And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul? Deuteronomy 10:12 (CSB)

Watch our video podcast, “Let’s Talk Fasting” to get some instructions about what this time of consecration will be all about.

This will be a two week progressive fast that begins on Monday, January 6, 2025, and will end on Sunday, January 19, 2025 after our Sunday worship gathering.

WEEK ONE

The first week of our fast will follow what is commonly referred to as the Daniel Fast, modeled after the prophet Daniel’s fasting experience as recorded in Scripture. This fast, often described as a “no pleasant bread” partial fast, involves setting aside certain foods and beverages, such as:

• Meat
• Sugar and sweetened products
• Dairy products
• Alcohol and sweetened drinks
• Processed snack foods and convenience items
• Fried foods (including those prepared with shortening, margarine, lard, or high-fat content)

Instead, we will focus on consuming:

• Vegetables and fruits
• Nuts, seeds, and whole grains

Our meals will be simple and intentional, using the whole foods God has abundantly provided. To make this experience meaningful:

1. Plan ahead to ensure cooking doesn’t become a burden or distraction.
2. Encourage participation from the whole family, fostering unity and purpose during this sacred time.

The first week we will do what is commonly called a Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is based on the prophet Daniel’s fasting experience as recorded in the Scriptures. This is a “no pleasant bread” partial fast where we set aside all meat, sugar, dairy products, alcohol, sweet drinks, processed snack foods, convenience foods, and fried foods (including shortening, margarine, lard, foods high in fat).

Instead we will choose the whole foods that God has given us in abundance: Vegetables and fruits, nuts and whole grains. Make simple meals. Plan ahead so cooking isn’t a distraction.  Encourage the whole family to participate. 

We will also go dark on all media (television, social media, internet scrolling).

WEEK TWO

During the second week, beginning Monday, January 13th, we will deepen our commitment to the fast. Here’s the plan:

• Monday through Thursday: Continue with the Daniel Fast, but reduce to one mid-day meal per day
• Thursday: Our final meal for the week will be the mid-day meal on this day.
• Thursday Evening through Sunday: Transition to a water-only fast, culminating with a time of communion
during our Sunday gathering.

This progression invites us to depend more fully on God, preparing our hearts and minds for a sacred moment of worship and renewal as a community. Let this time serve as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the strength we find in Him.

BOTH WEEKS

We will gather for prayer every morning on Zoom at 6:30 AM, and in-person every evening at The HUB, located inside the New Center One Building (3031 W. Grand Boulevard).

Parking Options:

• Metered street parking is available nearby.
• Paid parking lots are also accessible for your convenience.

We will gather for prayer every morning on Zoom at 630A, and nightly at The HUB, located inside New Center One Building (3031 W. Grand Boulevard). There will be plenty of meter ran street parking. And there are paid parking lot options as well.

Keep in mind this is designed for us to go hard after God. That starts with posturing our hearts, minds and attitudes to fully seek Him as we make these sacrifices. Let’s heighten our awareness of Him by quieting our flesh and grow in living in the fear of the Lord.

What is Fasting?

The spiritual discipline of temporarily going without something that may be good, to more permanently go after something greater–God.

Why Do We Need to Fast?

Because we want to hunger for God more than anything. And because Jesus expects it of his followers. In Matthew 6:16, he says, “When you fast,” not  “if you fast.” 

Is Fasting basically a diet?

Simply forfeiting food is not a biblical fast. A biblical fast has an emphasis on prayer, often substituting time spent eating with prayer or serving others with good deeds.

What are the benefits of fasting?

• Greater dependency on God

• Self control

• Decreased desire to satisfy self

• Spiritual strength

Do Not Fast

• Water

• Food, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom, or have not been cleared to do so from your doctor

• Sex, if you are married and have not discussed this with your spouse