Purpose: Fasting is an intentional sacrifice of something physical (generally food but not always) in order to grow spiritually. Fasting can help us grow closer to God. It demonstrates our commitment to Him and refines our dependence on Him. Beginning Sunday, January 10th 2021, Mountaintop Church will be participating in a 21-day fast. We encourage you to join us in this fast as we pray for our families, our church, our nation and our world during one of the most tumultuous times in modern history.
PRAYER GUIDE
Mountaintop Church Theme Verse in 2021:
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. - Romans 12:12
Week One Focus: Rejoice in Hope
January 10th – January 16th
We want to begin this fast joyfully! Use this first week to meditate on the hope of our salvation in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens in this world, nothing can take that away from us. Take some time every day this week to reflect on the goodness of God, His unending love, and His irrefutable mercy. Rejoice! In addition to your personal devotionals, focus on these verses this week:
Philippians 4:4-5
Psalm 5:11
Titus 2:11-14
Week Two Focus: Be Patient in Tribulation
January 17th – 23rd
During the middle week of the fast, we want to focus on patience, even in the midst of everything going on right now. We know that God is still on the throne, reigning supreme, and He is still in control. We might not understand everything happening in our world right now, or why it’s happening, but we have to trust that God sees the bigger picture, even when we cannot. In addition to your personal devotionals, focus on these verses this week:
Romans 8:18-25
Isaiah 40:31
John 16:33
Week Three Focus: Be Constant in Prayer
January 24th – 30th
During the final week of the fast, really focus on cultivating an attitude of prayer, regardless of life’s circumstances. In both good times and bad, our first response to everything should be prayer. Don’t just think of this as one week of intense prayer; instead view this week as setting the pace for prayer throughout the entire year. In addition to your personal devotionals, focus on these verses this week:
Matthew 6:5-13
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2 Chronicles 7:14
Corporate Prayer Service Event:
Sunday, January 31st 2021
After the 21 days of fasting and prayer, we will be joining together with Mountaintop Hispanic Church for a joint prayer and worship service. We will come together in unity to pray for our families, our church, our nation and our world. We look forward to seeking Jesus together!
FAST GUIDE
A fast can be a big commitment, so advanced planning is highly recommended. While we suggest the Daniel Fast, feel free to fast however you feel God is leading you and your family. Here are a few different examples of fasts:Absolute Fast (or dry fast) – Abstain from all foods and liquids for a period of time (no more than 24 hours)
Water Fast – Allows water drinking but nothing else (no more than 1 to 3 days)
Partial Fast – Restrict certain foods and drinks
Meal Fast — Sacrifice one meal per day
Juice Fast – Allows squeezed or blended foods only
Media Fast – Abstain from all social media for a period of time
Daniel Fast — See below
DANIEL FAST
What is the Daniel fast?*
In the first chapter of the book of Daniel, we learn of the young prophet’s tension over the differences between the Babylonian customs and his Jewish ways, and it had to do with food. Daniel refused to defile the body that he had set apart for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The food offered to him – meat and wine that had been dedicated to the Babylonian false gods – wouldn’t do. So Daniel and his companions entered a partial fast, eating only vegetables and water, so they could remain true to their God.
The Daniel Fast is based on Jewish fasting principles and the experiences of the prophet in Daniel 1 and Daniel 10. The Daniel fast is a plant-based eating plan with the only beverage being water. Since the diet is totally plant based, no animal products are consumed including fish, shellfish, dairy products or eggs. In Daniel 10:3 we learn that during a time of great mourning, Daniel also abstained from meat, “pleasant” food, and wine.
It’s on the basis of this account that we eliminate sugar, candy, and desserts from the Daniel Fast, along with alcohol. Because Daniel was a man of God, we can assume that he also followed Jewish fasting principles and all leavening products are eliminated, including yeast, baking powder and baking soda. Lastly, all the food in the Daniel Fast is natural, which eliminates man-made chemicals, artificial flavorings and colorings, food additives and preservatives, highly processed foods, and foods or drinks that contain stimulants such as caffeine.
Daniel Fast Food List
On the Daniel Fast, you eat plant-based meals that are nutritious and delicious, while setting aside other foods as an act of worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The following list explains the categories of foods to eat and foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast. However, keep in mind that not every item may be listed here.
**Please note, any time you enter into a significant change to your diet and exercise routines, it’s a good idea to check with your health professional for his or her input.
Foods Recommended for the Daniel Fast
All Fruit
Fresh, frozen, juiced or cooked fruits are all okay
Dried fruits without added sugar are okay
Avoid canned fruits because of added sugar and preservatives
All Vegetables
Fresh, frozen, juiced or cooked vegetables are all okay
Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams are all okay
Avoid canned vegetables because of additives
All Whole Grains
All whole grains are okay including, but not limited to:
Whole wheat, Brown rice, Quinoa, Oats, Barley, Grits, Whole wheat pasta, Whole wheat tortillas, Buckwheat, Rice cakes, Popcorn
All Beans & Legumes
Can be canned or dried. Includes but not limited to:
Pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, garbanzo beans, and lentils
Hummus without added sugars
All Nuts & Seeds
Includes but not limited to:
Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, almonds, chia, flax, and hemp seeds
Also includes all nut butter without added sugars
All Quality Oils
Includes but not limited to:
Olive oil, canola oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil
Beverages
Water is allowed including, spring water and distilled water
Vegetable or fruit juice (fresh squeezed only, no added sugars)
Unsweetened coconut milk and almond milk
Other
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices
Foods Recommended to Avoid During the Daniel Fast
All Meat and Animal Products
Includes but not limited to: Beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish
All Dairy Products
Includes but not limited to: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and eggs
All Sweeteners/Sugars
Includes but not limited to: Any form of sugar
Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup
Cookies, baked goods, gum, mints, candy, and chocolate
All Refined & Processed Foods
Includes but not limited to:
Baked goods and breads (unless doesn’t include yeast or sugar)
White flour, white rice, and crackers
Foods with artificial preservatives, flavorings, additives, or chemicals
All Deep-fried Foods
Includes but not limited to: Potato chips, French fries, and tater tots
Beverages
Includes but not limited to:
Coffee and tea (even decaf or herbal tea)
Alcohol (even wine)
Juices that aren’t fresh squeezed or without added sugars/preservatives
Carbonated beverages
Energy drinks
*Taken from https://lavendervines.com/everything-need-know-21-day-daniel-fast/