--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: The Gift of Love

Foundation Scripture: Ephesians 3:17-19 TPT

Prayer Points:
1. We understand much God loves us.
2. We love others how God has loved us.
3. Continue to allow God’s love to fill our inner being through the Holy Spirit.
4. Powerful Sunday Services

--MESSAGE--

"Fasting Fuel - Part 2"

--Introduction--

I believe fasting, as it relates to prayer, is the fuel that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest within our personal lives.

Fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose, not just dieting or starving. It's seen as a part of a normal relationship with God and can lead to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Fuel can be defined as something that gives nourishment or food. Combustible matter used to maintain fire, such as coal, wood, oil, or gas, to create heat or power. An energy source for engines, power plants, or reactors.

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine the level of victory you walk in. Following these seven basic steps to fasting will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

STEP 1. Have an objective.

STEP 2. Be committed.

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast.

STEP 3. Prepare yourself spiritually.

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

a. Acknowledge any sin in your life that may be hindering you.

b. Seek forgiveness from all you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you.

Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.

c. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature.

d. Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others.

e. Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart.

f. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit.

STEP 4. Prepare yourself physically.

-- FASTING PRECAUTIONS --

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some individuals should never fast without professional supervision.

-- PHYSICAL PREPARATION --

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. If you’re going to exercise during your fast, consult your physician.

Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.

Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

-- MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS --

Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.

Expect some physical discomfort, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

STEP 5. Put yourself on a schedule/plan.

Set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord for maximum spiritual benefit. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.