Family,
Blessings! Today begins our Daniel Fast 2019. As a church we have set aside 21 days to humble ourselves before God and PRAY. During this time we are asking each of you to fast and remove yourselves from the distractions of life so you may draw near to God in anticipation that He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Prayer and fasting is a time for spiritual and physical purifying and renewal. Through confession and repentance we seek the Lord and His grace. We confess our need of Him and long to see Him work more in our lives and transform the world around us. We need this time simply because life is busy and we need to slow down and focus on spiritual matters.
James in his letter sums up our goal during this fast.
James 4.7-10 (NLT): So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.
“The weakness of our hunger for God is not because He is unsavory, but because we keep ourselves stuffed with ‘other things.'” -John Piper
Daniel Fast 2019 Guide (DOWNLOAD HERE) >>>
Three Ways to Maximize these 21 Days
1. Fasting Food
For those of you who are participating in the Daniel Fast please review our Daniel Fast 2019 Guide for all pertinent information. If you are unable to do so, please consider fasting food for a period of time. It could be a meal, a day, or certain foods. Those with health issues should be cautious or consult their doctor about their plan.
2. Turn Off electronics and social media and Open the Bible
The TV, computer, social media need to remain off as much as possible. Surfing the internet and social media should be put on hold during this time. Begin reading and studying your Bible. Set a goal for your reading, for example, 21 chapters for 21 days, or a choose a 21 Day reading plan on YouVersion. I have also included daily Bible readings for week one of the fast. It’s not about how many pages, but rather how much we are experiencing God through His Word. Make a journal of what the Lord is showing you each day.
3. Prayer and Repentance
Give ample time to pray and seek the Lord. Listen to His Spirit. Ask Him to search your life, and confess anything He reveals to you. Make prayer lists, or simply keep some paper and a pen near to write down what you feel led to pray about or answers to prayer.
God is honored in your sacrifice and you will be richer because of your time with Him. You are in my prayers and we would love to hear how God is meeting you during this time. Please email any prayer requests and testimonies to info@agminnyc.org or call the church office, 212.614.0370, and let us know personally.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Lou
Week 1: Prayer and Scripture Guide
January 9- Confession: 1 Kings 8:22-40; 1 John 1:9
January 10 – Repentance: Ezekiel 14: 6-8; Revelation 2:1-7
January 11 – Submission: James 4:7-10; Psalm 147:1-6
January 12 – Cleansing: Psalm 51:1-13; Hebrews 9:11-14
January 13 – Consecration: Leviticus 20:7-8; Romans 12:1-2
January 14 – Trust: Psalm 5:11-12; Proverbs 3:5-6; 19-26
January 15 – Strength: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:10-20
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