Would you like to start 2024 with a fresh surrendering to Jesus? If so, we are encouraging our church family to take 21 days from January 7-28 to fast and pray. According to John 10:10, Jesus says He came to give us life to the fullest. We will be focusing on Preparing our hearts to receive, Proclaiming who our God is and Praying for needs. We are offering a devotional book, Thirsty, which can be a daily encouragement to go along with your personal time with the Lord. We have a limited number of books at a free will donation of $14 at the Information Table or you can order by going to the link found on our website or app.
2024 Lifehouse January 21 Day Fasting Plan
Week 1 - Spend time Preparing our hearts to receive what He has for us (1 Peter 1:13)
• January 14: Worship Service at Lifehouse - Topic: Proclaiming
• January 15: God is Omnipotent (all-powerful) - Matthew 19:26, Jeremiah 32:27
• January 16: God is Immutable (unchanging) - Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17
• January 17: God is Omnipresent (everywhere) - Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 139:7-10
• January 18: God is Omniscient (all-knowing) - 1 John 3:20, Hebrews 4:13
• January 19: God is Infinite (limitless) - Romans 11:33-36, Isaiah 40:28
• January 20: Pray for Revival and Growth for Lifehouse
Week 3 - Spend time Praying (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• January 21: Worship Service at Lifehouse - Topic: Praying
• January 22: Pray for our families and marriages
• January 23: Pray for our neighbors (by name)
• January 24: Pray for our City and State
• January 25: Pray for our Country
• January 26: Pray for people who are far from God
FASTING BASICS
Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline for breakthrough and requires strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Knowing that the principles of God work, we joyfully embrace the transformative work of fasting and prayer to begin our year and give God our first and best. When we give God our first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, we set the course for the entire year that follows.
SCRIPTURES ON FASTING
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” - 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.” - ROMANS 12:1
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - MATTHEW 6:33
“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” - ISAIAH 58:6
We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are our local church and the world around us. The Bible instructs us to continually pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Scripture challenges us to pray for one another consistently. We are also instructed to lift up leaders, here in the United States and around the world and can expect God’s peace in our lives and in our nation as we do.
Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that the burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that as we pray and seek God, and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!
TYPES OF FASTING
FULL FAST
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
THE DANIEL FAST
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-DAY FAST
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
PARTIAL FAST
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
PICK A MEAL TO FAST
Select a meal a day that you will fast and spend that time seeking God.
MEDIA FAST
Stay off of social media platforms or other forms of entertainment and spend the time that would be spent on those with God.
FASTING TIPS
HOW TO BEGIN
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. WRITE IT DOWN. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible. Be gracious to yourself as you journey through this. If you struggle don't quit, if you feel like you failed, start again. God loves you and this discipline is one for your good and growth.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow. You have 21 days so try different kinds of fast during that time.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eating small portions or snacks.
FASTING BOOKS
Fasting: Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God (Jentezen Franklin)
The Fasting Edge: Recover Your Passion. Recapture Your Dream. Restore Your Joy (Jentezen Franklin)
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (Richard Foster)
Thirsty: A 31-Day Journey to Personal Revival (Jamie Morgan)
Week 1 - Spend time Preparing our hearts to receive what He has for us (1 Peter 1:13)
- January 7: Worship Service at Lifehouse - Topic: Preparing
- January 8: Humble yourself - James 4:10
- January 9: Repent - Acts 3:19-20
- January 10: Surrender your life to Him - Romans 12:1-2
- January 11: Acknowledge His authority - 1 Chronicles 29:10-20
- January 12: Pursue Holiness - Hebrews 12:14
- January 13: Pray for Revival and Growth for Lifehouse
• January 14: Worship Service at Lifehouse - Topic: Proclaiming
• January 15: God is Omnipotent (all-powerful) - Matthew 19:26, Jeremiah 32:27
• January 16: God is Immutable (unchanging) - Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17
• January 17: God is Omnipresent (everywhere) - Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 139:7-10
• January 18: God is Omniscient (all-knowing) - 1 John 3:20, Hebrews 4:13
• January 19: God is Infinite (limitless) - Romans 11:33-36, Isaiah 40:28
• January 20: Pray for Revival and Growth for Lifehouse
Week 3 - Spend time Praying (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• January 21: Worship Service at Lifehouse - Topic: Praying
• January 22: Pray for our families and marriages
• January 23: Pray for our neighbors (by name)
• January 24: Pray for our City and State
• January 25: Pray for our Country
• January 26: Pray for people who are far from God
FASTING BASICS
Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline for breakthrough and requires strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Knowing that the principles of God work, we joyfully embrace the transformative work of fasting and prayer to begin our year and give God our first and best. When we give God our first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, we set the course for the entire year that follows.
SCRIPTURES ON FASTING
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” - 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.” - ROMANS 12:1
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - MATTHEW 6:33
“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” - ISAIAH 58:6
We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are our local church and the world around us. The Bible instructs us to continually pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Scripture challenges us to pray for one another consistently. We are also instructed to lift up leaders, here in the United States and around the world and can expect God’s peace in our lives and in our nation as we do.
Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that the burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that as we pray and seek God, and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!
TYPES OF FASTING
FULL FAST
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
THE DANIEL FAST
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-DAY FAST
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
PARTIAL FAST
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
PICK A MEAL TO FAST
Select a meal a day that you will fast and spend that time seeking God.
MEDIA FAST
Stay off of social media platforms or other forms of entertainment and spend the time that would be spent on those with God.
FASTING TIPS
HOW TO BEGIN
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. WRITE IT DOWN. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible. Be gracious to yourself as you journey through this. If you struggle don't quit, if you feel like you failed, start again. God loves you and this discipline is one for your good and growth.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow. You have 21 days so try different kinds of fast during that time.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eating small portions or snacks.
FASTING BOOKS
Fasting: Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God (Jentezen Franklin)
The Fasting Edge: Recover Your Passion. Recapture Your Dream. Restore Your Joy (Jentezen Franklin)
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (Richard Foster)
Thirsty: A 31-Day Journey to Personal Revival (Jamie Morgan)