PRAYER & FASTING

The church started it 21-Day Fast today 23 March 2009. Once again we [together with my wife] will be observing the 'Daniel fast' for this period.
Fasting is the voluntary denial of our meals with the purpose of seeking God. The fast helps us to focus on the Lord Jesus, instead of on our daily demands that grab our attention.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline, taught both in the Old and New Testatament. Jesus said in Matthew 6 : 16 "when you fast" and not " If you fast ", teaches us that fasting is part of our spiritual devotion. Jesus Himself fasted (Luke 4 : 1-2)

3 reasons why we fast and pray :
a) It brings a greater intimacy with Jesus and a deeper enthusiasm to live for Him.
b) It reveals our true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed
life.
c) It helps us to discipline our human cravings and desires in life.

4 benefits of prayer and fasting :
a) It sensitizes our spiritual faculties to obey what God is doing in our life.
b) It increases our faith as the Holy Spirit quickens God's Word in our heart.
c) It delivers us from every form of bondages and transforms us to be more like Chriist.
d) It empowers us to serve Him as we humble ourselves to be use for His glory.

You are free to fast however the Holy Spirit leads you, and as your heart so desires for Him.
Total Fast
A fast of three days without food and water. It must be done not more than three consecutive days and with the advice of your doctor.
Partial Fast
Abstinence from food but with water. The time frame is of individual's commitment before the Lord. It can be 12 hours, from 7 am to 7 pm or a shorter period from 8 am to 6 pm, breaking for dinner. The number of days is also up to the individual's desires before the Lord.
Selective Fast
Abstinence from meat and other delicacies, and take only a small portion of vegetables and fruits. Some take various kinds of fluids, such as soya bean, broth or fruit juices for long extended fast, like Daniel.
One Meal Fast
It is a sacrifice of one full meal a day like lunch or dinner.

Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract such as TV, movies, Internet, computer games; including careless words.

According to ELMER L. TOWNS in his book FASTING FOR SPIRITUAL BREAK THROUGH there are at least nine types of fast in the bible.
1. The Disciple's Fast
Purpose : "To loose the bands of wickedness" (Isa. 58:6) - freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin.
2. The Ezra Fast
Purpose : To "undo the heavy burdens" (Isa. 58:6) - to solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid in lifting loads and overcoming barriers that keep ourselves and our loved ones from walking joyfully with the Lord.
3. The Samuel Fast
Purpose : "To let the oppressed (physically and spiritually) go free" (Isa. 58:6) - for revival and soul winning, to identify with people everywhere enslaved literally or by sin and to pray to be used of God to bring people out of the kingdom of darkness and into God's marvelous light.
4. The Elijah Fast
Purpose : "To break every yoke" (Isa. 58:6) - conquering the mental and emotional problems that would control our lives, and returning the control to the Lord.
5. The Widow's Fast
Purpose : "To share [our] bread with the hungry" and to care for the poor (Isa. 58:7) - to meet the humanitarian needs of others.
6. The Saint Paul Fast
Purpose : To allow God's "light [to] break forth like the morning" (Isa. 58:8) bringing clearer perspective and insight as we make crucial decisions.
7. The Daniel Fast
Purpose : So "thine health shall spring forth" (Isa. 58:8) - to gain a healthier life or for healing.
8. The John the Baptist Fast
Purpose : That "your righteousness shall go before you" (Isa.58:8) - that our testimonies and influence for Jesus will be enhanced before others.
9. The Esther Fast
Purpose : That "the glory of the Lord" will protect us from the evil one (Isa. 58:8)

HAPPY FASTING AND DO NOT FORGET TO PRAY WHENEVER YOU HAVE THE FREE TIME WHILE FASTING.