21 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Prayer is central to all we do here at Metro. And with the start of the new year, it is time for us individually and corporately to turn our minds, hearts, emotions, and desires over and/or back to the Lord. We will accomplish this through a 21 day prayer and fasting campaign. Our time of fasting and prayer will begin Monday, January 6 through Sunday, January 26. To participate simply click the link and follow the prompts to join the texting group.
All participants will receive a daily text and/or scripture verse from Pastor Cornell and various other ministry leaders from the church. In addition, special prayer opportunities will be set up which will allow you to spend some quality time with the Lord. So stay tuned for these other opportunities to pray with others. Lastly, you can enhance your experience by taking advantage of the additional growth opportunities below. Blessings!
Why We Fast…
In John 3:30, John the Baptist makes it clear that “He [Jesus] must increase, but I [we] must decrease.” Therefore, fasting and prayer is an essential means for us to give Christ Jesus more of who we are. It is dedicating time, resources and energy to make room for more of Him in our lives. The strength of fasting is denying ourselves of those things that may potentially hinder the Lord, His word or His church from being the essential priority in our lives.
In a phrase, “It’s more of Him and less of us, our desires and our plans for the sake of becoming more and more like Him in our everyday lives. Remember, the power of fasting has less to do with food than with setting yourself apart for a specific period of time to focus more on the Lord, prayer, and worship.
How Do You Fast…
Generally speaking, there are three ways in which people fast. These are individual preferences for you to prayerfully consider:
Full Fast.
A normal or biblical fast is when only water is consumed. This would be the type practiced by Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) and Jesus (Matthew 4). Both Jesus and Elijah abstained from food for 40 days.
A full fast is only open to those who have received medical clearance to do so from their primary care physician. Please consult your doctor when considering this option.
Partial Fast.
• DANIEL FAST is based on the fasting principles of the prophet in Daniel 1 and 10. Daniel 1 states that he ate only vegetables and water. Daniel 10 states that he ate no rich (or choice) foods, as well as no meat or wine. The foundation of the Daniel fast is fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit daniel-fast.com.
• JUICE FAST involves the consumption of vegetable juices, fruit juices, and water instead of solid food. Some include whey protein in their liquid plan as well. This is a popular and effective fast. Substituting liquids for one or two meals is another alternative.
Selective Fast.
A selective fast involves forgoing a time-consuming activity such as entertainment, hobbies, television, social media, sports, etc. In addition a selective fast may include abstaining from a particular food or food item such as sugar, caffeine, soda pop, etc. Lastly, refraining from secular music and/or even video games are also popular options.
A selective fast is perfect for those who are new to this spiritual discipline as well as those who may have dietary or medical restrictions.
Scriptural References for Fasting
Both the Old and New Testaments speaks of the practice and importance of fasting. These passages provide insight, instruction, warnings and guidance regarding the practice of fasting. See some of these crucial passages below:
Corporate Fasting Options
Our prayer and fasting campaign comes with a corporate components as well. The corporate options are outlined below:
1. Daily Time of Prayer | Colossians 4:2
For all those choosing to participate in the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we are asking you to purpose to pray for at least 10 minutes, each week day, anytime between 6am and 10am. On Mondays the prayer focus will be FAITH. On Tuesdays pray for FAMILIES, yours and others. Wednesdays pray for FRIENDS. On Thursdays pray for FINANCES, yours, others and the church’s. And on Fridays please pray for the FUTURE, yours, others, the church’s and our community as well.
2. Circles Prayer Cells | Matthew 18:19-20
Circles is a small group prayer initiative. It will involve 3 to 5 people being connected with the desire to cover one another in prayer. All those that sign-up for Circles will be placed into cell groups by the church office. And once you are grouped, you can feel free to meet together, text one another, or even connect via Zoom, social media, etc. This is a great way to find community and forge deeper relationships with one another.
3. YouVersion App Devotional | Proverbs 2:3-5
This daily digital devotional group will allow you to spend time in the Word, share your thoughts with others, and see transformation in your personal life. To join the devotional you must ( 1 ) click the link below to sign-up, ( 2 ) download the YouVersion App on your phone or tablet, and ( 3 ) tap the Fasting Devotional Link button below to begin the devotional with others. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
4. Pre-Service Prayer | Psalm 122:1
Pre-service prayer will take place approximately 9-9:30am. We encourage you to gather with us in prayer every Sunday morning.
“We as believers must understand that fasting isn’t about us or about getting what we want from God. It’s not a religious spectacle, spiritual elitism or even a divine weight loss program. Yet, it’s really about focusing our hearts to come into alignment with His heart that we might become more like His Son.”
— Pastor Cornell