21 DAYS PRAYER FASTING (DAY 17)

1. Guidelines

a) Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food ... fasting unto our Lord therefore is feasting - feasting on Him and on doing His will. Fasting is designed to make prayer mount up on eagle's wings. If the motive to fast is proper, heaven is ready to bend its ear to listen when someone prays with fasting. Fasting can break through in the spiritual realm that could never be had in any other way.

b) How to fast? You are free to fast however the Spirit of God leads you. Here are some options:

i) TOTAL FAST - Abstain from solid food for 24 hours. Drink only water. If you choose to go for a total fast over the 21 days, please seek the advice of your doctor.

ii) 1-MEAL FAST - Sacrifice one full meal a day. For example: Lunch Fast or Dinner Fast.

iii) PARTIAL FAST - Abstain from solid food for any extended part of the day. Drink only water. The time frame is a matter of the individual commitment before the Lord. For example from sunrise (6.00 am) to sundown (6.00 pm) or a shorter period, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, breaking fast with a light snack.

iv) DANIEL FAST - Abstain from meat and other favorite delicacies. Take only small portion of fresh vegetables, fruits and juices.

v) LIQUID FAST - Beside drinking water only, one can take various kinds of fluids, such as juices, broth, soya bean etc. It is wise to abstain from strong stimulants such as tea or coffee.

2. Day 17

a) Prayer Focus:

i) That many will find comfort in the God of all comfort, and in turn, be able to comfort others in their grief. 

b) Meditation:

i) Blessed are those who mourn

Daniel received a revelation, a message and an understanding of it that brought him to a time of mourning.

There are many things that have happened and are happening in days to come that grieves the heart of God.

May His church learn to identity with the pains and groans of His creation and to allow the Spirit of God to intercede through us.

c) Scripture:

i) Daniel 10:1-3 (NKJV)

Vision of the Glorious Man

10 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. ² In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. ³ I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.