Lenten Fast 2024

40 Days of Prayer & Fasting

As we embark on this sacred season of Lent, I extend a heartfelt invitation to participate in the transformative practice of fasting. Beyond a mere ritual, fasting offers a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and self-reflection. In embracing intentional restraint, we draw nearer to God, cultivating a deeper connection with our faith. This period of self-discipline enables us to transcend material desires, redirecting our focus towards the spiritual nourishment that sustains us.

Together, let us embark on this collective journey, recognizing fasting as a shared commitment to humility and compassion. As we unite in this sacred practice, we strengthen our communal bond, fostering an environment where love and understanding flourish. May this Lenten fasting be a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth, guiding us to walk in the footsteps of Christ and emerge from this season with hearts renewed and spirits invigorated.

ABOUT FASTING

40 Days of Prayer & Fasting

Your goal in fasting is to develop a closer relationship with God by voluntarily denying your flesh.

Fasting is a time of consecration from the things of the world to the things of God.

A second and powerful way to develop a closer relationship with God is to study the scriptures. The scripture is the very word of God. To know God, you have to know His Word.

In addition to prayer, during a fast, you should increase your time of studying His Word. When the fast is over, you should be spiritually renewed and strengthened because you have controlled your flesh and intensified your commitment to God through prayer and study.

There simply is no healthy Christian life apart from a diet of the milk & meat of scripture. If we are to know God and be Godly, we must know the Word of God intimately.

The most transforming practice available to us is the disciplined intake of scripture.

SHARE YOUR FAST TESTIMONY!

#HOHALENTENFAST

...the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

40 Days of Fasting 2024

Fasting Options To Choose From

See Options Here

Hearing God's Word

Disciplining ourselves to hear God’s Word means developing the practice of steadfastly attending church, even through a virtual platform. The purpose of all methods of biblical intake is obedience to what God says and the development of Christlikeness. Hearing the Word of God is not merely passive listening, it is a discipline to be cultivated.

Reading God's Word

No factor is more influential in shaping a person’s moral and social behavior than regular Bible reading.

1. Find the time. It is primarily a matter of discipline and motivation.

2. Find a Bible reading plan.

3. Find at least one word, phrase, or verse to meditate on each time you read.

Studying God's Word

The Discipline of Study is the primary vehicle to bring us to “think about these things” noted by the Apostle Paul. Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of The Discipline of Study.

Reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth. The basic difference between Bible reading & Bible study is a pencil and paper. We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not because it is difficult to understand, but because it is work. Let's discover biblical insights first-hand through our own study.

Meditation

Meditation is the act of giving our time or attention to a thought, concept, situation, or person. Christian meditation is deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in scripture for the purpose of understanding, application, and prayer. Meditation is both commanded by God and modeled by the godly in scripture.

The easiest way to decide what to meditate on is to choose the verse, phrase, or word that impresses you the most during your encounter with scripture. The outcome of meditation should be application.

How Should I Prepare For A Fast?

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting results from one's desire for a deeper relationship with God. Fasting also helps us to know and discover God's perfect will. For some, fasting can be the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and a special touch from God on our lives.

Things to Consider

In the Bible, there are three types of fasts identified in scripture. There’s the absolute fast, the normal fast, and the partial fast.
Absolute fasts should only be done for a short period and with the permission of a primary care physician.
On a normal fast, you typically go without food for several days. You drink lots of water, and you may take clear broth and juices to maintain your strength.

Things to Consider

Third, the partial fast can include not eating during a specific time during the day. A partial fast can also involve giving up certain foods and drink for an extended period. One of the most common partial fasts can be found in the book of Daniel.
Though we’ve recommended a challenge to focus your fast each day, you are welcome to identify and participate in a personal fast at the discretion of your primary care physician.
For some, a social media fast for the next 40 days may benefit your spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Refraining from eating certain foods other than sweets, meats, sodas, or coffee may be more beneficial for others.
For some, refraining from certain activities you enjoy or certain types of music may focus your mind more on attaining a closer relationship with God.
In sum, fasting is profoundly personal, and we must be willing to embrace the fact that fasting looks different based upon many things, our physical health, emotional health, and goals for our fasting times.
We are so excited to be on this journey with you, and we believe that God will show us something we've never seen over the next 40 days.

Daily Fasting Objectives

Scripture: 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. - John 13:4-5

Affirmation: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Today, I will participate in a random act of kindness to share God’s heart and servanthood with the world.

Today’s Challenge: Faithful practice of one or more of our fasting options.

Prayer Focus: God, on the evening before Your Son suffered death on the cross, let us receive the fullness of Your life and love. Amen.

Scripture: 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his Spirit. - John 19:30

Affirmation: This is the day of the cross, a day of suffering and abandonment, but also a day of victory, joy, and new beginnings. I embrace the sadness and hope of this day fully.

Today’s Challenge: Faithful practice of one or more of our fasting options.

Prayer Focus: Lord, let me always live under Your cross and share the hope of Your cross daily. Amen.

Scripture: 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Rom. 6:3-4

Affirmation: In every reunion, there is a separation. However, we wait patiently for the third day. We are blessed in the silence of the space in between.

I am blessed in the "in-between" areas of my life. I am always preparing for God's best and something greater because I am a child of God.

Today’s Challenge: Faithful practice of one or more of our fasting options.

Prayer Focus: God, we cry out to You, and we Thank You for the "in-between" experiences of our lives. We Thank You for both silence and joy. Continue to prove Your mercy, grace, and compassion toward us. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.

Scripture: 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: - Luke 24:4-6

Affirmation: The Lord has risen indeed. We affirm that though there are times God seems distant, but in those moments, God walks with us, and God's rays of hope light our way through life.

Today’s Challenge: Faithful practice of one or more of our fasting options.

Prayer Focus: Everlasting God, You opened the path to eternal life. So, we celebrate Your Resurrection in joy. Make us new through Your Spirit. In Jesus' Strong Name, I pray, Amen.

SHARE YOUR FAST TESTIMONY!