free of animal products and preservatives.
With the help of the guide below, you should make the most out of your 21 days of fasting and prayer journey, nourishing your spirit and pursuing heavenly guidance.
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Decide on Your Goal and Understand the purpose of your Fast
Is it for a specific grace to deal with a challenging situation, for spiritual rejuvenation, for direction, for healing, or problem-solving? Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and purposes for your prayer fast to be made clear. You will be able to pray more purposefully and methodically as a result. According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, we humble ourselves before God by fasting and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to awaken our churches, stir our souls, and heal our nation. Give this your top attention during your fast.
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Give It Your All
It was suggested by Jesus that all of His disciples fast (Matthew 6:16–18; 9:14,15). For Him, the question was not whether believers would fast, but rather when they would. Make the following decisions before you fast:
1. How long do you plan to fast: one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, or forty days (beginners should start modestly and work their way up to lengthier fasts).
2. God’s preferred kind of fast for you to follow, such as drinking only water or water mixed with juices; the kind of juices you drink and how often).
3. Which social or physical activities do you plan to limit?
4. How much time you will spend in prayer and reading the Bible each day?
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Get Spiritually Ready
Repentance is the cornerstone of both fasting and prayer. Your prayers will be impeded by unacknowledged sin. You can take the following actions to ready your heart:
1. Give God a detailed inventory of all the sins you have committed.
2. Accept God’s pardon and confess every fault that the Holy Spirit brings to your attention (1 John 1:9).
3. Seek pardon from everyone you have wronged, and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
4. As the Holy Spirit directs, make amends.
5. In line with God’s directive in Ephesians 5:18 and His assurance in 1 John 5:14–15, ask Him to pour out His Holy Spirit on you.
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Get Physically Prepared
Reasonable measures must be used when physically fasting:
1. See your doctor first, particularly if you have a chronic illness or take prescription medicine.
2. Some people should never fast without medical care.
3. Don’t break your fast too soon.
4. Eat less sugar- and fat-filled food.
5. Before beginning a fast, consume raw fruits and vegetables for two days.
6. Steer clear of medicines, even homeopathic therapies and natural herbal medications.
7. Withdrawing medication should only be done under your doctor’s supervision.
8. Light exercise is recommended.
9. Walk one to three miles every day if it’s comfortable and handy for you.
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Set Up a Schedule for Yourself
Make time to be alone with the Lord if you want to reap the greatest spiritual rewards. Pay attention to where He is leading. Your fast will have greater significance the more time you spend with Him.
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In the morning, before work
1. Start your day with worship and praise.
2. Study and consider the words of God.
3. Allow God to work through you.
4. Seek His guidance on how to make an impact on your town, your nation, your family, your church, and the wider globe.
5. Ask God to give you the strength and vision to carry out His will in your life.
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Lunch break-Noon
1. Get back to God’s Word and prayer.
2. Go for a brief prayer walk.
3. Engage in intercessory prayers for the leaders of your country and community, the unreached millions around the world, your family, and those with special needs.
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Evening
1. Spend some time by yourself “seeking His face” in silence.
2. Get together for prayer if you are fasting with others.
3. Steer clear of television and other distractions that could impede your spiritual concentration.
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Gradually End Your Fast
After your fast, delay eating solid foods. Reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract all of a sudden is probably going to have unfavorable if not deadly, effects. Aim for multiple smaller meals or snacks every day. If you break your fast gradually, you will continue to be in good physical and spiritual health as a result of the positive impacts.
Here are some ideas to help you properly break your fast:
1. Eat fruit, like watermelon, to break a prolonged water fast.
2. Take vegetable juices
3. Add a raw salad on the first day.
4. Add boiled or roasted potatoes without adding any butter or flavor on the second day after breaking your fast.
5. Add a steamed vegetable on the third day. After that, start reintroducing your regular diet.
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Anticipate Results
You will receive new and fresh spiritual insights from the Lord, have more confidence and faith in God and You’ll experience physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. Your prayers will be answered.
Conclusion
Building up your spiritual fasting muscles takes time. Do not give up if you are unable to complete your first fast. You could need to solidify your understanding and resolve, or you might have attempted to fast for an extended period the first time. Until you succeed, as soon as feasible, start another fast. You will receive honors from God for your loyalty.
Let the discipline of fasting sow seeds of spiritual growth, and may the prayers offered during this time bear fruit in the days and weeks ahead.
