This week, we are coming together to PUSH in prayer: PRODUCE. UNLEASH. SEEK. HOLD ON!
All September long, we are breaking through into GREATER MANIFESTATION of the Word of the Lord over our lives, our families, and our church! It is NOW time for what we are carrying to come forth!
Lock arms with your WHC family this week as we FAST & PRAY for SEVEN DAYS!
Select the fast of your choosing and meet us at the altar Tuesday through Saturday for ONE HOUR of PUSHING IN PRAYER.
⏰Tuesday - Friday | 7:30 - 8:30 PM
⏰Saturday | 5:00 PM
Slow down - You may find that you have less energy than normal because of the change in your eating and drinking patterns. Consider lightening your schedule or physical activity during this time. Fasting is about making space to connect with the Lord and bringing our physical desires under spiritual discipline. While fasting, consider reducing social activities, entertainment, and social media intake so you can create more room for prayer and the Presence of God.
Cut the noise - Avoid unnecessary conversations and fill your atmosphere with worship music, sermons, Scripture, and prayer.
Eat the Word - As you fast, increase your time of devotional reading, prayer, and worship. It is intentional time in the Presence of the Lord and our focus on Him that differentiate fasting from dieting.
Ease into it - It can be tempting to eat a huge meal before your fast, but it may be easier on your body if you ease into the change. Consider making your last meal or two before your fast begins lighter. If you are fasting partially or intermittently, plan your meals thoughtfully and try to keep them lighter than usual.
Use Wisdom - If you are pregnant, nursing, elderly, or on medication, be sure to consider your medical needs when choosing a fast. Consult your physician if you are unsure.
Stay Hydrated-Be intentional about your fluid intake, especially if you are eating less than you are accustomed to (or not at all).
Have faith - This is a time to encounter the Lord. Fast with the expectation that the Lord will meet you personally and answer your prayers.
Be Held Accountable - Participate in corporate prayer times and stay connected to your church family.
What exactly is fasting?
In Christianity, fasting refers to abstaining from food and/ or beverages for a specific length of time for the purpose of honoring the Lord. Although abstaining from food and drink are physical actions, they have spiritual impacts when done in this context. Fasting is not dieting. It is a time of rejecting physical nourishment in exchange for spiritual nourishment.
When we fast, we are acknowledging God as our sustainer and source of life, health, and strength.
Where does the Bible mention fasting?
Fasting is referenced throughout Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments. Prophets, Kings, and sometimes entire nations fasted in the Bible. Biblical figures like Moses, Daniel, Queen Esther, and the Apostle John are all seen fasting in Scripture. Here are a few specific examples:
Jesus fasted and was tested in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
He also taught on fasting (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17)
Esther and the Jewish people fast for favor with the King (Esther 4:15-17)
King Jehoshaphat declares a national fast in Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1-4)
What type of fast is WHC doing?
Because fasting is a voluntary spiritual discipline, we believe it is at the discretion of each believer to choose the fast that works best for them and their level of faith during this season. Fasting is more about heart posture than food. What's important is that as you are led into fasting by the Holy Spirit, you are consistent and committed to this time of consecration.
There are many different ways to fast and types of fasts. Some popular ones are:
Daniel Fast - This fast is inspired by the fasting of the actions of the Prophet Daniel (chapters 1 &10). It omits meats, sweets, and dairy from the diet for a length of time. The Daniel fast focuses on eating a clean diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Juice Fast - This fast omits all foods and allows for the consumption of water, fruit juice, and vegetable juice.
Water Fast - This fast omits all foods and drinks, except for water.
Partial Fast - This type of fast only takes place for part of the day. A person may choose to engage in a specific type of fast during a particular timeframe of the day. For example, eating no food until 3 pm or engaging in a water fast from 6 am to 6 pm.
