welcome to awakening 2016 21 DAYS OF PRAYER, FASTING & PERSONAL DEVOTION From the beginning of Vertical Chapel, we have made it a priority to seek God first in prayer. And at the start of each New Year, we rally together to seek Jesus, trusting in His presence and ability ALONE to impact our lives, our church, and our world. That s why we re so excited about AWAKENING 2016! For 21 days (1/3-1/24), together, we are going to pray, fast and seek Jesus like never before. This really can be your best year yet, IF Jesus is the center of it. HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF This document will help you prepare for a meaningful Awakening season: 1. PRAY 2. READ ALL OF THIS AWAKENING 2016 GUIDE AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 1
3. GET THE AWAKENING BOOK SO YOU CAN READ ALONG THROUGHOUT THE FAST: This resource is made up of two main parts: (1) the book that's broken into several different chapters and (2) a 21 day devotional for daily reading, reflection, and journaling. The devotional also maps out a portion of the book to read each day so it all syncs together. 4. SHARE YOUR STORIES DURING THE FAST: Throughout the fast, we want to hear about what God is teaching you. We want to celebrate as we share our testimonies to encourage and strengthen each other. Email your stories to info@verticalchapel.com. how to fast As you prepare, it s key to choose a fasting plan that God s directing you to take. While the are many different types of fasts, there is nothing more inherently spiritual about one than another. The right fast is the one God is asking you to take. Fasting can include food, social media and entertainment, and even hobbies. The main goal is to give up something that stretches and requires you to focus and depend on God. This is an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus and rely on His strength to make it through whatever fast He has called you to. Fasting requires earnest prayer, spending time with God by reading the Bible, reflecting on what He is teaching you all as a way to disconnect from your regular patterns and habits in order to connect more closely with God. start where you are We re all at different places in our walk with Jesus. Likewise, our jobs, daily schedules and health conditions are all different and place various levels of demand on our energy. So most importantly, whether you ve fasted before or this is your first time, start where you are. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but it s very important to know your own body, know your options and, most importantly, seek God in prayer and follow what that Holy Spirit leads you to do. AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 2
Take time to prayerfully consider how God is leading you. Here are 2 key questions to take to God: 1. What are You asking me to fast FROM? 2. What are You asking me to fast FOR? Remember fasting without prayer is wasted opportunity. The goal isn t to simply give something up, but to make room for more of Jesus in your life. MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT Prayerfully consider what kind of fast God is leading you to take. Once God shows you, make your commitment to obey Him. 1. how to prepare YOUR HEART The goal for this 21-day fast is that you would experience a new level of intimacy in your relationship with God. As you prepare yourself for this fast, prepare your heart spiritually. The foundation for fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare SPIRITUALLY: Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from people whom you have offended, and forgive those who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4). Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to his command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2). Start your fast with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17). AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 3
2. how to prepare YOUR BODY It s also important to prepare PHYSICALLY for your fast. Changing your diet or limiting your daily food intake will have a big impact on your body. As you prepare yourself for this fast, be sure to start weaning off of whatever food or drink you will be fasting from a few days before the fast even begins. This will help your body adjust when the fast starts, increasing your effectiveness and safety. EXAMPLE: If you are planning to give up coffee, begin decreasing your caffeine intake a few days before the fast begins to reduce any withdrawal your body will experience once the fast begins. Frequently Asked Questions About Fasting Q: What is fasting? A: Fasting is voluntarily denying the body by giving up something (usually food and drink) so that you can focus more on God, communicate with Him in prayer, and deepen your relationship with Him. Q: I have a health condition Are there other kinds of fasts? A: Yes! Some of the other kinds of fasts include: media (TV, movies, music, or social media); a partial fast (from sugar, soda, or certain kinds of food); or the Daniel Fast (see below). God understands our specific situation may not allow us to fast from food. The main purpose of fasting is to intentionally give something up so that you can focus more on God in prayer and seeking Him. Always ask your doctor before starting a fast. Q: What should I do about my prescribed medications? A: Always consult your doctor before beginning a fast, and follow the medical regimen they prescribe. You may also want to try the Daniel Fast (see below). Q: Why should I fast? A: There are numerous reasons to fast: to gain a closer personal relationship with God; to pray for healing and against sickness or danger; or for the salvation of a loved one; and many more. AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 4
Q: What is the significance of prayer with fasting? A: Fasting should have a purpose, and this purpose is conveyed to God in the form of prayer. Prayer before a fast, at various intervals during the fast, and at the end of the fast clarifies our purpose, and focuses us on what God may be telling us as we spend time with Him. Q: How long should I fast? A: The length of a fast can vary. We will be fasting as a church for 21 days (from January 3-24, 2016). The length of a fast should be determined by each individual, after praying about how long God would have them fast. If you have healthy issues, always consult your doctor before beginning a fast. Q: Can I watch TV while fasting? A: The purpose of fasting is to grow closer to God, so it's recommended to limit entertainment while fasting so you can focus on Him. Daniel Fast Information: Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast: ALL FRUITS Fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar). Apples Coconuts Limes Apricots Cranberries Mangoes Avocados Dates Melons Bananas Figs Mulberry Berries Grapefruit Nectarines Blackberries Grapes Papayas Blueberries Grenadine Olives Boysenberries Guava Oranges Breadfruit Honeydew Melons Cantaloupe Kiwi Peaches ALL VEGETABLES Vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (watch salt content). Artichokes Collard & Mustard Greens Asparagus Corn Okra Squashes Beets Cucumbers Onions Broccoli Eggplant Parsley Turnips Brussel Sprouts Garlic Peppers Cabbage Ginger Root Potatoes Carrots Kale Radishes Yams Sprouts Cauliflower Leeks Scallions Chili Peppers Mushrooms Spinach Watercress Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 5
Cherries Lemons Pears SEEDS Nuts: These much be raw & unsalted. Sprouts Walnuts Almonds Ground Flax Sunflower Almond Butter (Natural) LEGUMES Dried Beans Black Eyed Peas Beans Black Beans Green Beans Lentils Cannellini Green Peas Pinto beans Kidney Beans White Beans Peas Peanuts Peanut Butter (Natural) Foods to avoid: FOODS TO AVOID Meat Poultry Fish White Rice White Bread Deep Fried Foods Caffeine Coffee (Including Decaf) Carbonated Beverages Energy Drinks Preservatives Additives Refined Foods Processed Foods Food Additives Refined Sugar Sugar Substitutes FOODS TO AVOID Cane Juice White Flour Margarine Shortening High Fat Products Butter All Leavened Breads Baked Goods Dessert Alcohol Mayonnaise Raw Sugar Syrups Molasses Soda (Including Diet) OTHER OPTIONAL FOODS: Dairy Eggs Olive Oil AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 6
final encouragement If you mess up, don t get discouraged. Just get right back on track and keep going. God s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He wants you to finish, and He will give you the grace and strength to do it! If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God s face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened and you will feel refreshed. This really can be your best year yet, IF Jesus is the center of it. These 21 days can have a significant impact on your walk with Jesus, which impacts every other facet of your life. Welcome to your AWAKENING as you seek Jesus and experience the LIFE you were created for! Moving Forward, Vertical Staff Team AWAKENING 2016 21 DAYS OF FASTING, PRAYER & DEVOTION FASTING GUIDE 7