40 Days of Fasting and Praying

40 Day Fast & Prayer Commitment: March 22nd – April 30th 2009

Why is Hope Chapel fasting and praying for 40 Days?
We are looking for revelation and spiritual breakthrough in our lives and in our community, especially the Liberty Theater and the Downtown corridor. As we set aside our time to fast and pray we are expecting the Holy Spirit to speak to us and lead us into the transformational work of His Kingdom.

If Hope Chapel is fasting and praying for 40 days, do I need to fast for 40 days?
No, but in our 40 day commitment you are being encouraged to ask the Lord how you should engage during this time of fasting and prayer. You may find that you don’t miss any meals, but that you set aside time to do things that you’ve never done before. It’s not about food, but about our heart and obedience to the Lord. Be sure to listen to our Sunday, March 8th fasting teaching as well as our upcoming series on fasting and praying (if you would like a copy of the teaching, email us at hcl@hopechapellewiston.com).

I’ve never fasted before, how do I begin?
We will specifically answer this question Sunday, March 22; the first day of our fast. Be sure to attend church that Sunday! Below is a great link to a website by the Campus Crusade for Christ International founder Dr. Bill Bright. He details many different aspects of fasting – and he stresses wisdom. Don’t substitute wisdom for pride and stupidity! Fasting is not about gaining a badge of honor, but a more intimate relationship with God. Check out the website and be prepared to discover a powerful and joyful experience with God through fasting! http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

What is a fast?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline of self denial; a Biblical foundation for denying one’s self in order to seek and know God in a deeper and more experiential way. It may involve abstaining from food or certain activities, but they must be replaced with a greater pursuit of God and His desires.

Why do we fast?
Fasting is done in order to attain greater revelation from God regarding specific desires and answers to various situations in our lives. It may be done to receive direction (Ex 34:27-28), insight (Acts 13:1-3), power (Lk 4:1-5), for mourning (Esther 4:1-3 ), freedom/repentance (Dan 9:1-19) as well as to set the captives free, break chains, and remove yokes (Isa 58:6). These are just a few examples.

What’s the benefit of fasting?
All true and sincere fasting should draw us closer to the Lord. Isaiah chapter 58 reveals how insincere fasting is done for nothing (produces nothing??) and how a true fast holds great power. The Lord sees our hearts and knows its motives. Read Isaiah 58 and let the Word of God reveal your heart.

What do I fast from?
Ask the Lord. Remember, fasting involves refraining from the desires of your flesh so that you may know God better. It’s supposed to be a sacrifice. By choosing to deny your flesh of physical food, you are saying I want to live on spiritual food – “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the father’s mouth” (Mt 4:4, Deut 8:3).

How long do I fast for?
You may choose to only fast for one meal a day or from all meals. It may last for a day or up to 40 days (consult your doctor as well as the Lord for long fasts). Remember, it’s not about food, but about your heart! The desired result is found not necessarily in a specific time frame but in a heart after the Father. If you ask, expect Him to answer.