21 Days of
Prayer and Fasting
Seek first God and His kingdom.
Fasting is an ancient Biblical practice that awakens our need for God and helps us realize He is all we need. Through fasting we experience His presence and His promise to always be with us. Jesus did it and it is assumed in scripture, Christians will regularly practice it. As we do, it is promised that we will experience God and His power in new ways. There are many ways to fast but the most common is the fasting of food.
At a time of the year when culture puts personal goals first, we believe God is calling our church family to begin 2023 with Jesus being our primary pursuit. We are desperate for breakthrough and spiritual renewal so we will SEEK FIRST God and His Kingdom as our first priority of the new year. 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting begins Monday, Jan 9.
This Year’s Focus
We will be asking God for 3 things:
1. Unity in the body of Christ.
2. Greater outpouring of God's presence resulting in spiritual renewal and miracles in our church family.
3. Revival in the 253.
Prayer Meetings
Each Wednesday we will host an in-person guided prayer meeting from 6:30-7 AM in the Coffeeshop and Sunday morning pre-worship gathering from 9:20-9:40 AM in the Auditorium.
Night of Worship and Prayer
Friday, Jan 20th we will gather to glorify Jesus through song and seek Him through prayer. During this gathering we will be focusing our prayer on the three themes: Unity, God's Presence & Revival.
Daily Prayer Guide
Why fast?
Biblical fasting is abstaining from, or altering, consumption (most commonly food) for a spiritual purpose. The primary focus in fasting is to fix our eyes on Jesus and to listen to the voice and direction of Holy Spirit.
“First, let [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven.” – John Wesley
“Fasting from any nourishment, activity, involvement or pursuit—for any season—sets the stage for God to appear.” – Dan B. Allender
How do you recommend I fast?
There are many ways to fast. This year we have chosen three ways to participate. Begin asking God now how He would have you participate.
Please note: If you have potential medical concerns, you should consult your doctor to make sure that you are able to participate. If you are unable to fast food, you may choose a variation of option 2.
Option 1: Some Meals
Fasting from 1 or 2 meals daily or 1 or more days of no food per week.
Option 2: Altered Diet
Due to medical and other considerations, participating by altering your diet for the duration of the fast might be wisest for you. This may be vegetables only, or a Daniel Fast like we did last year.
Option 3: All Meals
Fasting from all food except for water, juice and other broths for the duration of the 21 days.
Other considerations is fasting from caffeine, alcohol and/or media in addition to one of the options above.
What should I expect while fasting?
Heightened Emotional Sensitivity
Especially at first you will experience emotions like anger and maybe even sadness more intensely. This is because you are depriving and disciplining your appetite. Press through this phase and more importantly, press into Jesus.
Physical Effects
Changing the amount and type of nutrients you intake on a regular basis could possibly affect your energy levels at first. However, most people who practice fasting report increased energy and mental clarity after a certain point.
Spiritual Renewal
Don't judge success on feelings. That said, expect to experience the presence of God as He is welcomed into your life to takes up space normally given to physical things.
How do I pray?
For some, this will be the first time to pray in such a focused and intentional way. It may seem a bit daunting. This is normal. Make sure you sign up to receive the Daily Prayer Guide, text "21Days" to 253-300-4819. And attend the prayer meetings and the Night of Worship & Prayer. We are here to help and we’re in this together.
FAQ
We’re People Just Like You
We’re People Just Like You
Everyone is welcome.
Seriously. Every week at Brooklake, Christians and non-Christians, seekers and skeptics, the fired-up and the burned-out all come together to learn the ins and outs of Jesus’ great invitation into a new life.