2021 Fasting Guidelines
Agape is beginning the New Year with a corporate fast every Wednesday in January, sunrise to sundown. Those who would like to participate in a full 21-day fast are more than welcome. In accordance with our 2020 theme we are seeking God’s face and offering our whole hearts to Him so that we do not hinder anything He wants to do in our lives. As you fast and pray each day be mindful of what you are believing God for, and be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Consider what you watch or listen to; perhaps keep a fasting journal to record what God reveals to you. We encourage everyone to participate in the spirit of unity. Please prayerfully choose your level of participation considering your individual circumstances. Even children can participate by deciding to give up chips, sweets and fried foods, or sodas and juices in favor of water.
Below are the types of fast you may choose:
Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast includes water, juice, fruits and vegetables. Excludes meat, sweets and bread. 3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or sun up to sundown. You can select from a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food. You may also consider a combination of the fasts during the 21 days. Make a commitment and ask the Lord each day to help you stick to it. Fasting is to be a part of our Christian lifestyle.
Additional Resources: The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Marilyn Hickey Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer and 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer by Cru.org (Formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ)
Corporate Fast Theme: Forward
- Fast Length & Period
- Continuous fast period if desired for 21 days (Jan 6 – Jan 27)
- Fast Directions
- Daniel Fast
- Fruits & vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes (beans, lentils, etc.)
- Nuts and seeds
- Oils
- Water
- Daniel Fast
- NOTE: If you have any special conditions or diseases, feel free to modify the list above and sacrifice a select food group unto God (i.e. sweets, bread, etc.) for the fasting period. Also, you can consider only fasting from one meal per day or fast from sun up to sun down each day. In the end, it’s about your sacrifice unto God!
- Fasting Ideas for Children / Teens
- Consider sacrificing any of the following items for Christ:
- Eating any of the following: snacks / candy / desserts
- Drinking soda and/or sugary drinks
- Texting
- Watching TV
- Social Media
- Consider sacrificing any of the following items for Christ:
- 10 Benefits of Fasting
- Draws you closer to God
- Gain greater clarity from God on your purpose or key decisions you need to make in your life
- Gain a deeper, higher level of praise
- Increase your sensitivity to hearing God’s voice
- Cleanse the body and soul
- Achieve great health benefits: Helps lower blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and helps normalize insulin sensitivity
- Helps slow down the aging process
- Helps reduce ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels
- Aids in weight loss
- Gain a new satisfaction — increased energy level and overall personal renewal
Agape General Fasting Guidelines (Daniel 1:12-20)
Please note the following scriptures: (2 Chronicles 7:14) and (Joel 2:12,13). Spirit of Fasting (Isa. 58:5-7) Fasting to God (Zech. 7:5,6; Matt. 6:17,18)
Purpose of Fasting
- To Chasten the Soul (Ps. 69:10)
- To Humble the Soul (Ezra 8:21)
- To Seek the Lord (2 Chron. 20:3,4)
- To Prepare for Spiritual Warfare (Matt:17:21)
When to Fast
- When Facing the Judgment of God (1 Kings 21:27; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:12; John. 3:4,5)
- During Periods of National Mourning (1 Sam. 31:11-13; 2 Sam. 1:12; 2 Sam. 3:35; 1 Chron. 10:11,12)
- When Communion with Christ Is Broken (Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:19,20; Luke 5:34,35)
- When Concerned for the Welfare of Others (Ps. 35:13)
- When Challenged by Personal Concerns (2 Sam. 12:15-17; 2 Sam. 12:21-23)
- When Facing Danger (2 Chron. 20:2,3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:15,16)
- When Engaged in Spiritual Warfare (Mark 17:21; Mark 9:29)
- When Ordaining Ministers of the Gospel (Acts 13:2,3; Acts 14:23)
Fasting Accompanied by
- Abstinence from Sexual Relationships (1 Cor. 7:5)
- Confession of Sin (1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1-3)
- Humbling oneself (Deut. 9:18; Ps. 35:13; Ps. 69:10; 1 Kings 21:27; Neh. 9:1)
- Lamenting (Esther 9:30,31)
- Mourning (2 Sam. 1:12; 1 Kings 21:27; Esther 4:3; Neh. 1:4; Joel 2:12; Ezra 10:6)
- Personal Demeanor (Matt 6:17)
- Prayer (Ezra 8:23; Neh. 1:4; Ps. 35:13; Dan. 9:3; Luke 5:33)
- Reading the Scriptures (Neh. 9:1-3; Jer. 36:6; Jer. 36:10)
- Weeping (2 Sam. 1:12; Neh. 1:4; Esther 4:3; Ps. 69:10; Joel 2:12)
- Worship (Neh. 9:1-3)
Promised Blessings Associated with Fasting
- Answered Prayer, Insight and Restoration (Isa. 58:9-12)
- Joy, Gladness and Cheerfulness (Zech. 8:19)
- Rewarded by God the Father (Matt. 6:17,18)
- Spiritual Power over Demons (Mark 9:29)
- Effects of Fasting (1 Kings 21:28,29; Ps. 109:24; Matt.15:32; Mark 8:2,3)