SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH FAST 2009
Our fast this year is in observance of Joel 1:14, “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.”
This year, the purpose of our corporate fast is in preparation for our Family Life Conference, October 4-8, 2009. The target for our time of prayer will be our families, our church family and our immediate and extended families. Our prayer is that God will help our families grow forward. We will also designate time to pray for our presenters for the conference.
The details of the way we will fast are printed below. Please follow the prayer schedule we are providing. Fasting always suppresses the flesh and heightens our spiritual sensitivity. We hear the Lord’s voice more easily when fasting. Those who are on medication or are under the care of a physician please make sure you follow the directions of your doctor. Join with us as we make time for God as a corporate body.
Our fast will begin on Thursday, October 1, 2009 and will end after 6am prayer on Saturday, October 3, 2009. There will be a special anointing at the 6 am prayer, invite your family and make plans to be there.
Guidelines for our Fast:
Please do not eat breakfast and lunch on Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2.
Your dinner meals on those days should consists of vegetables, legumes (beans), fruits and fish(baked not fried).
We are abstaining from sweets, sodas, and caffeine. Drink plenty of water and fruit/vegetable juices.
The difference in this year’s fast is that this year we will seek to maintain a close biblical observance of the “Daniel Fast.” The Daniel Fast is a partial fast where we restrict our food intake, but do not totally abstain as in an absolute fast (no food or water) or a normal fast (without food, drinking water only).
The Daniel Fast involves:
1. A spiritual commitment – “Daniel purposed in his heart (made up his mind) that he would not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8)
2. Inner desire reflected by outer discipline – ‘I was mourning for three weeks; I did not eat any pleasant bread (rich foods), meat or drink any wine…..until the three weeks were passed.” Daniel 10:2-3
3. Increased prayer life – “He knelt down at the open windows and prayed to God three times a day and gave thanks to His God.” (Daniel 6:10)…..Fasting without prayer is meaningless.
5. Yielding all results to God – Daniel stated, “as you see fit, deal with your servants.” Daniel 1:13b.
Suggested Daily Prayer Times:
Early morning - between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., depending upon your work schedule, take at least 30 minutes daily to seek the face of God.
During your lunch hour - between the hours of 11:30a.m and 2:00 p.m., take at least 30 minutes to approach the throne of grace for intercession.
Evenings - between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., take at least 30 minutes in prayer.
During this entire season of prayer, we will be seeking the face of God for:
· His mercy and favor,
· His input and His promises,
· His assurance and His wonder working power.
Read Ephesians 1:15-19 and pray the following for your family and our church family.
1. Pray that we will grow in our Faith.
2. Pray that we will grow in our love.
3. Pray that we will grow in our witness.
4. Pray that we will grow stronger in the Lord.
5. Pray that we will grow in the word.
6. Pray that we will grow in the anointing of God.
7. Pray that we will be filled with the fullness of God.
Especially during the early morning time of prayer we will be praying for the Family Life Conference and all the presenters.
Pastor Carl Solomon, Conference Preacher
Dr. Frank M. Reid, Presenter for the Men
Pastor Jasmin Schulark, Presenter for the Women
Co-Pastor Susie Owens, Presenter for the Woman
Rev. Myseskia Coger, Presenter for the Youth
Pastor Arthur Jackson, Conference Preacher
Remember these truths about fasting!
1. Fasting looses the bands of wickedness – “Is this not 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
2. Fasting builds our faith – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” St Matthew 17:21
3. Fasting makes it easier to hear the voice of the Lord – “As they ministered to the Lord. And fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and layed their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2-3
Be encouraged and God bless you as you fast! It won’t be easy; you’ll be tempted to give up long before the end. Build up your spiritual stamina. Stick with it!
1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God.”