Biblical fasting is refraining from food for spiritual purposes........

As believers, we have the ability to grow closer to God, and to experience more of His presence and power through FASTING.  Fasting is an integral spiritual discipline intended to help us as believers take our focus off of things such as food, social media, television, and other indulgences for the purpose of redirecting our attention and affection toward Jesus.  

The Daniel Fast is one of the most commonly used fasting experiences found in the Old Testament. It’s a partial fast where some foods are eaten while others are restricted. This method of fasting is typically for 21 consecutive days.  During this fast, eat no meat, no sweets,  and no bread. Primarily enjoy  water, juice, and vegetables. More specific dietary instructions below.

Simply put, to draw closer to God.  Entering into a period of extended prayer and fasting is like pressing pause on life so you can extend your reach to God.  The Holy Spirit enables you, through this experience, to open your heart and receive from the Lord.  For this reason, it will be important to not only turnover our plates, but also turnover time to commit to PRAYER and DEVOTION.  Daily, we welcome you to join us via Zoom for a corporate time of devotion and prayer. To join us in prayer, text "howiconnect" to 289-50.  You will receive the link daily via text message to join in!

Most often fasting is approached with a primary focus on food, what we can and cannot eat.  It is encouraged to keep your meals and meal prep very simple.  Our greatest mistake in our effort to fast is the significant focus on food, missing out on the opportunity of  drawing closer to the powerful spiritual benefits of the fast.  But not this year!!  Stay focused. Keep your eating simple. Invest the majority of your time and attention on God through reading, prayer and supplication.

Consider replacing time typically spent watching your favorite television shows, scrolling through your social media feeds, shopping, etc, and utilize these times for reading God's Word, prayer and worship.

Fasting Times:   Lots of Water and juice only during these hours!

• First 7-Days (3^th-9^th) - No Eating from 6:30am-2:30pm
• Second 7-Days (10^th-16^th) - No Eating from 6:30am-4:30pm
• Third 7-Days (17^th-23^rd) - No Eating from 6:30am-6:30pm

Foods to include in your diet during NON-FASTING HOURS:

Simple Meals: Poultry/Fish, vegetables and legumes only.  NO RED MEAT, PORK nor FRIED FOODS.

Allowable Fruits: Melons and Berries only.  NO DRIED FRUITS.

All legumes: Beans of any kind. These can be canned or dried.

Snacks: All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame.

Beverages. Water and juices during non-fasting hours. NO SODAS