Daily Fasting Objectives Calendar
40 Days of Decrease
Fasting & Prayer
What is a "Heart Fast"?
The concept of a "Heart Fast" invites us to surrender our hearts day by day to God during these 40 days.
Rather than merely giving up chocolate or social media, we're called to examine the condition of our hearts.
James 3 warns that though the tongue is small, like a spark that can start a devastating forest fire, it can cause tremendous damage. Pope Francis repeatedly emphasizes the importance of watching our speech during Lent – avoiding gossip, backbiting, and harmful words.
A Heart Fast might include fasting from
negative speech, critical attitudes, or judgmental thoughts.
A heart fast emphasizes authentic faith over mere religiosity.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear".
During the civil rights movement, spiritual disciplines weren't merely personal improvement projects but wellsprings of strength for the struggle against injustice.
As we surrender our hearts to God during these 40 days of decrease in preparation for resurrection Sunday, we should be able to do what Jesus did on calvary and understand in our hearts the transforming work that was done on the Cross. We can then rejoice about the finished work that He has done.
Hearing God's Word
Disciplining ourselves to hear God’s Word means developing the practice of steadfastly attending church, even through a virtual platform.
The purpose of all methods of biblical intake is obedience to what God says and the development of Christlikeness. Hearing the Word of God is not merely passive listening, it is a discipline to be cultivated.
Reading God's Word
No factor is more influential in shaping a person’s moral and social behavior than regular Bible reading.
1. Find the time. It is primarily a matter of discipline and motivation.
2. Find a Bible reading plan.
3. Find at least one word, phrase, or verse to meditate on each time you read.
Studying God's Word
The Discipline of Study is the primary vehicle to bring us to “think about these things” noted by the Apostle Paul. Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of The Discipline of Study.
Reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth. The basic difference between Bible reading & Bible study is a pencil and paper. We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not because it is difficult to understand, but because it is work. Let's discover biblical insights first-hand through our own study.
Meditation
Meditation is the act of giving our time or attention to a thought, concept, situation, or person. Christian meditation is deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in scripture for the purpose of understanding, application, and prayer. Meditation is both commanded by God and modeled by the godly in scripture.
The easiest way to decide what to meditate on is to choose the verse, phrase, or word that impresses you the most during your encounter with scripture. The outcome of meditation should be application.
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...the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
40 Days of Fasting 2024
How Should I Prepare For A Fast?
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting results from one's desire for a deeper relationship with God. Fasting also helps us to know and discover God's perfect will. For some, fasting can be the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and a special touch from God on our lives.
Things to Consider
- In the Bible, there are three types of fasts identified in scripture. There’s the absolute fast, the normal fast, and the partial fast.
- Absolute fasts should only be done for a short period and with the permission of a primary care physician.
- On a normal fast, you typically go without food for several days. You drink lots of water, and you may take clear broth and juices to maintain your strength.
Things to Consider
- Third, the partial fast can include not eating during a specific time during the day. A partial fast can also involve giving up certain foods and drink for an extended period. One of the most common partial fasts can be found in the book of Daniel.
- Though we’ve recommended a challenge to focus your fast each day, you are welcome to identify and participate in a personal fast at the discretion of your primary care physician.
- For some, a social media fast for the next 40 days may benefit your spiritual growth and relationship with God.
- Refraining from eating certain foods other than sweets, meats, sodas, or coffee may be more beneficial for others.
- For some, refraining from certain activities you enjoy or certain types of music may focus your mind more on attaining a closer relationship with God.
- In sum, fasting is profoundly personal, and we must be willing to embrace the fact that fasting looks different based upon many things, our physical health, emotional health, and goals for our fasting times.
- We are so excited to be on this journey with you, and we believe that God will show us something we've never seen over the next 40 days.
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YOUR FAST TESTIMONY!
#40DaysOfDecrease
...the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
