WHAT IS FASTNG? Fasting one of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare God has given to His children. Fasting is way of crucifying the flesh, or denying your flesh the basic sustenance of food. Although fasting will weaken you physically, it will highly enlighten you spiritually. It is important that fasting be combined with prayer for utmost effectiveness. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that informs God that you are serious about repentance. Fasting is a significant part of our Christian walk, just as praying and reading the Bible are significant. Fasting is for everyone who desires to draw close to God. Although fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it is expected of all believers in their Christian walk, for Matthew 6:17-18 states “when you fast”. This presumes that the believer is to fast because it does not say “if you fast” but rather “when you fast”. There are several types of fasts. Our 7 day journey will include a modified or partial fast. This fast involves abstaining from certain foods and eating only one meal a day. Fasting instructions for The Final 7 Days of Prayer Journey: ~Eat only one meal a day (you can choose which meal you will eat, breakfast, lunch or dinner). ~Drink only 100% all-natural fruit juices, water and soy milk. Be cautious not to drink extremely cold water or too much water at one time. ~Refrain from all forms of entertainment which includes setting aside the television, radio, newspaper and other forms of entertainment as we are committed to seeking the Lord during this Journey. ~Rise each morning before 6:00 a.m. and anoint your head with oil and wash your face. Matthew 6:16-18 advises, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly”. ~Make a commitment to fast, pray and study the Word of God. ~If you should need a little strength or motivation during your fast to remain committed remember our Lord’s 40 day fast which is recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. In each case when tempted by Satan, Jesus responded with Scripture, the eternal Word of God. Likewise, we too will be challenged in similar areas of our lives but we have the Word of God to stand on. ~Do not take excessively hot baths during a prolonged fast, for this may cause dizziness. However, take a bath regularly during the fast because fasting causes many impurities to be secreted through the pores of your skin thus causing an odor. ~Do not engage in excessive or strenuous work or exercise. Walk, read, pray and worship during normal mealtimes to overcome temptations. ~To get the best results from this fast, be committed and keep in mind your purpose for fasting. Keep an open heart and ear to hear what thus saith the Lord. ~Everyone is encouraged in the a.m. and p.m. to spend at least 40 minutes or more in prayer. ~Remember to Be committed to an attitude of “Thus saith the Lord.” The following lists foods which can be eaten and those which are to be avoided during this 7 day Fast. Note: Always consult with your physician before beginning a Fast. Allowed: Ø Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley Ø Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black-eyed Peas, Black Beans Ø Fruits: All Fruits and Berries (Do not mix fruits containing citric acid with sweet fruits or melons. Eat them at separate times to gain the full nutritional value of each.) Ø Vegetables: All vegetables and herbs Ø Seeds: Nuts and sprouts Ø Beverages: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-natural Fruit Juices, 100% All -Natural Vegetable Juices, Soy Milk Ø Meat: Chicken, Turkey, Fish Foods to Avoid: Ø Red Meat or anything from a red meat source (no pork, beef, veal, lamb, etc.) Ø No white rice (if possible) Ø Fried Foods Ø Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages Ø Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives Ø Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes Ø White Flour and Products that include it Ø Margarine, Shortening and High Fat Products ****For those who are accustomed to the spiritual discipline of fasting please join me for a full fast with only water for days 14-20 of the prayer journey. Blessing and Favor!!!****