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What is Fasting?

Biblical fasting is abstinence from food, or moderation in eating.  It is self-denial to help set our minds more fully on God s we experience God’s presence and His power.

Purpose of Our Fast

There are many reasons why people fast.  Some of the reasons for fasting during this Lenten Season are:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->To cleanse our hearts and deliver us from the bondage of sin (1 John 1:7)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->To increase our faith (Matthew 17:19-21)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->To give ourselves to prayer and to surrender our will to the will of God (I Corinthians 7:5)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4. <!--[endif]-->To walk in the spirit with spiritual renewal (Romans 8)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5. <!--[endif]-->To strengthen our hearts (Romans 10:10)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6. <!--[endif]-->To restore and heal our mind and body and our relationships (Roman 12:1)

PLEASE NOTE:  Please consult your physician before starting the fast if you are receiving medical care.

When do we fast?

We will begin fasting on February 22, 2011 (Ash Wednesday) at 12:00 noon and end on Sunday, April 8, 2012 (Easter).  There are many types of fasting methods found in the Bible, and they were done for various purposes. Three types of fast are recommended: for 40 days excluding Sundays. 

Partial Fast - a partial fast is from 6:00 am to 6: 00 pm or from sun-up to sun-down.  You can select from three types of fasting—the Daniel fast, partial fast, or give up at least one item of food or activity.

Non-Food Fast - Fast from one or more of the following:  television, radio, internet, iPods, Wii, X-box, Nintendo, play station, etc.

The Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is a fast which includes healthy food – no meats, no sweets, and no breads. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. The results of fasting were ongoing in the lives of Daniel and his three friends.  “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding.” (Daniel 1:17, NIV)  The knowledge God gave them was apparently the reward of their fast.  Withholding food does not make us smart.  God gives wisdom and knowledge to those who have the self-discipline to withhold food and to spend their time fasting, praying, reading His Word and seeking His will.

What can we eat during the Daniel Fast?

Refer to the in-depth Handout in the Bookcase. Water is not food and should be consumed in abundance during the fast. During our time of fasting, we should consume the following foods: 

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Vegetables, preferably fresh or frozen or steamed  

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, grapefruits, melons, berries, etc.)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Breads (whole grains) and grains-

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Dried beans, peas and nuts

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Non-carbonated fruit juices

What we should not consume on the Daniel Fast:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Sugar and sugar products (desserts, soft drinks, etc.)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Beverages that include caffeine (coffee, tea, etc.)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Meats, poultry

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§ <!--[endif]-->Cheese and dairy products

How should we pray during the Lenten Fast?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Pray for Cascade UMC everyday at Noon.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->Pray earnestly according to Isaiah 58:1-14.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->Pray for forgiveness of sins. Search your heart as David did in Psalm 51 and Psalm 19.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4. <!--[endif]-->Pray that Cascade continues grow in Scriptural holiness - greater desire to read and follow the Word of God, stewardship-better stewards of our finances, time, talents and gifts.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5. <!--[endif]-->Pray for Cascade’s pastoral team, laity/leadership team, ministries, congregation to grow spiritually, be healthy and create disciples for Christ and evangelize others through effectively sharing the Gospel. (Matt 28:19-20)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6. <!--[endif]-->Pray that the glory of God will descend upon Cascade as we continue to be a light in the community as God orders our steps according to God’s divine will in 2012.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->7. <!--[endif]-->Pray for healing and restoration of God’s people.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God suffering with cancer and other debilitating diseases.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the economy (i.e. persons needing jobs, financial relief, housing industry)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God suffering from depression and oppression.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God having marriage problems.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->e. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God who are struggling with relationships.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->f. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God struggling with their sexuality.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->g. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God struggling with childbirth issues.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->h. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God who are raising children.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->i. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the people of God with self-esteem problems.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->j. <!--[endif]-->Pray for the salvation of spouses and family members.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->k. <!--[endif]-->Pray for President of the United States, his leadership team, congress, world leaders, peace for the nations of Israel, Egypt and all nations of the world.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->l. <!--[endif]-->Pray for our children, youth, adults and older adults.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->8. <!--[endif]-->Participate and pray for others to attend our church-wide Bible study, “Irresistible Invitation: Responding to the Extravagant Heart of God” by Maxie Dunnam. Read and meditate on the Word of God daily.  Suggested scripture reading:  John 10:10

As Christians there are three spiritual disciplines we are expected to participate in according to Christ in the sixth chapter of Matthew – Jesus says when you pray, fast, and give. These three are powerful weapons which enable us to receive God’s favor, healing, deliverance, and guidance.