TRP Fasting and Prayer Jan 10th - Mar 1st 2023

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1. Ask God to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life and to give you the strength and grace to turn from it.
2. Ask for forgiveness for any wrongs you have committed against others and for the courage to make things right.
3. Ask God to give you a heart that is fully surrendered to Him and His will for your life.
4. Ask God to help you focus on Him and His Word during the fast, and to give you the strength to resist temptation.
5. Ask God to bless the fast and to use it to bring about spiritual growth and transformation in your life.
6. Pray for the strength and discipline to stick to the fast, and for protection against any physical or spiritual attacks that may come as a result of the fast.
7. Ask God to reveal His purpose and plan for the fast, and to use it to draw you closer to Him.

Ultimately, the decision to fast should be guided by your own spiritual goals and needs. At TRP, we are determined to be devout in faith through obedience. We believe in obeying Spiritual leaders (HEB 13:17) in accordance to scripture, and we know the Lord honors a heart submitted to obedience to His word. More importantly, you might want to participate to:

1. To seek a closer relationship with God: Fasting can be a powerful way to draw near to God and seek His will for your life. It can help you focus on prayer and Bible study, and can help you cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual connection with the Lord.
2. To overcome a specific challenge or temptation: Fasting can be a helpful tool for overcoming specific challenges or temptations in your life. It can help you to resist temptation and to stay focused on your goals.
3. To intercede for others: Fasting can be a powerful way to pray for others. When you fast, you can use the time and energy that you would normally spend on eating and other activities to pray for others instead.
4. To seek God’s guidance and direction: If you are facing a major decision or life change, fasting can be a helpful way to seek God’s guidance and direction.
5. To grow spiritually: Fasting can help you to grow spiritually by disciplining your body and focusing your mind on spiritual matters. It can help you to develop self-control and to rely more on God’s strength and grace.

Yes, fasting is biblical and is mentioned throughout the Bible as a spiritual discipline that is practiced by believers. In the Old Testament, fasting is often mentioned in connection with times of repentance, mourning, and seeking God’s guidance. For example, in the book of Joel, it is written: “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles also practiced and taught about fasting. Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), and He taught His disciples to fast when He said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18).

In the early Christian church, fasting was also a common practice, and it is mentioned several times in the book of Acts (for example, Acts 13:2-3 and Acts 14:23). Today, many Christian denominations, including the Redeemed Christian Church of God, continue to practice fasting as a spiritual discipline.

There is no one “ideal” time to break your fast, as the best time will depend on your personal schedule and circumstances. TRP, however, encourages the congregation to establish a community in how we fast by dialing 434-218-0023 to pray together daily at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:30 pm and we break our fast at 6:00 pm. Ultimately, we urge everyone to be led by the Spirit on the timing to break their fast. *WE DO NOT JOIN 5:30 PM PRAYER CALLS ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS, AND FRIDAYS* Typically, we will pray during service on Tuesday and Friday. Sundays are left for members to pray on their own or with family before breaking. 

It is also important to be mindful of any medical conditions you may have and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting or ending a fast. Here are some helpful tips to consider. Keep in mind, these are only suggestions!

1. Gradually increase your food intake: After a fast, it is important to gradually increase your food intake to give your body time to adjust. Start with small, easy-to-digest meals and gradually increase the portion size and variety of foods over the course of a few days.
2. Avoid overeating: It can be tempting to overindulge after a fast, but it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to eat in moderation. Overeating can lead to digestive discomfort and may negate some of the benefits of the fast.
3. Choose nourishing foods: After a fast, it is important to nourish your body with healthy, nourishing foods. Choose foods that are rich in nutrients and that will help to replenish the nutrients that were lost during the fast.
4. Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated after a fast, especially if you have been drinking water but not consuming other fluids. Be sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages to help your body recover.
5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body’s needs and cravings after the fast. If you feel hungry, eat. If you feel full, stop eating. Trust your body’s signals and listen to what it is telling you.