BREAKTHROUGH: 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer

January9th–January30th

Gary Rohrmayer

A Note From Pastor Adam: AsIhavespenttimecontemplating,praying,andstudyingthescripturesandaskingGodtogivemevisionanddirectionbothpersonallyandforourchurchin2017,Ikeepcomingbacktothephrase,“AllIn”.Myhopeandprayerforusasachurchfamilyisthat2017willbemarkedbyan“allin”mindsetandattitudeaswefollowJesustogether.AswestudythescripturesweseethatJesusinvitesusto“Come,andFollow”(Matthew4:19,16:24,19:28).Asweenter2017,letsgoallin.Let’sholdnothingback,buttogetherletusworshipJesuswithallourheart,mind,andstrength(Luke10:27).Iwouldliketopersonallyinviteyoutojoinmeina21DayFast.FastingisaBiblical,spiritualdisciplinethathelpsusfocusourattentiononJesus,spendingfocusedtimeinprayerandthestudyofGod’sword,whilealigningourselveswiththemissionandpurposesofourHeavenlyFather.Iwouldalsoinviteyoutospendtimeprayingforourcommunityandourchurchduringthis21DayFast.JoininprayingforGod’sfavor,andanoutpouringoftheSpiritthatwouldresultinlivesbeingchangedbyJesus.Let’sGoAllIn!

WhyPrayerandFasting?Whenwasthelasttimeyouenteredintoanextendedspiritualfastforaspiritual,relationalormissionalbreakthrough?Mosesseekingaspiritualbreakthroughspent40daysalonewithGodwithouteatingordrinkinguntilhereceivedtheTenCommandments(Exodus38:24).KingDavidsoughtapersonalbreakthroughashefastedtokeephimselfhumble(Psalm35:15).EzrawasseekingabreakthroughashecalledGod’speopletofastandprayforaprotectionagainsttheirenemies(Ezra8:21-23).DanielfastedandprayedashesoughtarestorativebreakthroughfortheexiledpeoplelivinginrebelliontotheirGod(Daniel9:3-4).TheApostlePaulfastedasheponderedhisbreakthroughencounterwiththerisenLordJesusandwhatitmeantforhislife(Acts9:9).TheleadersoftheChurchinAntiochworshipped,prayedandfastedtogetherastheysoughtmissionalbreakthroughfortheirthrivingchurch(Acts13:1-3).Whatbreakthroughareyouseeking?ForcenturiesthepeopleofGodhavebeenseekingbreakthroughsthroughprayerandfasting.FastingisdeliberatelyabstainingfromthenormalroutinesoflifeforthepurposesofspendingfocustimeinprayerandthestudyofGod'swordasweseektoalignourliveswithGod’spurposes.FastinghelpsushumbleourselvesbeforetheLordandpositionsusforexperiencingspiritualbreakthroughsinourlives.Werecognizeaswebeginthis21-dayfastthatweneedtoboldlyaskGodforbreakthroughsinanyareasofheartbreak,challengeoropportunityfacingusindividuallyandcorporatelyasGod’speopleoverthenext21-days.

HowtoGetStartedStepOne:PickYourFastFullFast:Drinkliquidsonly.Pleaseconsultyourdoctorfirst.DanielFast:Eatonlyvegetables,fruit,waterandjuice(minimalamountofcarbohydrates).PartialFast:Noteatingoneortwomealsonaspecificdayorabstainingfromcertainkindsoffood.All-dayFoodFast:Abstainingfromfoodonedayormultipledaysperweek.Activity/MediaFast:Forgoingatime-consumingactivitysuchasentertainment,hobbies,television,internet,sports,etc.StepTwo:SetGoals&WriteThemDownBeginwithaclearpersonalgoalsaswellasbreakthroughgoalsforyourchurch.Bespecific.Whyareyoufasting?Doyouneeddirection,healing,restorationofmarriageorfamilyissues?Areyoufacingfinancialdifficulties?PrayandasktheHolySpiritforguidance.Writethesethingsinajournaloranotebook.KeepingajournalthroughoutyourfastisagreatwaytotrackandrememberallthatGodhasdoneduringfast.StepThree:FeastontheWordofGodFastingisultimatelyanexpressionofhumilityanddependenceonGod.Fastingismoreaboutreplacingthanitisaboutabstaining.Itisaboutreplacingthedailyintakesoffood,entertainment,andhumancontactwithfocusedtimesofprayer,feedingonlargeamountsoftheWordofGodandspirituallistening.Youcanusetherecommendedreadingsorcontinueyournormalbiblereadingprogram.TheYouVersionBibleApporwww.bible.comhasavarietyof21-daybiblereadingprograms.

StepFour:OpenyourlifebeforeGod.OneofthegreatbenefitsofspiritualfastingisaheightenawarenessofGod’spresenceandpowerinourlives.ItisnotthatGodhasmovedbutthatwehave.Fastinghasagreatwayofmovingustowardsadeeperspiritualdependencyandawayfromwillfulself-dependency.Thegreatestbreakthroughwilltakeplacewhenyoumaketimetoexamineyourlifeanddiscoverwhatareasmostneedbreakthrough.Weaskthatyoualsofastforspiritualbreakthroughsforyourchurchfamilyandits’missionendeavorsaswellasyourpersonallife.Step5:ExpectGodtoMoveEnterthisfastbyfaith.ThewordofGodsays,“Andwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim,forwhoeverwoulddrawneartoGodmustbelievethatheexistsandthatherewardsthosewhoseekhim.”(Hebrews11:6)SpiritualfastingisasupernaturalendeavorthathasshapedandtransformedGod’speopleforcenturies.IfyouhavedoubtsaskGodtomeetyouinyourdoubtsandtoleadyouinovercomingthemjustastheapostlesprayed,“Increaseourfaith!”(Luke17:5).OurPrayerforYouOurprayerforyouisthatduringthenext21daysyouwillexperienceadeepercravingforthebeautyoftheLordandthewonderofHisleadinginyourlifeaswellasexperiencingthefullnessoftheHolySpiritandthefavoroftheGodofHeaven.MayGodoverwhelmyouwithHisgoodnessasyouseeHisprovisionineverystepofyourmissionaljourney.

PersonalBreakthroughsLord,Ineedaspiritualbreakthrough…Lord,Ineedarelationalbreakthrough…Lord,Ineedafinancialbreakthrough…Lord,Ineedamissionalbreakthrough…

ChurchBreakthroughsLord,mychurchneedsaspiritualbreakthrough…Lord,mychurchneedsrelationalbreakthroughs…Lord,mychurchneedsafinancialbreakthrough…Lord,mychurchneedsamissionalbreakthrough…"Fastingofthebodyisfoodforthesoul.Asbodilyfoodfattensthebody,sofasting

strengthensthesoul.” ~JohnChrysostom

21DaysDevotional

&Journal

Day1–AssumedPracticeFastingisnotanoptionbutitisanassumedpracticefortheseriousmindedfollowerofJesus.Fastingwasaspiritualdisciplinethatwasincorporatedintheirdailylives.Jesusdidnotsay‘ifyoufast’butsaid,‘whenyoufast’.ScriptureReading:Matthew6KeyPassage:Matthew6:16-18-“Whenyoufast,donotlooksomberasthehypocritesdo,fortheydisfiguretheirfacestoshowmentheyarefasting.Itellyouthetruth,theyhavereceivedtheirrewardinfull.Butwhenyoufast,putoilonyourheadandwashyourface,sothatitwillnotbeobvioustomenthatyouarefasting,butonlytoyourFather,whoisunseen;andyourFather,whoseeswhatisdoneinsecret,willrewardyou.”FastingThought:“Jesustakesitforgrantedthathisdiscipleswillobservethepiouscustomoffasting.Strictexerciseofself-controlisanessentialfeatureoftheChristian’slife.Suchcustomshaveonlyonepurpose–tomakethedisciplesmorereadyandcheerfultoaccomplishthosethingswhichGodwouldhavedone.”

~DietrichBonhoefferPrayer:FatherinHeaven,asIsubduetheimpulsesofthefleshthisday,Idosonottoachieveanything,nottouseitasabargainingchip,orasamanipulativeploytogetyourattentionbutasanactofworshiptomakemyselfreadyandresolutetodoyourwillwithacheerfulheart.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day2–DependenceFastingisahumblingexperiencethatrevealswhoorwhatwereallydependuponorcontrolledby.ScriptureReading:Psalm69KeyPassage:Psalm69:10-“WhenIweptandhumbledmysoulwithfasting.”FastingThought:“Morethananyothersinglediscipline,fastingrevealsthethingsthatcontrolus.ThisisawonderfulbenefittothetruedisciplewholongstobetransformedintotheimageofJesusChrist.Wecoverupwhatisinsideuswithfoodandothergoodthings,butinfastingthesethingssurface.Ifpridecontrolsus,itwillberevealedalmostimmediately…anger,bitterness,jealousy,strife,fear—iftheyarewithinus,theywillsurfaceduringfasting.Atfirstwewillrationalizethatourangerisduetoourhungerthenweknowthatweareangrybecausethespiritofangeriswithinus.WecanrejoiceinthisknowledgebecauseweknowthathealingisavailablethroughthepowerofChrist.”~RichardFosterPrayer:FatherinHeaven,asImovethroughthisfastIseekthetransformingworkofthegospelinmylife.Revealthecontrollinginfluencesinmylife.Grantmethecouragetofacethem,torenouncethem,toconfessthemandtosurrenderthemintoyourhealinghands.Drawmeclosertoyouthroughthisfast.InJesus’PreciousName.Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day3–SpiritualInventoryFastingisaholyandlegitimatepursuitofaHolyGod.Itcanbeofgreatuseinconductingarigorousspiritualinventoryofone’ssoulandspiritualfruitfulness.ScriptureReading:Psalm35KeyPassage:Psalm35:13–“Iputonsackclothandhumbledmyselfwithfasting...whenmyprayersreturnedtomeunanswered.”FastingThought:“Letussaysomethingaboutfasting,becausemany,forwantofknowingitsusefulness,undervalueitsnecessity,andsomerejectitasalmostsuperfluous;while,ontheotherhandwheretheuseofitisnotwellunderstood,iteasilydegeneratesintosuperstition.Holyandlegitimatefastingisdirectedtothreeends;forwepracticeiteitherasarestraintontheflesh,topreserveitfromlicentiousness,orasapreparationforprayersandpiousmeditations,orasatestimonyofourhumiliationinthepresenceofGodwhenwearedesirousofconfessingourguiltbeforehim.”~JohnCalvinPrayer:FatherinHeaven,throughyourprobingeyessearchmyheartandrevealtometheareasofmylifethatarehinderingfellowshipwithyou.Exposethoseareasofmylifethatareinterferingwithmyspiritualfruitfulness.Grantmethecouragetofacethemwithfaithandconfessthemfullyandhumblybeforeyou.FatherIwantmoreofyouandtobefullyusedbyyou.Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day4–RealHungerFastingisastruggleagainstthefleshandisemotionallyandphysicallydemanding;inthiswediscoverwhatwereallyhunger.ScriptureReading:Deuteronomy8KeyPassage:Deuteronomy8:2-3–“RememberhowtheLORDyourGodledyouallthewayinthedesertthesefortyyears,tohumbleyouandtotestyouinordertoknowwhatwasinyourheart,whetherornotyouwouldkeephiscommands.Hehumbledyou,causingyoutohungerandthenfeedingyouwithmanna,whichneitheryounoryourfathershadknown,toteachyouthatmandoesnotliveonbreadalonebutoneverywordthatcomesfromthemouthoftheLORD.”FastingThought:“DoyouhaveahungerforGod?Ifwedon’tfeelstrongdesiresforthemanifestationofthegloryofGod,itisnotbecausewehavedrunkdeeplyandaresatisfied.Itisbecausewehavenibbledsolongatthetableoftheworld.Oursoulisstuffedwithsmallthings,andthereisnoroomforthegreat.Ifwearefullofwhattheworldoffers,thenperhapsafastmightexpress,orevenincrease,oursoul’sappetiteforGod.Betweenthedangersofself-denialandself-indulgenceisthepathofpleasantpaincalledfasting.”~JohnPiperPrayer:FatherinHeaven,asImoveforwardinthisfasthelpmetoturneveryhungerpain,thoughtorcravingtowardsyou.Teachmetofeedonyourwordandtofindadeepsatisfactioninyourtruth.TodayFatherIwanttoexperiencethesweetnessofyourword.AmenFasting&PrayerJournal

Day5–ConfessionRemembertoaccompanyyourfastwithconfessionofsin.Confessyoursin,yourspiritualweaknesses,yourlackofdependenceonGod;throughthiswecanexperiencethecleansingforgivenessofJesusChrist.ScriptureReading:IJohn1-2KeyPassage:“WhentheyhadassembledatMizpah,theydrewwaterandpoureditoutbeforetheLORD.Onthatdaytheyfastedandtheretheyconfessed,‘WehavesinnedagainsttheLORD.’”ISamuel7:6FastingThought:“ConfessionrecognizestheabsenceofGod’spresenceinourlivesthroughourownwillfulnessorindifference.FastingisanactofcravingmoreofGod’spresence,powerandpurityinourlivesandministry.ConfessionisadmittingthereissomethingwrongbetweenyouandGod.FastingislongingforthefullnessofGodtofloodoursouls.Whenwepracticeconfessioninourfasting,ourfastingbecomesmorethanatooltobringGodbacktous,itbecomesaninstrumentmovingusbacktoGodbecauseGodnevermoves.”~GaryRohrmayerPrayer:FatherinHeaven,showmethroughthisfastthoseareasofspiritualweaknessandself-relianceinmylifeinorderthatImayconfessthemandreceiveyourhealing,cleansingandpurifyingforgiveness.Father,Iwanttoexperienceanewlevelofspiritualrefreshmentandstrengththatcanonlycomethroughyou.InthestrongnameofJesusChristourLord,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day6–YearningsFastingisultimatelyayearningforsomethingmissing.Somethingthatwaspreviouslyexperiencedbutnowisabsentfromourlives.ScriptureReading:Matthew9KeyPassage:Matthew9:14-15ThenJohn’sdisciplescameandaskedhim,“HowisitthatweandthePhariseesfast,butyourdisciplesdonotfast?”Jesusanswered,“Howcantheguestsofthebridegroommournwhileheiswiththem?Thetimewillcomewhenthebridegroomwillbetakenfromthem;thentheywillfast.”FastingThought:“Christianfasting,atitsroot,isthehungerofahomesicknessforGod.IttellsonlyhalfthestoryofChristianfasting.HalfofChristianfastingisthatourphysicalappetiteislostbecauseourhomesicknessforGodissointense.TheotherhalfisthatourhomesicknessforGodisthreatenedbecauseourphysicalappetitesaresointense.Inthefirsthalf,appetiteislost.Inthesecondhalf,appetiteisresisted.Inthefirst,weyieldtothehigherhungerthatis.Inthesecond,wefightforthehigherhungerthatisn’t.ChristianfastingisnotonlythespontaneouseffectofasuperiorsatisfactioninGod;itisalsoachosenweaponagainsteveryforceintheworldthatwouldtakethatsatisfactionaway.”~JohnPiperPrayer:FatherinHeavenfillmylifewithadeeperawarenessofyourpresenceandpowerinmylife.Grantmeadeeperhungerforyouthanforthosecreaturecomfortstheworldoffers.GivemevictorythisdayinthestrongnameofJesusChristmyLord,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day7–DiscerningFastingisatoolthataidsindiscerningthecallofGodinourlives.FastinghelpsusslowdownandhearGod’svoice.ScriptureReading:Acts9KeyPassage:Acts9:3-9-AshenearedDamascusonhisjourney,suddenlyalightfromheavenflashedaroundhim.Hefelltothegroundandheardavoicesaytohim,“Saul,Saul,whydoyoupersecuteme?”“Whoareyou,Lord?”Saulasked.“IamJesus,whomyouarepersecuting,”hereplied.“Nowgetupandgointothecity,andyouwillbetoldwhatyoumustdo.”SotheyledhimbythehandintoDamascus.Forthreedayshewasblind,anddidnoteatordrinkanything.FastingThought:Adiscerningfast“involvesfocusingonourchoicesinsteadofourfoodsandprayingourdecisionsthroughtosuccessfulconclusions…thistypeoffasthelpsusreceiveGod’swisdomtomakeourdecisions.Thistypeoffastisnotforeveryminordecisioninlife,suchaswheretogoforlunchorwhatminorpurchasetomake.Adiscerningfastoffershelpinweightydecisionssuchaschoosingamate,resigningajobandotherlifechangingchoices.Fastingbringsmorelightintotheapplicationofgooddecision-makingskills.”~ElmerTownsPrayer:FatherinHeaven,todayinmyfastIyieldtoyouandseekyourwisdominmylife.Throughthisfasttodaygrantmeabiggerperspectiveonthosedecisionsbeforemebothminorandmajor.Iwantyourbestinmylife,protectmefrombeingimpulsiveandrashandguidemeinyourperfectways.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

BillBright'sFastingTestimonyBillBright,thepassionateleaderofCampusCrusade(CRU),hadapowerexperiencewithGodinthelate1990'sspecificallyaroundthisareaoffasting.ReadhisfastingtestimonyandallowGodtospeaktoyouthroughit."IbelievethepoweroffastingasitrelatestoprayeristhespiritualatomicbombthatourLordhasgivenustodestroythestrongholdsofevilandusherinagreatrevivalandspiritualharvestaroundtheworld.IncreasinglyIhavebeengrippedwithagrowingsenseofurgencytocalluponGodtosendrevivaltoourbelovedcountry.Inthespringandsummerof1994,IhadagrowingconvictionthatGodwantedmetofastandprayforfortydaysforrevivalinAmericaandforthefulfillmentoftheGreatCommissioninobediencetoourLord'scommand.AtfirstIquestioned,"IsthistrulyGod'scallforme?"Fortydayswasalongtimetogowithoutsolidfood.Butwitheachpassingday,Hiscallgrewstrongerandmoreclear.Finally,Iwasconvinced.Godwascallingmetofast,andHewouldnotmakesuchacallwithoutaspecificreasonorpurpose.Withthisconviction,Ienteredmyfastwithexcitementandexpectancymountinginmyheart,praying,"Lord,whatdoyouwantmetodo?"IbelievesuchalongfastwasasovereigncallofGodbecauseofthemagnitudeofthesinsofAmericaandoftheChurch.TheLordimpressedthatuponmyheart,aswellastheurgentneedtohelpacceleratethefulfillmentoftheGreatCommissioninthisgeneration.AsIbeganmyfast,IwasnotsureIcouldcontinueforfortydays.ButmyconfidencewasintheLordtohelpme.EachdayHispresenceencouragedmetocontinue.ThelongerIfasted,themoreIsensedthepresenceoftheLord.TheHolySpiritrefreshedmysoulandspirit,andIexperiencedthejoyoftheLordasseldombefore.BiblicaltruthsleapedatmefromthepagesofGod'sWord.MyfaithsoaredasIhumbledmyselfandcriedouttoGodandrejoicedinHispresence.Thisprovedtobethemostimportantfortydaysofmylife.AsIwaitedupontheLord,theHolySpiritgavemetheassurancethatAmericaandmuchoftheworldwill,beforetheendoftheyear2000,experienceagreatspiritualawakening.ThisdivinevisitfromheavenwillkindlethegreatestspiritualharvestinthehistoryoftheChurch.ButbeforeGodcomesinrevivalpower,theHolySpiritwillcallmillionsofGod'speopletorepent,fast,andprayinthespiritof2Chronicles7:14:"Ifmypeople,whoarecalledbymyname,willhumblethemselvesandprayandseekmyfaceandturnfromtheirwickedways,thenIwillhearfromheavenandwillforgivetheirsinandwillhealtheirland."ThescopeofthisrevivaldependsonhowbelieversinAmericaandtherestoftheworldrespondtothiscall.IhavespentfiftyyearsstudyingGod'sWordandlisteningtoHisvoice,andHismessagecouldnothavebeenmoreclear."

Source:www.cru.org

Day8–Replacingvs.AbstainingFastingismoreaboutreplacingthanitisaboutabstaining.Replacingnormaldailyactivitieswithfocusedtimesofprayer,confession,feedingontheWordandworshipingtheLord.ScriptureReading:Nehemiah9KeyPassage:Nehemiah9:1-3–“Onthetwenty-fourthdayofthesamemonth,theIsraelitesgatheredtogether,fastingandwearingsackclothandhavingdustontheirheads…TheystoodwheretheywereandreadfromtheBookoftheLawoftheLORDtheirGodforaquarteroftheday,andspentanotherquarterinconfessionandinworshipingtheLORDtheirGod.FastingThought:“Wetendtothinkoffastingasgoingwithoutfood.Butwecanfastfromanything.IfwelovemusicanddecidetomissaconcertinordertospendtimewithGodthatisfasting.Itishelpfultothinkoftheparallelofhumanfriendship.Whenfriendsneedtobetogether,theywillcancelallotheractivitiesinordertomakethatpossible.There’snothingmagicalaboutfasting.It’sjustonewayoftellingGodthatyourpriorityatthatmomentistobealonewithhim,sortingoutwhateverisnecessary,andyouhavecancelledthemeal,party,concert,orwhateverelseyouhadplannedtodoinordertofulfillthatpriority.”~J.I.PackerPrayer:FatherinHeaven,asIfasttoday,Idesiretoseekyourfacethroughearnestprayerandhonestconfession.Feedingonlargeportionsofyourwordandofferingresponsivepraise.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day9–ThirstsLetyourthirstsdriveyoutoGod,thatHemaysatisfyyourdesiresandmeettheneedsofyoursoul.ScriptureReading:Psalm63KeyPassage:Psalm63:1-“OGod,youaremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;mysoulthirstsforyou,mybodylongsforyou,inadryandwearylandwherethereisnowater.”FastingThought:“Prayerneedsfastingforitsfullgrowth.Prayeristheonehandwithwhichwegrasptheinvisible.Fastingistheotherhand,theonewithwhichweletgoofthevisible…Prayerisreachingoutaftertheunseen;fastingislettinggoofallthatisseenandtemporal.Fastinghelpsexpress,deepen,confirmtheresolutionthatwearereadytosacrificeanything,evenourselvestoattainwhatweseekforthekingdomofGod.”~AndrewMurrayPrayer:FatherinHeaven,Ireachouttoyou,theonlyonewhocansatisfymythirstyheartandquenchneedswithinmysoul.ThroughthisfastmayIcraveyouandyourKingdommoreandmore.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day10–CravingsFastinghasawayofrevealingwhatourheartsreallycrave.Itcanrevealwhatoursoulneedsandhowwesatisfythosedeepestwants.ScriptureReading:Matthew4KeyPassage:Matthew4:2-4–“Afterfastingfortydaysandfortynights,hewashungry.Thetemptercametohimandsaid,‘IfyouaretheSonofGod,tellthesestonestobecomebread.”Jesusanswered,“Itiswritten:‘Mandoesnotliveonbreadalone,butoneverywordthatcomesfromthemouthofGod.’”FastingThought:“FastingcanbeanexpressionoffindingyourgreatestpleasureandenjoymentinlifefromGod.That’sthecasewhendiscipliningyourselftofastmeansthatyouloveGodmorethanfood,thatseekingHimismoreimportanttoyouthaneating.ThishonorsGodandisameansofworshipingHimasGod.”~DonaldWhitneyPrayer:FatherinHeaven,youaretheonewhomeetsmydeepestneeds.TodaygrantmethatabilitytoturnmyhungerpainsintomomentsofworshipandpraiseasIfocusonthebeautyandsplendorofyourholinessandrevelinyourinfinitemercy.FatherinHeaven,mayyoureceiveallthehonorandpraiseasIcometoyouinthenameofJesusChristourLord,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day11–CheerfulnessInfastingitisvirtuoustoconcealoursufferinganddiscomfortwithcheerfulness.ScriptureReading:KeyPassage:Matthew6:16-18-“Whenyoufast,donotlooksomberasthehypocritesdo,fortheydisfiguretheirfacestoshowmentheyarefasting.Itellyouthetruth,theyhavereceivedtheirrewardinfull.Butwhenyoufast,putoilonyourheadandwashyourface,sothatitwillnotbeobvioustomenthatyouarefasting,butonlytoyourFather,whoisunseen;andyourFather,whoseeswhatisdoneinsecret,willrewardyou.”FastingThought:“LetuslearnfromourLord’sinstructionaboutfasting,thegreatimportanceofcheerfulnessinourreligion.Thosewords,‘anointthyhead,andwashthyface,’arefullofdeepmeaning.TheyshouldteachustoaimatlettingmenseethatwefindChristianitymakesushappy.Neverletusforgetthatthereisnotreligioninlookingmelancholyandgloomy.ArewedissatisfiedwithChrist’swages,andChrist’sservice?Surelynot!Thenletusnotlookasifwewere.”~J.C.RylePrayer:FatherinHeaven,letmefinishthisfastwithjoyandcheerfulnessasIfeedonyourbeauty,truthandgoodness.Mayeverygrowlofmystomach,everyinternalcomplaintandheadachebeturnedintomomentsofdependenceonyouanddelightineveryspiritualblessingIhaveinChrist.InthepreciousnameofJesus,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day12–SatisfactionFastingisrewardedbecauseitisacryfromtheheartofonewhofindstheirultimatesatisfactioninGodandGodalone.ScriptureReading:Psalm73KeyPassage:Psalm73:23-24–“WhomhaveIinheavenbutThee?AndbesidesTheeIdesirenothingonearth.Myheartandmyfleshmayfall.ButGodisthestrengthofmyheartandmyportionforever.”FastingThought:“WhenGodseestheconfessionofneedandthisexpressionoftrust,heacts,becausethegloryofhisall-sufficientgraceisatstake.ThefinalansweristhatGodrewardsfastingbecausefastingexpressesthecryoftheheartthatnothingonearthcansatisfyoursoulsbesidesGod.GodmustrewardthiscrybecauseGodismostglorifiedinuswhenwearemostsatisfiedinhim.”~JohnPiperPrayer:Father,whomhaveIinheavenbutyou?AndbesidesyouIdesirenothingonearth.Myheartandmyfleshmayfall.Butyouarethestrengthofmyheartandmyportionforeverandever.IdeclarethisinthepreciousnameofJesus,Amen Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day13–SacrificeAreyoutiredoffasting?Fastingisasacrificialactthatrealignsouraffectionsfromthetemporaltotheeternal.Itturnseachmomentofcravingintoaprayerofintensedependence.ScriptureReading:Psalm109KeyPassage:Psalm109:24-“Mykneesgivewayfromfasting;mybodyisthinandgaunt.”FastingThought:“Ifreligionrequiresustosometimesfastanddenyournaturalappetites,itistolessenthatstruggleandwarthatisinournature;itistorenderourbodiesfitterinstrumentsofpurity,andmoreobedienttothegoodmotionsofdivinegrace;itistodryupthespringsofourpassionsthatwaragainstthesoul,tocooltheflameofourblood,andrenderthemindmorecapableofdivinemeditations.Sothatalthoughtheseabstinencesgivesomepaintothebody,yettheysolessenthepowerofbodilyappetitesandpassions,andsoincreaseourtasteofspiritualjoys,thateventheseseveritiesofreligion,whenpracticedwithdiscretion,addmuchtothecomfortableenjoymentofourlives.”~WilliamLawPrayer:FatherinHeaven,myfleshistired,myspiritisweakening;grantmethementalfocus,spiritualawarenessandphysicalwilltopushthroughthequittingpointsasIseektorealignmydesirestobewithinyourperfectwill,yourmissionandforyourglory.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day14–AuthenticFastingFastingmustbeaccompaniedwithgoodwillandgoodworkstowardsotherstobeeffectiveandpleasingtoGod.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58KeyPassage:Isaiah58:3-4“’Whyhavewefasted,’theysay,‘andyouhavenotseenit?Whyhavewehumbledourselves,andyouhavenotnoticed?’Yetonthedayofyourfasting,youdoasyoupleaseandexploitallyourworkers.Yourfastingendsinquarrelingandstrife,andinstrikingeachotherwithwickedfists.Youcannotfastasyoudotodayandexpectyourvoicetobeheardonhigh.”FastingThought:“WhyisthisfastingunacceptabletoGod?What’swrongwithit?What’swrongwithitisthatitleftthesinintheirlivesuntouched.Theonlyauthenticfastingisfastingthatincludesaspiritualattackagainstourownsin.Whateverelsewefastfor,wemustfastforourownholiness.Wecannotfastforanythingwithauthenticitywhilelivinginknownsin.”~JohnPiperPrayer:FatherinHeaven,grantmethefaithtomoveclosertothelightofGod’sholinessanddealwiththedarknessofmyownsoul.GrantmethecouragethroughthisfasttoexaminemyattitudesandbehaviorstowardthosearoundmeandtomakerightanywrongsforwhichIamresponsible.Father,Idesirethatmyfastbeacceptabletoyou.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

DavidBrainerd'sFastingTestimonyDavidBrainerdayoungmissionaryinhis20'sunderstoodtheneedforfastingintheadvancementoftheGospelaswellastheexpansionofhissoul.Hereisabrieftestimonyfromhisdiary:“FeelingsomewhatofthesweetnessofcommunionwithGodandtheforceofHisloveandhowitcaptivatesmysoulandmakesallmydesiresandaffectionstocenterinGod,IsetapartthisdayforfastingandprayertoGod,toblessmeinviewofpreachingtheGospel.Ihadlifeandpowerinprayerthisafternoon.Godenabledmetowrestleardentlyinintercessionformyfriends.TheLordvisitedmemarvelouslyinprayer.Ithinkmysoulwasneverinsuchagonybefore.Ifeltnorestraint,forthetreasuresofGod’sgracewereopenedtome.Iwrestledforabsentfriendsandfortheingatheringofpoorsouls.IwasinsuchagonyfromsunhalfanhourhightillneardarkthatIwasalloverwetwithsweat.Oh!mydearSaviordidsweatbloodforthesepoorsouls!Ilongedformorecompassiontowardthem.Iwasunderasenseofdivinelove,andwenttobedinsuchaframeofmind,withmyheartsetonGod.”Source:JourneywithDavidBrainerdbyRichardA.Hasler

Day–15–FastingandGod’sFreedomFastingisameansofseeingspiritualbreakthroughforaphysicaloremotionalproblemaswellasfindingfreedomfromthebesettingsinsthataffectourrelationshipwithHim.Todayfocusyourprayersonthosehurts,habitsandhangupsthatyouneedspiritualhealingtoovercomethem.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58KeyPassage:Isaiah58:6–“IsthisnotthefastwhichIchoose,toloosenthebondsofwickedness,toundothebandsoftheyoke,andtolettheoppressedgofree,andbreakeveryyoke?”FastingThought:“TheElijahFastisnotacommoncorrectivedevicetobeusedforfreeingyourselffromminorhabits.Itiscalledforinseverelynegativecasesofmentalandemotionalresponse.Itoftenworksbecauseitisadisciplinethatbuildsself-disciplineandself-esteem.ButmoreimportantthanpsychologicalesteemtheElijahFastinvitesGodintotheproblem.Then,inthestrengthofGod,victoryispossible.”~ElmerTownsPrayer:FatherinHeaven,youarethegreatphysician,youarethehealerofmysoul,youareonewhograntsvictoryovermyemotionalwoundsthatarethecauseofmydestructivethinkinganddebilitatinghabits.Duringmyfastbringtolightthosebesettingsinsthathurtmyrelationshipwithyouandmyeffectivenessinyourmission.MayIexperienceanewleveloffreedomandvictoryasIleanintoyouthisdayduringmyfast.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day16–FastingandGod’sRefreshmentOurfastingmayberewardedintheexperienceofnotonlyspiritualreplenishmentandalsophysicalrefreshment.ScriptureReading:KeyPassage:Isaiah58:6,8–“IsthisnotthefastwhichIchoose…andyourhealingwillquicklyappear…andwillstrengthenyourframe.”FastingThought:“OffastingIsaythis:Itisrighttofastfrequentlyinordertosubdueandcontrolthebody.Forwhenthestomachisfull,thebodydoesnotserveforpreaching,forpraying,orstudying,orfordoinganythingelsethatisgood.UndersuchcircumstancesGod’sWordcannotremain.Butoneshouldnotfastwithaviewtomeritingsomethingbyitasbyagoodwork.”~MartinLutherPrayer:FatherinHeaven,asIsubduemyfleshandcontrolmyappetitetodayrefreshmyspirit,replenishmysoul,healmywoundsandstrengthenmywilltocarryoutyourdesiresthisday.IaskthisinthestrongnameofJesusChristmyLord,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day17–FastingandGod’sLightFastingapproachedproperlycanbringlightintoourdarknessandbringclaritytoourconfusion.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58&Psalm112KeyPassage:Isaiah58:8-10“Thenyourlightwillbreakforthlikethedawn…thenyourlightwillriseinthedarkness,andyournightwillbecomelikethenoonday.”FastingThought:“ByaligningourheartswithGodthroughfastingwefindourselvesconsumedbyHisresplendentnature.Thisislikethesunbreakingforththroughtheearlymorningdarkness.ThisbreakthroughcomesasHeturnsthegloomandconfusionofourdarknesswithHislightoflove,joyandpeace.”~GaryRohrmayerPrayer:FatherofLight,asIfasttoday,blastthroughthedarknessIamfacingwiththelightofyourlove.Transformthegloomofdiscouragementwiththehopeofyourpurelight.Helpmeseethroughthefalsehoodofdarknessandseetheblazingtruthofyourlight.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day18–FastingandGod’sVictoryFastingisaweaponusedtorespondtothepresentandfutureattacksoftheevilone.ScriptureReading:Esther4KeyPassages:Isaiah58:6,8–“IsnotthisthekindoffastingIhavechosen…thenyourrighteousnesswillgobeforeyou,andthegloryoftheLORDwillbeyourrearguard.”Esther4:18-“Go,gathertogetheralltheJewswhoareinSusa,andfastforme.Donoteatordrinkforthreedays,nightorday.Iandmymaidswillfastasyoudo.Whenthisisdone,Iwillgototheking,eventhoughitisagainstthelaw.AndifIperish,Iperish.”Fastingthought:“Whenthedevil,thefoeandthetyrant,seesamanbearingthisweapon[fasting],heisstraight-awayfrightenedandherecollectsandconsidersthatdefeatwhichhesufferedinthewildernessatthehandsoftheSavior;atoncehisstrengthisshatteredandtheverysightofthisweapon,givenusbyourCommander-in-chief,burnshim.”~IsaacofSyriaPrayer:FatherinHeaven,LORDAlmighty,todaythroughmyfastIseektobebetterpreparedforthespiritualbattlesthatIamengaged.Ichoosetostandfirminyou.IchoosetolivemylifebythetruthofGodandnottheliesoftheenemy;Ichoosetoliverighteouslyandnotselfishly.Ichoosetolivebyfaithandnotbysight,extinguishingeveryattackfromtheenemy.IchoosetolivebythepoweroftheWordofGod.IntheStrongNameofJesusmyLord,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day19–FastingandthePresenceofGodAreyoubeingsurprisedinyourfastingexperience?GodlovestosurpriseHischildrenbystrangelysatisfyingthemwithHispresence.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58&Psalm1KeyPassage:Isaiah58:6,11-“IsnotthisthekindoffastingIhavechosen…hewillsatisfyyourneedsinasun-scorchedlandandwillstrengthenyourframe.Youwillbelikeawell-wateredgarden,likeaspringwhosewatersneverfail.”FastingThought:“Therewardsoffastingarenotofteninstantaneousbutareexperiencedovertime.Theycomeassurprises,likeinthemidstofaworshipservicewhenmysoulisstirredandstrangelysatisfied.OrwhenIamreadingtheWordandmyinnerbeingisliftedbeyondthisworldwithafreshperspective.OrwhenIaminprayerandthegroaningofmyheartexperiencesapeacethatisunexplainable.IhavefoundtherewardsultimatelyleadtoamoreintimateandsatisfyingexperiencewiththeGodwhomademe,savesmeandfillsme.”~GaryRohrmayerPrayer:FatherinHeaven,todayduringmyfastmayIexperiencethesweetsatisfyingnatureofyourpresenceandmayIexperiencetherefreshingpowerofyourabidingstrength.Father,Iwanttobelikeawell-wateredgarden,likeaspringthatneverrunsdryforyourhonorandglory.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day20–FastingandGod’sGuidingHandFastinghasitsspiritualrewards.OneoftherewardsoffastingisexperiencingtheguidinghandofGodinourlives.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58;Psalm23KeyPassage:Isaiah58:6,11“IsnotthisthekindoffastingIhavechosen…AndtheLordwillguideyoucontinuallyandsatisfyyourdesireinscorchedplacesandmakeyourbonesstrong.”FastingThought:“EverytimeIhavefastedIhavefoundmyworshipexperiencesweeter.IfoundtheilluminationofGod’sSpiritbrighterandmyhungerforGod’swordstronger.ThroughmyfastingGodhasguidedme,comfortedme,challengedmeandcorrectedme.ItisnotthatIhavebentGodtowardsmethroughfasting,butthatI,thoughfasting,havebentmyhearttowardsHim.”~GaryRohrmayerPrayer:FatherinHeaven,Iwanttoexperienceyourguidingandempoweringhandonmylifeandministry.ThereisnothinglikeknowingthatthehandoftheLordisonmylife.TodaythroughmyfastingIbendmyheartandmywilltowardsyouandyourways.InJesusName,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Day21–AHolyHabitFastingisadisciplinethatshouldbeturnedintoaholyhabit.ScriptureReading:Mathew9:KeyPassage:Matthew9:14-15ThenJohn’sdisciplescameandaskedhim,“HowisitthatweandthePhariseesfast,butyourdisciplesdonotfast?”Jesusanswered,“Howcantheguestsofthebridegroommournwhileheiswiththem?Thetimewillcomewhenthebridegroomwillbetakenfromthem;thentheywillfast.FastingThought:“FortheseriousmindedfollowerofJesus,fastingisaconsistenthabit.Inaworldfilledwithindulgencesweneed,onaroutinebasis,toconsciouslylayasideourfreedomsinChristforthepurposeofseekingthefaceofGod,intimacywiththeSonofGodandfullnessoftheHolySpirit.”~GaryRohrmayerPrayer:FatherinHeaven,thankyouforallyouhavedoneinmylifeoverthelast21days.Myheartlongsforyou.Mysoulcravesyourpresence.Ineedyou.Iworshipyou.Iloveyou.Helpmetomakefastingahabitinmylife.InthepreciousnameofJesus,Amen.Fasting&PrayerJournal

Inthelast21dayshasGodgivenyouafastingtestimony?ExperiencingthesweetnessofHispresence.EnjoyingthewondersofHisgrace.DiscoveringHisguidinghandinamajordecision.Findinganewsenseoffreedomandhealingfromthehurtsofthepast.Realizingavictoryoveranaggingareaofsininyourlife.Embracingaspiritualbreakthroughinyourministry.HowhasGodshownupinyourlifeinthelast21daysoffasting?IfHehas,writeitdown,shareitwithafriendandreflectuponitwithathankfulheart.IfHehasn’t,keepfastinguntilHedoes.BedeterminedlikeJacobwhowrestledwithGodandwouldnotletHimgountilHeblessedhim.Inthis,JacobexperiencedthetransformationalpowerofGodthatmarkednotonlyhislifeinthatmomentbutalsohisdecedentsforeternity.ThegreattheologianOleHallesbywrote,“Thepurposeoffastingistoloosentosomedegreethetieswhichbindustotheworldofmaterialthingsandoursurroundingsasawhole,inorderthatwemayconcentrateallourspiritualpowersupontheunseenandeternalthings.”MayweallexperienceblessednessofwhatJesustaughthisdisciples,“Blessedarethosewhohungerandthirstforrighteousness,fortheywillbefilled.”(Matthew5:6)YourFastingTestimony

ExtraDay–FastingandtheSufferingWorldFastingisturningyourhungerpainintorequests,prayersandpetitionsforthesufferingaroundyou.Todayfocusyourprayersonthosesufferingclosetoyouandthosesufferingthroughouttheworld.ScriptureReading:Isaiah58;James2:14-26KeyPassage:Isaiah58:6-7“IsthisnotthefastwhichIchoose...isitnottoshareyourfoodwiththehungryandtoprovidethepoorwandererwithshelter—whenyouseethenaked,toclothehim,andnottoturnawayfromyourownfleshandblood?”FastingThought:“Fastingisaharddisciplinetopracticewithoutitconsumingallourattention.Yetwhenweuseitasapartofprayerorservice,wecannotallowittodoso.Whenapersonchoosesfastingasaspiritualdiscipline,heorshemust,then,practiceitwellenoughandoftenenoughtobecomeexperiencedinit,becauseonlythepersonwhoiswellhabituatedtosystematicfastingasadisciplinecanuseiteffectivelyasapartofdirectservicetoGod,asinspecialtimesofprayerorotherservice.”~DallasWillardPrayer:FatherinHeaven,todayIturnmyprayerstowardsallthesufferinginourworld.Makeawayforfood,clothing,shelterandmedicalsuppliestoreachthoseincriticalneed.Sendmedicalhelptothoseinneed.Grantthosewhoareservingthepoorandneedyyourstrength,wisdom,compassionandspiritualinsighttocareforthoseinneed.InthemercifulnameofJesus.Amen.

MoreFastingThoughts“ChristianfastingmovesfrombrokenandcontritepovertyofspirittosweetsatisfactioninthefreemercyofChristtoevergreaterdesiresandenjoymentsofGod’sinexhaustiblegrace.”~JohnPiper“FastingisanactofhumilitythatspotlightsourweaknessesandrevealsdependenceonthingsratherthanGod.”~GaryRohrmayer“Fastingisavirtuethatrestrainsdesire;forsinoccursmorereadilybyexcessindelights,andsoitisvirtuoustorestrainthebodilyappetites.”~ThomasAquinas“Fastingtestswheretheheartis.AndwhenitrevealsthattheheartiswithGodandnottheworld,amightyblowisstruckagainstSatan”~JohnPiper"FastingismoreaboutlongingforthepowerandpresenceofJesusthanrestrictingourappetites."~GaryRohrmayer“FastingconfirmsourutterdependenceuponGodbyfindinginHimasourceofsustenancebeyondfood.”~DallasWillard“InaworldfilledwithindulgencesweneedtoroutinelylayasideourfreedomsinChristthroughfasting,whileseekingthefaceofGod.”~GaryRohrmayer“ThebirthplaceofChristianfastingishomesicknessforGod”~JohnPiper“Fastinghelpstoexpress,todeepen,andtoconfirmtheresolution,thatwearereadytosacrificeanything,evenourselves,toattaintheKingdomofGod.”~AndrewMurray"WhenevermenaretopraytoGodconcerninganygreatmatteritshouldbeexpedienttoappointfastingalongwithprayer."~JohnCalvin“Fastingismoreaboutreplacingthanitisaboutabstaining.ReplacingnormalactivitieswithfocusedtimesofprayerandfeedingontheWordofGod.”~GaryRohrmayer"Fastingiscalculatedtobringanoteofurgencyandimportunityintoourpraying,andtogiveforcetoourpleadinginthecourtofheaven.Themanwhoprayswithfastingisgivingheavennoticethatheistrulyinearnest."~ArthurWallis"FastingisnotaboutchangingGod.ItisnotamysticalexercisetogainGod'sapproval.Fastingisnotaboutchangingmyworld,butaboutlettingGodrealignmyhearttowardhispurposes."~AlexGee

“Thebenefitsoffastingareasoulstrangelysatisfied,amindliftedbeyondthisworldwitheternalthoughtsandabodyrefreshedwithnewstrength.”~GaryRohrmayer“Fastingisnotatoolforgainingdisciplineordevelopingpiety.Instead,fastingisthebulimicactofriddingourselvesofourfullnesstoattuneoursensestothemysteriesthatswirlinandaroundus."~DanB.Allender“AssoonasaChristianrecognizesthathehasfailedinhisservice…thatallhisjoyinGodhasvanishedandthathiscapacityforprayerhasquitegone,itishightimeforhimtolaunchanassaultupontheflesh,andprepareforbetterservicebyfastingandprayer”~DietrichBonhoeffer“ByaligningourheartswithGodthroughfastingwefindourselvesconsumedbyHisresplendentnatureandfilledwiththelightofHislove.”~GaryRohrmayer"Fastingcleansesthesoul,raisesthemind,subjectsone’sfleshtothespirit,renderstheheartcontriteandhumble,scattersthecloudsofconcupiscence,quenchesthefireoflust,andkindlesthetruelightofchastity."~Augustine“FortheseriousmindedfollowerofJesusfastingisaconsistenthabitofdeliberatelyrestrictingourfreedomsinChristforthepurposeofseekingthefaceofGod,intimacywiththeSonofGodandfullnessoftheHolySpirit.”~GaryRohrmayer“Faithneedsalifeofprayerinwhichtogrowandkeepstrong...prayerneedsfastingforitsfullandperfectdevelopment.”~AndrewMurray"Fastingwithapureheartandmotives,Ihavediscovered,bringspersonalrevivalandaddspowertoourprayers.”~BillBright“TherewardsoffastingultimatelyleadtoamoreintimateandsatisfyingexperiencewiththeGodwhomademe.”~GaryRohrmayer"Morethananyothersinglediscipline,fastingrevealsthethingsthatcontrolus.”~RichardFoster“InfastingwedonotbendGodtowardsus,butthroughfastingwebendourheartstowardsHim.”~GaryRohrmayer“Afastisnotahungerstrike.FastingsubmitstoGod’scommands.AhungerstrikemakesGodsubmittoourdemands.”~EdColeThere'snothingmagicalaboutfasting.It'sjustonewayoftellingGodthatyourpriorityatthatmomentistobealonewithhim.”~J.I.Packer

“EverytimeIhavefastedIhavefoundmyworshipexperiencesweeter,theilluminationofGod’sSpiritbrighterandthehungerforGod’swordstronger.”~GaryRohrmayer“Fastingisanactofhumility.Fastinggivesopportunityfordeeperhumilityaswerecognizeoursins,repent,receiveGod'sforgiveness,andexperienceHiscleansingofoursoulandspirit.FastingalsodemonstratesourloveforGodandourfullconfidenceinHisfaithfulness."~BillBright“InfastingwedonotbendGodtowardsus,butthoughfastingwebendourheartstowardsHim.”~GaryRohrmayer"Fastingisthesoulofprayer;mercyisthelifebloodoffasting.So,ifyoupray,fast;ifyoufast,showmercy.”~PeterChrysologus"Fastingpossessesgreatpower.Ifpracticedwiththerightintention,itmakesoneafriendofGod.Thedemonsareawareofthat."~Tertullian"Idesiredasmanyascouldtojointogetherinfastingandprayer,thatGodwouldrestorethespiritofloveandofasoundmind.”~JohnWesley“Fastingismoreaboutreplacingthanitisaboutabstaining.ReplacingnormalactivitieswithfocusedtimesofprayerandfeedingontheWordofGod.”~GaryRohrmayer"Isnottheneglectofthisplainduty--Imean,fasting,rankedbyourLordwithalmsgivingandprayer.”~JohnWesley“TheBibledoesnotteachthatfastingisakindofspiritualhungerstrikethatcompelsGodtodoourbidding.IfweaskforsomethingoutsideofGod’swill,fastingdoesnotcauseHimtoreconsider.FastingdoesnotchangeGod’shearingsomuchasitchangesourpraying.”~DonaldWhitney“Ifreligionrequiresussometimestofastanddenyournaturalappetites,itistolessonthatstruggleandwarthatisinournature;itistorenderourbodiesfitterinstrumentsofpurity,andmoreobedienttothegoodmotionsofdivinegrace.”~WilliamLaw“Fastingturnseachmomentofcravingintoaprayerofintensedependence.”~GaryRohrmayer“TheabstinenceisnottobeanendinitselfbutratherforthepurposeofbeingseparatedtotheLordandtoconcentrateongodliness.Thiskindoffastingreducestheinfluenceofourself-willandinvitestheHolySpirittodoamoreintenseworkinus.”~WilliamsThrasher

“Fastingifweconceiveofittruly,mustnot…beconfinedtothequestionoffoodanddrink;fastingshouldreallybemadetoincludeabstinencefromanythingwhichislegitimateinandofitselfforthesakeofsomespecialspiritualpurpose.Therearemanybodilyfunctionswhicharerightandnormalandperfectlylegitimate,butwhichforspecialpeculiarreasonsincertaincircumstancesshouldbecontrolled.Thatisfasting.”~MartynLloyd-Jones“Aseasonoffastingandprayerofdeephumiliationandconfessionaretheconditionsfromwhichagenuineandpowerfulworksprings.”~EMBounds“Fastingisturningyourhungerpainsintorequests,prayersandpetitionsfortheworldaroundyou.”~GaryRohrmayer“FewpeopleariseinthemorningashungryforGodastheyareforcornflakesortoastandeggs.”~DallasWillard“Fastingfromanynourishment,activity,involvementorpursuit—foranyseason—setsthestageforGodtoappear.FastingisnotatooltopreywisdomoutofGod'shandsortoforceneededinsightaboutadecision.”~DanB.Allender“Fastingisabstainingfromanythingthathindersprayer.”~AndrewBonar“Fastingisasacrificialactthatrealignsouraffectionsfromthetemporaltotheeternal.”~GaryRohrmayer"Doyoufast?Thenfeedthehungry,givedrinktothethirsty,visitthesick,donotforgettheimprisoned,havepityonthetortured,comfortthosewhogrieveandwhoweep,bemerciful,humble,kind,calm,patient,sympathetic,forgiving,reverent,truthfulandpious,sothatGodmightacceptyourfastingandmightplentifullygrantyouthefruitsofrepentance."~JohnChrysostom“Sothatalthoughtheseabstinencesgivesomepaintothebody,yettheysolessenthepowerofbodilyappetitesandpassions,andsoincreaseourtasteofspiritualjoys,thateventheseseveritiesofreligion,whenpracticedwithdiscretion,addmuchtothecomfortableenjoymentofourlives.”~WilliamLaw

WhoisGaryRohrmayer?GaryRohrmayerwasbornisWaukesha,Wisconsin.GrowingupinafamilyofentrepreneursandafteradramaticconversionturnedthisentrepreneurialenergyintostartingnewchurchesthroughouttheMidwest.Asapastor,author,speaker,coach,trainerandleaderhehasauniquefocusinmobilizingandmentoringleadersinthemissionofJesus.Hespecializesinequippingleadersinareasofspiritualformation,churchplantingandchurchhealth.Garyhasbeeninvolvedinchurchplantingsince1987.Duringthistimehehasbeeninvolvedinover151newchurchplantsandtrainedthousandsofchurchplantersacrossthecountry.HeiscurrentlyservingastheRegionalPresidentofConvergeMidAmerica,overseeingits’businessandministryintereststhatsupportsregionalchurchplantingandongoingcareofitspartnerchurches.Gary'svisionistosee“thatnoleadertravelstheirministryjourneyalone”.WhoisConverge?

Convergeisamovementof1300churches.Wewerebornoutofmissiontoreachimmigrantsinthe1850’s.ThesenewbelieverscherishedthewordofGodanddependedonGodthroughprayer.Fromthesehumblebeingsamulti-generational,multi-culturalandmulti-ethicgroupofchurcheswasformed.Wevoluntarilyworktogetherinthestartingandstrengtheningchurchestogetherworldwide.Convergeissoldouttostartingnewchurches.Asaprovenchurchplantingforce,wearereachingpeoplefromeverysegmentofsociety.Overthelast15yearswehavestartedover700churchesintheUnitedStates.Convergeisseriousaboutchurchhealthwithanumberofnewchurchstrengtheninginitiatives.Wehaveacommitmenttoseeingeverychurchinourmovementgetstrongerrelationally,theologicallyandmissionally.ConvergeisdeterminedtoseetheleastreachedpeoplegroupsthroughouttheworldtouchedbythegospelofJesusthroughthesendingofmissionariesandsupportingofnationalleadersinthisgreattask.Convergeisrelentlessinitspursuittoreflecttheculturalandethnicdiversityofthecountry.WebelievethefutureofeverymovementisfoundinGod’sharvestfield.Thenewleaders,newchurchesandnewmissionarieswillbefoundas“wemakedisciplesofallnations”.ForMoreInformationaboutConvergegotowww.convergemidamerica.org