21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

January 21- February 11, 2024

What is fasting?

Fasting is a spiritual weapon, where we abstain from food for a period of time.
Fasting is a heightened means of repentance. We will not repent rightly unless the hidden things are revealed through fasting.
Fasting loses the bonds of wickedness [Is. 58].
Fasting confronts the three strongholds that open the doors to demons in our life – 1 John 2:16- Lust of the eyes and flesh, pride of life.

Matthew 17:18–21 (NKJV)

18And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

20So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

21However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

What we learn is that:

Evil Spirits can influence all people (including little children).
Some physical conditions (like epilepsy, addiction, suicide) are spiritual.
The disciples, who were given power over demons, could not cast it out [Matt. 9:1].
Demons cannot be medicated. They need rebuked and cast out [vv.18].
Unbelief and fear are the primary hindrance to deliverance [Acts 16:16-18].
Certain evil spirits do not respond to prayer alone – but prayer w/ fasting.

2 Chronicles 20:1–4 (NKJV)

1It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites,

came to battle against Jehoshaphat.

2Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea,

from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).

3And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

4So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

What we learn is that:

Strong battles require strong weapons. 5-minute prayers and Bible studies won’t deliver.
Fasting is about seeking the Lord- not simply seeking God’s blessings.
The Battle is the Lord’s- Fasting brings His victory and finished work into reality.
When the fast is finished, real praise begins. As Judah praised, God set ambushes against the enemy, and they were defeated.
Fasting defeats the enemy and plunders his goods. God turns the valley of death into the Valley of Blessing.

“A detoxification process also occurs because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body,” he adds, noting that after a few days of fasting, higher levels of endorphins – “feel-good” hormones – are produced in the blood, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being. Dr. Razeen Mahroof, of the University of Oxford

Physical and Spiritual Detoxification

Fasting periods can be inconvenient, and a major challenge. As such, fasting can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep. Dehydration, hunger, or lack of sleep during a fasting period can also lead to headaches. Remember that convenience is the enemy of deliverance and comfort is the enemy of progress.

When does the fast start?

The fast begins on Sunday morning, January 21st. We will break (end) the fast on Monday morning, February 11th.

On Sabbath, February 3rd, we will serve the community our normal menu, however we encourage our church participants to eat raw food menu items.

When will there be corporate prayer meetings and prayer line?

Wednesday January 24, & Thursday 25, 7:00 PM

Wednesday January 31, & Thursday Feb. 01, 7:00 PM

Wednesday February 07, & Thursday Feb. 08, 7:00 PM

Why fast?

If you need to hear from God regarding your future and are experiencing spiritual resistance, then this fast is a powerful way to receive breakthrough and hear from heaven.

This is what the angel of the Lord said to Daniel at the end of the 21 days:

“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.” — Daniel 10:12

May this be the Lord’s promise to each one who does the same.

Here are some ideas for incorporating raw foods into your menu:

Salads: Create a variety of salads with fresh, raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Consider options like a colorful garden salad, fruit salad, or a kale and quinoa salad.
Smoothies: Offer refreshing smoothies made with a mix of fresh fruits, leafy greens, and perhaps some nuts or seeds. This can be a great option for a light and nutritious beverage.
Vegetable Platters: Serve raw vegetable platters with a selection of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole.
Raw Wraps or Rolls: Prepare wraps or rolls using collard greens or lettuce as the outer layer, filled with a variety of raw vegetables, avocado, and maybe some sprouts.
Raw Desserts: Provide delicious raw desserts like fruit tarts, energy balls, or chia seed pudding. These can be both satisfying and nutritious.
Raw Nuts and Seeds: Include a selection of raw nuts and seeds as snacks. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.

The 21- Day Fast

Week One Fast: January 21st to January 27th

We will fast from the following items:

Sweets (cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, soda & sweet drinks
Meats (chicken, fish, beef, etc.
Coffee and caffeinated teas, energy drinks, etc.

Week Two: January 28th to February 3rd

Guidelines for the 7-Day Raw Food Fast:

(No sweets, meat, dairy, eggs, processed sugar or alcohol, caffeinated drinks)
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and drink fresh juice & smoothies
Drink lots of water
You can also drink hot/warm tea and hot/warm water with lemon

Week Three: February 04th to February 10th

Guidelines for the 7-Day Raw Food Fast:

(No sweets, meat, dairy, eggs, processed sugar or alcohol, caffeine)
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and drink fresh juice & smoothies
Drink lots of water
You can also drink warm tea and warm water with lemon
Media Fast (Sun-Sat)
- Secular TV programming (except News and work-related content)
- Theatre, Movies, and other similar entertainment
- Secular Video entertainment
- Social Media (except for messages of faith and prayer)

24 Hour Fast on: Wednesday January 24, Wednesday January 31, and Wednesday February 07

Many of the items that you will sacrifice during this fast will allow your mind and body to be cleared and fortified in order to give yourself more fully to this season of preparation as we wait for the baptism and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Please contact your doctor if you have any restrictions or problems during the fast.

Food Menu Suggestions for Raw Food Week

Day 1

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Berry smoothie + handful of walnuts

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Kale, tomato, and sprouted bean salad + 1 cup coconut water

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

1 cup tea + 10 in-shell pistachios

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Lettuce, purple cabbage, olives, and cucumber salad

Day 2

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Milk, banana, and nut butter smoothie

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Cucumber, carrot, tomato, and sprouted lentil salad with olive oil and lime juice dressing

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

Fresh fruit juice

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Guacamole and watermelon.

Day 3

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Mung bean sprouts + 2 walnuts

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Bell pepper, cucumber, and tomato – lettuce wrap

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

Baby carrots and hummus

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Salad

Day 4

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Spinach and banana smoothie + handful of walnuts

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Watermelon Balsamic salad with pepitas + 1 cup coconut water

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

1 orange

Dinner (7:00 p.m.)

Carrot and cabbage salad with ¼ avocado

Day 5

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Protein shake + 4 almonds Or Banana and chocolate shake + 2 Brazil nuts

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Lettuce wrap + sprouted chilled lentil soup (not heated)

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

Apple & 1 tablespoon raw nut butter

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Avocado and cucumber salad

Day 6

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Chia seed pudding + handful of walnuts

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Vegetable salad

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

Salad

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Zucchini salad

Day 7

Breakfast (8:00 a.m.)

Oats smoothie

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Cucumber and tomato salad + buttermilk

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

10 in-shell pistachios + ½ grapefruit

Dinner (6:00 p.m.)

Salad

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day 1: Deliverance from Personal Prisons

“If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.” — Martin Luther

Acts 5:18–20 (NKJV)

and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Prisons of the Mind

What is a mental prison? Mental prisons are negative thoughts. Some people are addicted to negative feelings and thoughts. Often, we are not aware of our negative thoughts because they are habitual. As a result, negative thinking becomes so much a part of our daily life, we don't see the damage it causes.

We are responsible for our thoughts. Each thought, every action, and feeling — we have control over how we think. Our minds are our jailor or our freedom. - ALTA

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

As you read and meditate on the biblical text, in devotional study you should remain focused on how you will apply a passage to your life. If it would be helpful, you may want to jot down questions you want to answer when you come back and do a more in-depth study of this passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Reflect on the Passage

Think of specific ways you want to apply the passage that you have read, meditated on, and memorized. Now that you have a sense of what the passage is saying, how do you plan on applying its truths in your life in particular ways?

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Now that you have determined how to apply this passage, end your devotional reading of Scripture in prayer and ask God to give you the courage to follow through and apply the passage. Ask God to fill you with a vision of him and his love that will overcome the fears you may have about making changes in your life.

Prayer Starter

God, my world feels shaken and out of control. Ground me in the truth of your love. Remind me that you are with me in this suffering and that you do not judge me for what is beyond my control. Great Physician, deliver me from the prison of my mind.

When my thoughts turn to disorder, return me to a peace that surpasses understanding. As I look toward your strength to wrestle with my intrusive thoughts, give me the wisdom to know when and how to seek help. Amen.

_______________________________________

Day 2: Deliverance from Personal Prison

“Prayer is the greatest act of our day, and we must fight for it.”

- Bonnie McKernan

Psalm 91:1–6 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

Prisons of the Mind

Our thoughts and feelings determine our reactions and behaviors. Our responses, our beliefs, and our inner dialogue influence our path in life. Negative thoughts lead to negative emotions and actions. How often have we looked at ourselves and picked apart our appearance or decisions? More than likely, far too often. - ALTA

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Prayer Starter

“Lord Jesus, visit my jail and prison with your pity. Remember my prison, and bring healing, repentance, and life according to your will, and give me hope for my future. When I am held by the unjust action of others, bring me release; forgive me, and teach me to live free. Amen.”

_______________________________________________

Day 3: Deliverance from Personal Prisons

2 Samuel 22:2–3 (NKJV)

And he said: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.

"We have come to serious times. Events in our world call upon every follower of Christ to be totally in earnest in our relationship with God. To strengthen this relationship and satisfy our emotional and spiritual needs, we must learn the power of prayer. We must plead with the Lord, like the disciples of old, saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.” EG White

Prisons of the Mind

We adopt our family’s thought patterns because our family dynamics profoundly influence who we become. Often, we don’t stop to consider how the lessons we learned influence our interactions with ourselves and others.

Our friends or co-workers also influence our thinking. If our friends are habitual pessimists, we may be drawn into their cycle of cynicism. Perhaps the people we work with always find the worst in situations; after a while, we may start to view things as they do. - ALTA

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Prayer of the Day

O Thou, who has all power in Heaven and Earth; come and let the light of thy divine presence illuminate the shadows of my prison and fill my heart with hope and courage to endure every peculiar burden and trial. Support and comfort me when I am cast down, forsaken by earthly friends, or suffer physical or mental pain or sickness. Be my rod and staff through the darkest valleys, and at the last, receive me unto Thyself in Paradise.

Amen.

______________________________________

Day 4: Deliverance from Personal Prison

“Prayer links us to heaven and fasting separates us from earth.” - C.H. Spurgeon

Acts 12:5–8 (NKJV)

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did.

And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”

Prison of the Mind

Constant prayer is not begging God for His blessing; persistent prayer is knowing that God is the blessing—He is not only able to provide but also He desires to do so in His own timing.

A powerful way to get out of your mental state is to focus on helping others. No matter where you are or what your situation is, you can serve. Service is the greatest attribute you can practice. When you do, you will take the focus off your reality and help others improve theirs. That will also improve your reality. – Neal Raman

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Now that you have determined how to apply this passage, end your devotional reading of Scripture in prayer and ask God to give you the courage to follow through and apply the passage. Ask God to fill you with a vision of Him and His love that will overcome the fears you may have about making changes in your life.

Prayer of the day

“Thank You, Father, that You have given me the mind of Christ. I no longer have to dwell on anxious, fearful, insecure thoughts. Because of Jesus, my mind is renewed, and I can think positive, joyful, faith-filled thoughts about my life. Amen.” - JM

__________________________________________

Day 5: Deliverance from Personal Prisons

1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

4You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

“If weak in prayer, we are weak everywhere.” - Leonard Ravenhill

Prison of the Mind

“Alcatraz is not a good place to lock yourself up in. It separates you from the very essence of your being. It challenges the worthiness of who you are, when your worth is self-evident by your very existence. You no more have to prove your worth to anybody than a tree or a

dolphin has to prove its worth.” - Harsha Perera

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

John reminds the reader that the power of Christ, who lives in the believer, is greater than the power of the world. The Holy Spirit living in the Christian is far stronger than any attack by the Devil. This encouragement should empower believers not to fear Satan, but rather trust the Lord and obey His commands. By doing so, we can overcome the powers of darkness and walk with boldness in this life. - BibleREF

Pray Based on the Passage

Now that you have determined how to apply this passage, end your devotional reading of Scripture in prayer and ask God to give you the courage to follow through and apply the passage. Ask God to fill you with a vision of Him and His love that will overcome the fears you may have about making changes in your life.

Prayer Starter

“Loving Father, I prayerfully come into Your presence, petitioning the power and beauty of the mind of Christ, bestowed upon me by Your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to rise above every trial and temptation thrown my way. Shape and mold me, Lord, into a true disciple of Christ. —Amen.

_________________________________________

Day 6: Deliverance from Personal Prison

Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV)

1Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying:

“There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then the Lord said,

“Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

“God’s child can conquer everything by prayer. Is it any wonder that Satan does his utmost to snatch that weapon from the Christian or to hinder his use of it.” - Andrew Murray

Prison of the Mind

To banish negative thoughts, we need to rethink how we think. Of course, we can feel anxious, fearful, or distressed throughout the day; that’s normal. However, how we train our thoughts or emotions makes the difference between staying in our mental prison and freeing ourselves.

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Persistent prayer is prayer that doesn’t give up. It’s praying for something until God either answers our prayer, or He tells us to stop praying. Persistent prayer is standing in faith that God will answer your prayer. It never stops until it receives God’s answer.

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Now that you have determined how to apply this passage, end your devotional reading of Scripture in prayer and ask God to give you the courage to follow through and apply the passage. Ask God to fill you with a vision of Him and His love that will overcome the fears you may have about making changes in your life.

Prayer Starter

Loving Father, I prayerfully come into Your presence, petitioning the power and beauty of the mind of Christ, bestowed upon me by Your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to rise above every trial and temptation thrown my way. Shape and mold me, Lord, into a true disciple of Christ. —Amen.”

___________________________________

Day 7: Deliverance from Personal Prison

In prison not because of crimes but because of your potential – Mandela

Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)

1“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Prison of the Mind

If you continue to believe your self-created limitations, you will remain in your mental prison. When you break free from the mental prison you are in, you will love and accept yourself more.

To become the best version of yourself, choose to overcome anything holding you back from living how you want to.

Begin Your Time with Prayer

Find a quiet place removed from anything that might distract you. Pray that God will guide your time of devotion, speak to you through your reading, and give you insight into how to apply it.

Write out your desire to hear from God through your time reading the Bible.

Read and Ask Questions about the Passage

Record your response to reading this passage of Scripture. What does the passage show you about the character of God? How does the passage challenge or encourage you?

Persistent prayer is that doesn’t give up. It’s praying for something until God either our prayer, or He tells us to stop praying. Persistent prayer is standing in faith that God will answer your prayer. It never stops until it receives God’s answer.

Reflect on the Passage

List one or two practical ways you plan to apply this passage in your life.

Pray Based on the Passage

Prayer Starter

“Blessed Savior, I pace back and forth at the altar of commitment. I really do want a fixed habit of prayer. At least, that is what I want right now. I’m not sure if that is what I will want two weeks from now. I do know that without some kind of consistent communion with you I will not know holy obedience. So, as best I can, I promise to set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Strengthen me in this covenant.

Help me to so delight in your presence that I will want to come home to you often. In your name and for your sake I make this covenant. —Amen.”