Join the Harvest Family as we Fast and Pray together for 21 days at the beginning of 2022.  Jump in as soon as you can. Expect to hear from Jesus, especially through HIs word as you spend focused and concentrated time with Him.

Fasting – Giving up what you want for something you want more!
The Goal – Alignment with God’s will for us personally and as a church family!

The Bible is full of examples of individuals and whole nations that fasted and prayed. Moses fasted and prayed forty days on Mt. Sinai, Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness, and the apostles fasted regularly throughout the book of Acts. Usually this action resulted in great blessing and victory from the Lord.
Consider the benefits Scripture records concerning fasting and prayer.

• God gives divine guidance - Judges 20:26-28
• Victory over severe temptation - Matthew 4:1-11
• Victory in Spiritual battle - Matthew 17:21

The most common form of fasting is from food, as a whole or a type of food, such as sugar, caffeine, or meat.  At other times fasting may be a meal a day, or replacing a meal or meals with juices.  Take medical concerns into account when considering what type of fast is most appropriate for you. Other types of fasting may include, technology, social media, or video games. As the hunger or pains of missing what you are fasting from arise, spend that energy seeking God.

Please take a moment to research at least these scripture references for a Biblical perspective on fasting:  

• Matthew 6:16-18 
•  Isaiah 58:3-7
• Acts 14:2 
• Luke 4:2 
• Ezra 8:23 
• Daniel 10

Fasting is not just about “giving up” food/other for a period of time.  It’s much deeper than that. Fasting is about spending focused time with God in place of time spent eating/other activities.  Sometimes it is helpful to start with a list of things that you want to take to God, or perhaps, to hear from Him about.  Here are some suggestions to consider for your list:

• Personal:
  • Clean heart before God.  
    (Sin to be revealed , repented , and removed.  Psalms 51:10-13)
  • God’s purpose/calling/passion for me to be clear.
    (How do You want to use me Lord? Isaiah 6:8; Acts 20:24; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10)
  • Spiritual growth.
    (Myself and my loved ones. (Jeremiah 29:12-13; Colossians 2:6-7; Philippians 1:6-11)
  • Influence for Jesus.
    (My words, actions and attitudes reflect well on Jesus. (Matthew 5:13-16, 25:35-40; Colossians 3:17,23)
    
    
• Church (Here):
  • Unity as a church family.  
    (John 13:34, 17:23; Hebrews 10:24-25)
  • True Biblical teaching.  
    (Ephesians 4:14-15; 2:Timothy 2:14, 22; Titus 2:8)
  • Service to Jesus and others.
    (Joshua 22:5; Mark 10:45; John 13:12-17)
  • Provision for missions and ministries.  
    (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:13; Philippians 1:19
    
    
• Community/Nation (Near)
  • Families to be restored, reconciled, renewed and protected.  
    (Psalms 31:7; John 14:12 Corinthians 4:8-9, 5:16-21; Colossians 1:19-22)
  • Wisdom and courage for leaders/those in authority.  
    (1 Kings 3:7-12; Joshua 1:7-9;  Hebrews 13: 17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2)
  • Spiritual, relational, cultural healing.
    (2 Chronicles 7:14; Nehemiah; 1:4-9; Joshua 24:14-28; Romans 12:2)
    
    
• World (Far)
  • Lost to be found/saved.  
    (Matthew 28:18-20;1 Timothy 2:1-6; 2 Peter 3:9)
  • Help those in need.  
    (Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17)