What is Fasting and Prayer?

Fasting is abstaining from something needed to demonstrate desire as well as total dependence and reliance on God and His Holy Spirit. Usually, fasting centers around the abstinence of food and drink for a designated time; however, fasts may vary in requirements and regimen. The time that is usually spent on consuming and engaging in what one would normally eat or do should be spent seeking God through prayer. Prayer is communion and communication with God. This is a time when one pauses to speak to God as well as makes space for God to speak to them. Prayer is a facet of devotion, which should also include worship and studying the word of God interchangeably.   

Fasting is an essential component of the believer who seeks to be closer to God and aligned with God’s will for their life. Fasting can be found throughout the Old Testament in various contexts. God’s instructions to Moses after leading the people out of Egyptian bondage included the sacred act of fasting (Exodus 13:3). Kings and Prophets in the history of Israel called for sacred fasts for a myriad of reasons, particularly as God was anticipated to move among them, and on their behalf. 

Jesus practiced fasting as he prepared to enter the phase of His life where He would engage in public ministry. This time further empowered Him to accomplish all that He did in teaching, ministering, and healing. This time of fasting and prayer also prepared Him for all the opposition He would face as he attended to the Kingdom work of His Father. The first confrontation was when He was tempted by Satan. Jesus often separated Himself and prayed. This time of prayer continually strengthened Him to fulfill His purpose in life.

The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2, 14:23). Fasting allows us to take our eyes off the things of this world, so that we can focus our attention on Jesus and the things of Christ.   

HOW DO FASTING AND PRAYING WORK TOGETHER?

Fasting and prayer are inextricably linked together. Fasting is not effective without prayer. To separate the two would simply be refraining from eating and/or dieting. Fasting is seeking God with great urgency. It is personal, even if it is done corporately. You don't need to make an announcement to everyone that you are fasting or focus on what you can't or are not eating. If you naturally hunger during this time, it is ok! You are human, and that does not make you less spiritually mature. But use natural hunger to remind you of your spiritual hunger and desire for God. Fasting and prayer align you with God and make you sensitive to God's voice, leading, and discernment in our lives. 

TYPES OF FASTS:

Total Fast

A total fast is when you abstain from ALL FOOD AND DRINK except water. This should only be done for specific amounts of time and is not suitable for all people. (If you choose this type of fast, please have a discussion with Pastor J.) 

Partial Fast

A partial fast is when one abstains from certain foods and drinks. This is the fast that the church usually engages in corporately during consecration. As a church, we usually partake in a Daniel fast (Daniel 10:3). In such a fast, we contextually mirror the diet that Daniel committed to while in Babylon. Therefore, one on the Daniel fast will abstain from meat, sugar, and processed food and eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plant-based foods. Only drink water, 100% fruit juices, and sugar-free water mixtures.   

Absolute Fast 

An absolute fast is when one abstains from all food and drink, including water. One should only do this for a short period of time. Going longer than three days without eating or drinking can be dangerous. (If you choose this type of fast, please have a discussion with Pastor J.)

Particular Fast

For various reasons (i.e., medical/health), everyone cannot fast from food and drink. An alternative to the above-mentioned fast can be realized with a Particular Fast. This is when you fast from something you normally engage in that can take your focus off God. Some examples of this are fasting from TV, Social Media, hobbies, games, etc. This fast can accompany one of the aforementioned fasts as well. 

Corporate Fast

Just as the types of fast may vary regarding abstinence, so it may be in regard to your involvement. You are encouraged to fast individually and as frequently as you are led by the Spirit and compelled by your heart's desire. This time of fasting is an example of a "Corporate Fast." We are embarking upon this spiritual time of refreshing, refocusing, and renewal together as a body of believers. We are on one accord with our theme, purpose, commitment, and in prayers. Please fully engage with your church family. You are instantly equipped with supporters and people who are in place to partner with you willingly and eagerly. Please follow the Daily Direction Prayer Guide and participate in the times of Corporate Prayer. This will simultaneously strengthen you as a believer and strengthen our faith community.     

DAILY DIRECTION AND PRAYER AGENDA

1. Focus: Praise and Thanksgiving

We start this time of consecration praising God for who God is, for God's grace, mercy, lovingkindness, and unmerited favor towards us. We thank God for sparing our lives and allowing us to see the dawning of a New Year! We Thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ and the Salvation we have through Him. We function in the purpose of our creation, to offer praise to God with our words and deeds. 

Focus Scriptures: Heb. 13:15; Ps. 100:1-5, 107:1, 113:1, 117:1-2, 118:1-29, 145, 148:1-14, 150:1-6; Is. 25:1, Ph. 4:20.

2. Focus: Personal Reconciliation/ Forgiveness

During this time of consecration, we ask God to forgive us of all iniquity and areas of our lives that disconnect us from Him. We pray for a heart completely turned towards Him with sensitivity to the Spirit. As you repent, know that He will forgive you, and you are justified! 

Focus Scriptures: Psalm 51:1-2; 1 John 1:9; Eph. 4:31-32; Mk. 11:25; Mt. 6:12, 14-15. 

3. Focus: Surrender/ Spiritual Alignment

We pray for our desires to be in alignment with the will of God's desire for us. Pray that God will not only give us the desires of our hearts but the desires of God's heart.

Focus Scriptures: Psalms 21:2, Numbers 14:8, Pr. 16:1-33, Ro. 12:2, Jer. 29:11.

4. Focus: Healing and Health

Pray for Divine healing for your life and the lives of the members of New Direction Christian Center.

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 103:2-4, 147:3, Jer. 17:14, 33:6; Is. 41:10; 1 Pt. 2:24; 3 John 1:2 

5. Focus: Spiritual Growth

Pray that you and the members of New Direction Christian Center grow spiritually and produce Godly characteristics that will be displayed in their daily walk.

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 1:1-3, Mt. 12:33, Lk. 6:44; Gal. 5:22-23, Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Pt. 1:5-8, 2:1-17, 3:18, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

6. Focus: Godly Conduct & Discipline

Pray that your daily conduct and that of your church family exemplify what fully pleases God, bearing good fruit, steadily growing and increasing in the knowledge of God, and ultimately attracting others to the Kingdom and this ministry. Pray for God's help by the aid of the Holy Spirit to exhibit discipline in every area needed, particularly concerning your desire to "walk” in a manner worthy of the Lord with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight into things concerning The Lord and The Kingdom of God. 

Focus Scripture: Pr. 12:1, 15:5,32, 25:28; 1 Cor. 9:27; Col 1:10; Heb. 12:11; 1 Pt. 4:7.

7. Focus: Worship

Pray for your personal understanding, desire, growth, appreciation, and ability to worship God. Pray for the cultivation of a personal time of worship as well as reverence and participation in corporate worship. Pray to the Lord to make New Direction a force for worship to Him. Pray that NDCC will offer excellence in all worship arts and that it will be an atmosphere where the worship of God is always evident in God's House, allowing God's people to worship God in spirit and in truth.   

Focus Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 23; Ps. 29:2, 68:3-4, 95:6, 96:9, ; Lk 4:8 Jn 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 4:8-11, 5:13. 

8. Focus: Relationships/Family

Pray for all relationships on every level of your life. Pray that they are healthy and Godly. Pray for their sustainability and growth as God sees fit. Pray for all the people in your family, individually and collectively. Pray for the salvation, purpose, and protection of your loved ones. Pray for your home and for everyone in your house and connected to your family to fall in line with the will and the word of God. We decree that the single men and women of New Direction Christian Center care for the things of the Lord, and how they may please The Lord by being holy in body and spirit. They have put on the newness of Christ and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Pray that singles will have fruitful relationships with friends, family, other professionals, and within their family of faith that will positively benefit them in every way. Pray that they will find the God-ordained husband/wife for their lives and will not compromise or settle due to feelings or circumstances, but they will be equally yoked with the one whom God has ordained for them. Pray that every marriage is fruitful, holy, robust, intimate, prosperous, healthy, loving, and fulfilling in every way. 

Focus Scriptures: Josh. 24:15; Pr 24:4; Jn. 15:12-17; 1 Cor. 13:1-13, Ro. 12:9, Mt 12:50. Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 5:11

9. Focus: Children & Youth 

Pray for our youth to be people who are trustworthy and possess stellar characters that are full of the Holy Ghost and Godly wisdom to conduct kingdom affairs without question. (Acts 6:3) Pray that they are representatives of the Kingdom of God in everything they do and are protected as they go and grow in God.
Focus Scriptures: Job 1:5; Pr. 22:6; Ps. 127:3, Mt 18:10, 19:14; Ecc. 11:9, 11:10, 12:1-2; Jer 1:4-8, 1 Tim. 4:12, 2 Tim 2:22; 1 Pt. 5:5-9

10. Focus: Purpose

Pray for you to come into the full knowledge of your purpose in God. Pray that you realize that purpose, operate in that purpose, and fulfill the purpose that God has for your life. Pray for God to fill New Direction Christian Center with the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge that will equip us to carry out the vision and mission given to Pastor Searcy for NDCC.

We will impact the city greatly. Kings and rulers will hear of the Spirit of God that dwells in the New Direction Christian Center. They will know that light, understanding, excellence, wisdom, resources, and refuge are found in the New Direction Christian Center. 

Focus Scriptures: Exodus 31:3-4; Ps. 57:2, 138:8; Pr. 16:4, 19:2; Jer. 29:11, Daniel 5:14 AMP; 2 Chronicles 9:1-2, Luke 4:18; Eph. 2:10; 2 Tim 1:9

11. Focus: Direction

Pray for your life to be led by the Lord's guidance and that you willingly and wholeheartedly follow the directions of the Lord in every area of your life. 

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 23, 25:4-5, 9- 10, 32:8, 37:23-24 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6. 11:14, 16:9 ; Isaiah 30:21, 58:11; Jn. 16:13

12. Focus: ACCELERATION

We pray our theme for 2024 permeates our lives and manifests its prophetic power in our midst and on our behalf. This is the year we Accelerate in every area in which God has called us to function. We will be totally invested and push the proverbial limits until they fall off because they have been broken. As we are "full throttle," God will, in turn, hasten our harvest and bless us with superabundance in every way greater than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. 

Focus Scriptures: Amos 9:11-15 (Emphasis on vs. 13 in The Message Translation) 

13. Focus: Victory 

Pray that New Direction and its members walk in victory in all things through our Savior Jesus Christ and that each person operates in their God-given authority and in the demonstrative Power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. 

Focus Scriptures: Deut. 20:4; Ps 62:11; Prov. 18:21; Is. 40:29; Lk 10:19; Act 1:8: Rom. 8:37; Ph. 4:13, Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor.12:19, 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Tim 1:7; 1 John 5:4;

14. Focus: Covering/Leadership

Pray for Pastor J & Lady Searcy and the first family of New Direction Christian Center. Pray that God continues to shield, protect, use, and anoint the man of God with the Holy Spirit. Pray for health, prosperity, and sensitivity to the Spirit. Pray for boldness to preach and the ability to rightly divide the Word of God. Pray for vision, fresh revelation, and that every endeavor he sets his hands to do is blessed and successful. Pray for wisdom to lead and guide the people of New Direction with Godly counsel. Pray for the team of leaders present and to come. Pray that God will send the leaders needed to move this ministry to the next level as God has shown our leader. Pray for unity, strength, power, accountability, investment, faithfulness, godly connection, innovation, expertise, and growth. 

Focus Scriptures: Proverbs 16:2; Jer. 3:15-16; 1 Pet. 5:1-5; 1 Cor. 9:14, Col. 3:12 Heb 13:7; 1 Tim 3:1-13, 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:2; Titus 1:7. 

15. Focus: Vision

As the vision has been written and given to the people to run with it, pray that the vision will come to pass and that in this year of Acceleration, we see accelerated manifestations of the vision of New Direction Christian Center. 

Focus Scriptures: Pr. 29:18; Hab. 2:3l; Is. 60:22; Am. 9:11-15 (Emphasis on 13 in The Message translation) 

16. Focus: Focus: Mission/Impact

Pray for God to fill New Direction Christian Center with the ability to carry out the mission given to Pastor Searcy for NDCC. To Exalt, Evangelize, Establish, Educate, Equip, Empower, and Edify all those the Lord places in our path. 

Focus Scriptures: Psalm 34:1-3, Matthew 28:19-20; Deuteronomy 28:9, Hosea 4:6; II Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 4:11-12; 6:13-20, Acts 1:8; 2:4, Ephesians 4:12.

17. Focus: Global Affairs/ Governmental Affairs / Surrounding Community 

Pray for the world and all the affairs and events that are happening. Pray for the nations; pray for peace, civility, and liberty. Pray for our country and its leadership. Pray for the climate of our nation/world, both ecologically and religiously. Pray for the realization of Justice, equal rights, and democracy. Pray for our surrounding community and ask God to assist NDCC to effect change, aid, relief, and assistance in the lives of those who need it most. 

Focus Scriptures: 2 Chr. 7:14, Pr. 13:17, 17:17, Dan. 2:21; Mt. 5:13-16; 6:10, 24:24, Ro. 12:9-21, 13:1-2; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim 2:1-2, 2 Tim. 3:1; Acts 3:20; 1 Pt. 3:8, Rev 20:3.

18. Focus: Salvation

Pray for the salvation of the world. Pray that we, as the church and a body of believers, are equipped and emboldened to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with one and all. Pray that as we speak, we can be used by God and the Holy Spirit to lead someone to God through confession of sins and belief and profession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 37:39, 62:1, Mk. 16:16; Jn. 3:5, 16, 14:6, Acts 1:8, 4:12, 10:9; Ro. 1:16, 5:8, 6:13, 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:17, 21; Eph. 2:8;Titus 3:5.

19. Focus: New Direction Christian Center

Pray for our church, every member, minister, leader, and worker in this body of believers. Pray that NDCC is magnetic in all that it does. Pray that we are a Citadel of Hope, a hospital for the sick, a resource center for those in need, a beacon of light in the world for those who are lost, and a development center for those who desire growth in the things of God, and a Worship Center for everyone to have an authentic/impactful encounter with God. Pray for restoration, the enlarging of the territory of our church, the stretching of its borders, and the abundant harvest of souls for the Kingdoms that will remain in our church body and will cause continued healthy growth. 

Pray that this year, New Direction Christian Center will experience God's generosity, abundance, and goodness in church growth, commitment, resources, and provision. 

New Direction Christian Center's path drips with abundance and goodness. God provided our every need according to God's riches in glory. There will be meat in God's House, and God's storehouses will be full. Because of our obedience, God will open the windows of heaven, and we shall receive blessings in overflow! We decree and declare that the floodgates are now open, pouring out upon us. The Lord has crowned New Direction Christian Center with bounty (generosity). 

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 27:4; 65:11-13, Ps. 122:1 Hag. 2:7-9; Is. 60:22; Amos 9:11, Is. 56:7; Acts 2:42-47; acts 5:42; Eph. 2:19-22; 

20. Breakthrough/Deliverance

Pray that The Lord will deliver you and all others from whatever attempts to bind them and keep them bound. Pray for freedom, liberation, release, and deliverance from every stronghold, chain, shackle, tie, and restraint that seeks to keep God's people in subjugation. We pray against every plot, plan, scheme, attack, agent, and weapon that the enemy will employ and deploy to cause disruption in the lives of God's people. We pull down every stronghold, break every chain, and curse by the power that is innate and active in the name and the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Focus Scriptures: Ps. 34:17, 50:15, 91:1-16, 107:6; 118:5; Is. 43:1-5,19, 54:17; Mi. 2:13; Lk. 4:18-19; Joel 2:32; Jn. 8:31-32, 36; Acts 13:39; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Col. 1:13; Gal 4:3-7; James 5:16; 2 Pet. 2:9.

21. The Year of 2024

Pray that every plan, goal, ambition, dream, opportunity, and endeavor is God-breathed, ordained, and found in the will of God for our lives. We Pray for the favor that sets before us an open door, that closes doors for us that are needed even if the act is unrequested, that gives us access to rooms we never imagined, and empowers us to embody those spaces with authority, innovation, wisdom, and power that only comes from our God. We pray that under the unction of the Holy Spirit, we see impossible things become possible through God this year. We bounce back from every setback; we step up from every setup, and we rise higher from every fall and low place we experienced in 2023. We pray that God trades us the nos we heard people say to yeses in Him, the sorrow we experienced in the earth's realm for heaven's joy, and the pain we incurred for the healing He has on reserve to unleash on us. We pray that in 2024, we have the power to push past potential and realize promise. We pray that our ACCELERATED commitment will meet God’s ACCELERATED Blessing! We decree and declare that 2024 is the Year Of ACCELERATION, and it IS blessed in the name of Jesus! 

Focus Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:3-14   

Foods For The Daniel Fast: 

• All fruit: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon. 
  
  
• All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. 
  
  
• All whole grains: including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, and popcorn. 
  
  
• All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, and sesame. Nut butters, including peanut butter, are allowed. 
  
  
• All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and white beans. 
  
  
• All quality oils, including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. 
  
  
• Beverages: spring water, distilled water, other pure waters, tea, herb tea, coffee, 100% juice (no added sugar), and sugar-free water mixes. 
  
  
• Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices. 

Foods to avoid on the Fast (According to the graduated week) 

• All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. 
• All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs. 
• All sweeteners, including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, syrups, molasses, agave, stevia, and cane juice. 
• All bread and baked goods containing white flour. 
• All refined and processed food products, including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. 
• All fried foods, including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, and corn chips. 
• All solid fats, including shortening, margarine, lard, and foods high in fat. 
• Sugared Beverages include but are not limited to coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol.