S E V E N D A Y

A N D

M O N D A Y 8 T H - S U N D A Y 1 4 T H M A R C H

FASTINGPrayer

Hi Church,

We are excited for this season and expectant for the new thing God is wanting to do both in and through our lives.

Thank you for joining us over the next seven days of fasting. As the word declares in Jude 1:20, let us build ourselves up in our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

It is always more exciting as we participate in this together #wearebettertogether.

We love and appreciate you all,Senior Pastors Don & Julia

CONTENTS

Pg 4 WHY FASTING

Pg 4 INSTRUCTIONS FOR 7 DAYS PRAYER AND FASTING EMPHASIS

Pg 5 WHAT MAKES FASTING WITH PRAYER SO VERY POWERFUL?

Pg 6 WAYS YOU COULD FAST FOR 7 DAYS

Pg 6 GOD REWARDS FASTING

Pg 7 SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

Pg 8 THREE DANGERS TO GUARD AGAINST

Pg 9 A MESSAGE TO FAMILIES ABOUT PRAYER AND FASTING TOGETHER

Pg 10 HOW TO BEGIN A FAST

Pg 11 JUICE FAST

Pg 12 SOUP FAST

Pg 13 7 DAY PRAYER GUIDE

Pg 17 HOW TO BREAK YOUR FAST

WHY FASTING?

Prayer and fasting moves the hand that controls the universe. Consecrated fasting/prayer opens the heart of God and the windows of Heaven and

brings the forces of God into action on our behalf.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR 7 DAYS PRAYER AND FASTING EMPHASIS

Examine your life and figure out what areas most need breakthrough. You can use this guide to select one or several areas. Remember, it is only a guide. You may also want to consider fasting for a family member or on behalf of someone else. Once you select a breakthrough decide how you

are going to fast during the 7 days.

Prayer and Fasting opens the windows

of Heaven

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WHAT MAKES FASTING WITH PRAYER SO VERY POWERFUL?

One of the greatest benefits of fasting is a dramatic increase in the

anointing of the Holy Spirit.

It seems as if something significant takes place when people focus on God with an intensity that denies the very essence of normal survival.

God knows and acknowledges when we really get serious with Him.

Fasting remains the most powerful way to practice self-discipline.

It is a fact that most times fasting removes the mountains that prayer has been unable to do.

Fasting causes us to examine our lives and many times the Holy Spirit will reveal hindrances such as personal change, hidden sins, unforgiveness,

wrong attitudes, lust (sexual, gluttony etc).

Some may be seeking the Will of God for their lives. We sometimes need to fast for family members who desperately need a touch from God etc.

When people fast, they not only obtain answers to prayers, but also become very sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Many people in the Bible saw visions and had dreams while they were in a state of fasting.

Fasting will move mountains

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WAYS YOU COULD FAST FOR 7 DAYS

• All meals for 7 days.

• Two meals a day for 7 days.

• One meal a day for 7 days.

• All meals 3 days a week for 7 days.

• All meals 1 day a week for 7 days.

• Daniel’s Fast: Only eat nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables for 7 days,

• All food and drink water only 1 day a week for 7 days.

• Television for 7 days.

• Coffee or caffeine for 7 days.

• Only drink water for 7 days.

• Video games for 7 days.

• Facebook or other social websites for 7 days.

• Desserts, sweets, soft drinks, or chocolate for 7 days.

GOD REWARDS FASTING

God rewards fasting when it’s done with the right heart. Proper fasting confesses that we are helpless without Him, and that we require Him to

give us the hope we need to press on in the world He created.

God hears even the mostsilent prayer

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SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

1Let’s clarify - The fast is firstly dedicated to God. It is not about our

expectations. It’s a part of our devotion to Him.

2Yes it will be challenging. This will take discipline and focus on your part.

Disciples are known by their discipline.

3It is in sacrifice and commitment that down through the centuries, God’s people have experienced an increase in faith and personal spiritual

transformation.

4We do know that during this emphasis we will draw closer to the Lord and that is where we establish an atmosphere conducive to the miraculous.

5Setting this time aside for God and disciplining the flesh, will establish a

sensitivity and clarity to the voice of God.

6An awareness of God’s presence and a call to prayer with an understanding

that He is our source in every area of our lives.

7Sometimes there is spiritual resistance and you will have to push through.

Remember fasting and praying unlocks the supernatural dimention.

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THREE DANGERS TO GUARD AGAINST

1The ‘God will reward me for this’ mentality. Fasting is not the ‘work’ that earns blessings from the hand of God. This is from our consumer culture.

2The pride and self-righteous attitude that can come with practicing spiritual disciplines. This is not about you being the best disciple; this is

about your desire and hunger to draw closer to God.

3At times during the fast you will think to yourself ‘I can’t do this any longer’ and you will try to justify breaking your fast since you’ve already done more than ever before. Don’t quit. Stick to your commitment, etc.

STICK TO YOURcommitment

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A MESSAGE TO FAMILIES ABOUT PRAYER AND FASTING TOGETHER

Your children may hear you speak about the 7 Day Prayer and Fasting emphasis. They may wonder if this is something they can do along with their family, and the answer is yes! Explain to your children that fasting will help them grow stronger as a Christian and closer to Jesus. When they take special time out to pray to Jesus and at the same time, take special effort to not enjoy a favourite food/snack item or activity during a

certain period of time, they are fasting.

As a family, sit down together and talk about for whom or what your children are seeking God about and in which way they are going to fast. Then, have your children write down their decisions on the card, just like

you are doing.

Before you begin the 7 Day Prayer Guide keep in mind your family’s schedule and decide which days of the week you are going to meet together to pray. Be sure to explain in simple words the prayer emphasis for that particular day, so your children can be a part of the prayer time.

Remember that a child’s body needs the proper nutrition and activity as well as rest to keep them healthy and whole. They don’t need to fast complete meals or healthy food choices for days at a time or give up the

exercise that playtime affords.

Children respond best with a set schedule, so be sure to create one where they will know which days during the 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting

that they will be fasting and what exactly they are fasting.

Following the 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting, sit down with your family and talk about what the Lord did during this special time.

SUGGESTIONS• Their favourite cartoon or TV program

• No Family TV on a specific day/night – use this to spend family time together

• No ‘fast foods’ for all or part of the 7 days

• A special treat or snack (candy, cookies, sweets, etc.)

• A favourite activity (shopping, playing computer/video games)

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HOW TO BEGIN A FAST

Remember, there will be discomfort, cravings and anti-pleasure etc, during your fast, but the end result will give you the breakthrough and

victory you need.

The reason for the above suggestion is that the body detoxifies before the fast and you don’t suffer headaches that are part of the detoxification

process.

For an extended fast, water and fruit and vegetable juices are recommended. The natural sugars in juices provide energy, and the taste and strength are motivational to continue your fast. Try to drink fresh juices, if possible. Off-the-shelf juice products are acceptable, as long as

they are 100% juice with no sugar or other additives.

STEPS OF PREPARATION(this is for a fast of 3 days or more)

Four days before beginning the fastCut out all meat and fried foods from diet.

Three days before beginning the fastEat mostly green vegetables, cooked or otherwise

Two days before beginning the fastEat choice of any live foods. Live foods are any uncooked food, such as vegetables, dried and fresh fruit, nuts, etc. These foods contain a plentiful amount of vitamins and minerals. Milk products are also

live foods.

Final day before beginning the fastA fresh fruit diet. (Don’t over eat).

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JUICE FAST

If you are beginning a juice fast, there are certain juices you may wish to avoid and certain ones that are especially beneficial. Because of their acid content, most nutritionists do not advise orange or tomato juice

(these are better tolerated if mixed with equal portions of water).

The best juices are fresh carrot, grape, celery, apple, cabbage, or beet. They also recommend ‘green drinks’ made from green leafy vegetables

because they are excellent ‘de-toxifiers’.

Fruit juices are ‘cleansers’ and are best taken in the morning. Since vegetable juices are ‘restorers’ and ‘builders’, they are best taken in the

afternoon.

The lemon juice adds flavour and vitamin C, the cayenne pepper - a herb - acts to open small blood vessels which helps the body as it cleanses itself of stored toxins. A word of caution: cayenne pepper could cause severe physical reactions in persons with a specific allergy to this herb.

OTHER JUICES• Watermelon: put it in the blender without adding water

• Fresh apple juice• Green juice: blend celery, romaine lettuce, and carrots in equal proportions. Vegetable juices like this one are important, for they supply

the electrolytes necessary for proper heart function.

HERE’S A GREAT JUICETO TRY

1 beetroot1 carrot

1-2 cloves of garlic1-2 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

A thumb of ginger

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SOUP FAST

Some nutritionists recommend warm soup, especially if its colder.

Any product containing protein or fat, such as milk or soy-based drinks, should be avoided. These products will restart the digestion cycle and you will again feel hunger pangs. Also, for health reasons, stay away from caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or cola. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it has a more powerful effect on your nervous system when you abstain from food. This works both against the physical and spiritual

aspects of the fast.

HERE’S A GREAT SOUPTO TRY

Gently boil three carrots, two stalks of celery, one turnip, two beats, a half head of cabbage, a quarter of a bunch of parsley, a quarter of an onion, and a half

clove of garlic.Drain off the soup and drink up to

two or three times daily.

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7 DAY PRAYER GUIDE

DAY 1

Give Thanks

Psalm 107:1“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Thank You for saving me. Thank You for Your goodness in my life.”

Pray that God will make you more like Him over this season.

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver

us from the evil one.’”

Proverbs 2:1-5“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding - indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

Today is the first day of something new. Regardless of where you are in your relationship with God, 7 days of prioritising the Lord over essential needs in your life will draw you closer to Him and transform whatever needs to change. So today pray that God will help you to envision how

you will resemble Him more closely at the end of these 7 days.

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DAY 2

Pray for all families of Inspire Churches

Deuteronomy 6:3-9 | Psalm 127 | Proverbs 22:6 | 1 Peter 3:71 Peter 5:7 | Philippians 4:19 | Proverbs 22:6

Pray today for the families in our church, improved communication in marriages, singles who are focused on their commitment to the Lord, teenagers who will obediently follow the Lord and children who will start off their walk with the Lord the proper way. Pray we would all depend upon Him and recognise He is the one who meets all of our needs in life. Give us the wisdom to prioritize our finances. Pray that we would all be

faithful to the Lord, and that He would provide His blessing for us.

DAY 3

Pray for ministry areas at Inspire Albany and Inspire Singapore

Isaiah 40:31 | Matthew 11:28-30 | 2 Corinthians 9:12-13Galatians 6:9 | 2 Timothy 1:6-7 | 1 Timothy 4:12

That every department would be healthy and grow. That the influence of every department would have impact beyond the walls of our church. Ask the Lord that they will be able to reach people, of all ages, with the life transforming hope brought by Jesus Christ. Pray that God will enable them to see the work He is doing in their lives and the supernatural hope and provision He wants to bring to that area. Pray today that God would provide all of the resources necessary to possess the land that Inspire Churches need to bring transformation in their city. Ask God to give our Pastors the wisdom to make the correct decisions concerning the

direction of the church.

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DAY 4

Pray today for an increase in your personal faith, renewal of passion and refreshed calling

Ephesians 3:20 | Genesis 12:1-9 | Romans 12:1-2,11Proverbs 3:5-10

Pray that God will renew your commitment and passion in serving Him to fulfill your destiny. Ask God to show you that which you believe is impossible, and then specifically ask Him to give you the faith to entrust Him with the responsibility of it. Ask God to give you a refreshing measure

of faith to believe with Him all things are possible.

DAY 5

Pray for the Government, Leaders and Spiritual WarfareTransforming Lives Together

1 Peter 2:13-17 | Ephesians 6:10-18

Pray our national anthem

‘God of Nations at Thy feetIn the bonds of love we meetHear our voices we entreatGod defend our free land

Guard Pacific’s triple starFrom the shafts of strife and war

Make her praises heard afarGod defend New Zealand’

Pray for an increase in Godly leaders who can shape the policy and funding to improve the education, safety, morals, economy, and political structure and effectiveness of our nation. That the leaders of our nation would lead with integrity and value. That they would know wisdom. That they would care for the needy. Pray for the spiritual protection of those in nations where Christians are persecuted and killed for their fatih. Pray for God to give you the passion and focus you need to serve Him by serving others. Ask Him to show you ways that you can step up and increase the

way that you impact the lives of others.

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DAY 6

Pray regarding your future

Jeremiah 29:11 | Matthew 6:10-33

Pray for God to give you the perspective of your life that He sees for you. God has great plans for your life and you want to be able to have the vision to see the direction and paths He wants you to travel. Pray for discernment in critical decisions and the wisdom to know what to do and

when to do it.

DAY 7

Reflections

Genesis 28:16-22 | Psalm 105:1-5 | Ephesians 3:14-20

Today is the final day of our emphasis and it’s always time to celebrate. Today is a day of praise. Shout to God and sing to Him and call out the praises He so rightly deserves. Take time to write out some reflections of what God has spoken to you during this time of fasting and focusing on the Lord. What has He shown you? What have you heard through the static? What have you learned about your relationship with Him? How has He blessed you? How has He stretched you? Write this out and then pray about implementing a new relationship and commitment with God

in the future.

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HOW TO BREAK YOUR FAST

Remember to practice extreme self-control when breaking a fast. Great care and self control should be exercised when any fast longer than three

days is broken.

FIRST DAYThree meals of fruit juice in four to six ounce servings diluted approximately

with equal amount of water.

SECOND DAYThree or four meals of above, in somewhat less diluted and in larger

quantities.

THIRD DAYThree or four meals of choice fresh fruit, yoghurt or cultured buttermilk

will be beneficial.

FOURTH DAYFresh fruit, milk, light vegetable meals, fruit salad, soup, or milk diet.

SUCCEEDING DAYSSame as above, but quantity can gradually be increased.

Stay with a vegetable diet for approximately as many days as fasted, then slowly go into regular eating but never eat wrongly as one possibly did

before fasting. Cereal meals may be added after fifth day.

God bless you on this tremendous journey we are taking together

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