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https://icatokyo.com/fast COVID-19 UPDATE Our church is currently meeting in person and online with safety protocols in place. WATCH NOW Experience God. Find Community. Fulfill Your Purpose. NEW HERE? CHURCH ONLINE NEXT STEPS CONTACT US GIVING 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting A prayer and fasting guide for you to use during the next 21 days of seeking God for 2022. Introduction Here is a prayer and fasting guide for you to use during the next 21 days. To start off the new year right, we are encouraging you to grow in your walk with Christ in three areas: reading the Bible, praying, and fasting. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. We should never feel guilty about our level of fasting or feel competition from others. This is about you and God. This community-wide fast is 21 days but that does not mean you must go without for all of the 21 days. Determine the timing and duration ahead of time and pray about it. Reading When Morning or Evening: Jesus and the psalmists are often found praying in the morning (e.g., Psalm 5:3; Luke 4:42). The evenings less so, but choose a time when you are at your best and most attentive. Lunch Break: If you have time during your workday to read during your lunch or another break, this might be a perfect way to spend your time. Anytime: Some of you may have such busy lives that you need to fit it in whenever you can. This is totally normal. Make sure that whatever time you decide to read your Bible that you are in a place where you can focus and reflect on God’s Word. How Pray: Ask God to speak to you through his Word and then expect Him to speak. Your approach to God’s Word will greatly impact your times of personal worship. Ask God to search your heart and to transform your life. Read your Bible: Consider choosing a plan such as the ones available on the YouVersion Bible app or the one below and follow the plan. If you miss some days, do not try to catch up and don't feel guilty. Simply pick up where you left off. If you have a question or have difficulty understanding something: Pray and ask God to help you understand. Use the notes in a study Bible to explore answers. Ask a Life Group Leader or Pastor for help. Journal: Take notes as you read God's Word. Start a new page and record the date and Scripture you read on the top line. Write down a verse or two that stood out to you. Slow down when you read and stay focused on what God is saying through his Word that intersects with your everyday life. This is not about manipulating God’s Word to say what you want it to say. This is about bringing Christ to your everyday life based on the truth of God’s Word rightly interpreted. Ask God to speak to you through his Word and then expect Him to speak. 25 Day Reading Plan THE STORY OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH DAY 1 Luke 1-2 The Birth of Jesus DAY 2 John 1:1-18 The Identity of Jesus DAY 3 Luke 4:14-44 Jesus Begins His Ministry DAY 4 Matthew 5-6 The Core of Jesus’ Teachings DAY 5 John 3 God’s Love for the World DAY 6 John 5 Jesus’ Miracles and Authority DAY 7 John 11 Jesus' Power Over Death DAY 8 John 15 The Christian Life Defined DAY 9 Matthew 26-27 The Arrest and Crucifixion of Jesus DAY 10 John 20, Luke 24 The Resurrection of Jesus and His Ascension DAY 11 Acts 2 The Coming of the Holy Spirit DAY 12 Acts 9, 16-19 The Conversion of Saul and His Ministry DAY 13 Acts 26 Paul’s Defense of the Christian Faith DAY 14 Romans 3 Justification by Faith Alone DAY 15 Romans 7-8 The Battle with Sin: Life in the Spirit DAY 16 I Cor. 13, Eph. 5 The Way of Love DAY 17 I Corinthians 15 The Power of Resurrection DAY 18 Gal. 5, Eph. 4 Freedom and Unity in Christ DAY 19 Ephesians 6 The Whole Armor of God DAY 20 Philippians 1:18-2:18 Christ’s Example DAY 21 Colossians 3:1-17 Putting on the New Self DAY 22 Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Jesus the Great High Priest DAY 23 James 1, 1 Peter 1 Pure Religion DAY 24 1 John 4:7-21 God is Love DAY 25 Revelation 21-22 The New Heaven and Earth Praying During the fast, seek God for yourself and also for our church. WEEK ONE: HEART FOR THE HOUSE We believe our local church has an incredible opportunity to reach and serve our community. As we begin this new year, take time to pray for our ICA church community. Pray that we would be a place of love and unity. This is also an important time to pray over the church’s resources. Pray that we would see financial stability and growth. We must all learn to be good stewards of the time, money, and resources that God has given us. We do all of this for His kingdom and His kingdom alone! WEEK TWO: FILL THE HOUSE Pray that our church would grow and that God would empower us to reach more people this year than ever before! For this to be a reality, we must be a people of prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of men, women, and children so they might have new life in Christ. We believe this for our neighbors, co-workers, families, and friends. Pray for opportunities to invite people to ICA services, Life Groups, and events. Ask God for the opportunity to disciple someone this new year. We believe that a move of God only happens through the power of prayer from those who have hearts postured in humility and repentance. Together, let’s trust that God will fill the house! WEEK THREE: WAKE UP We refuse to be a people who fall into a spiritual slumber. In this new year, seek God to spiritually awaken you in areas of your life that might be asleep. Together let’s pray that God would wake us up to see the beauty of who He is and how He is calling us to serve in His kingdom. Getting rid of worthless, sin-filled desires happens with the help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit and by centering our lives on Jesus. So wake up, enjoy God and be alert for the mission that God has called you to in this city and in our community. Fasting What does the Bible teach about fasting? BIBLICAL FASTING INVOLVES ABSTAINING FROM EATING (AND/OR DRINKING) FOR SPIRITUAL PURPOSES: The Bible doesn’t command fasting but it presents it as something that is good and beneficial for our lives. You can use this time to seek God and grow spiritually. In the Old Testament, Israel celebrated certain annual fasts, the most prominent being the Day of Atonement. There were also occasional fasts tied to specific historical events, sometimes individual and sometimes corporate. Here are a few of the occasions for fasting: at a time of grief (I Sam. 31:13; Nehemiah 1:4), at a time of repentance (I Sam. 7:6; I Kings 21:27), as an expression of humility (Ezra 8:21; Psalm 69:10) and as an expression of a need for God’s guidance and help. All of these fasts express a common dependence on God. Several New Testament passages give us insight about fasting. FASTING TEACHES US THAT GOD’S WORD NOURISHES US: Matthew 4:1-4 records the only example of Jesus fasting, just prior to his being tempted in the wilderness. He faced temptation with these words “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3-5 which talks about the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, depending daily on manna to sustain them. He says that God humbled them and let them be hungry in order to teach them to depend on God’s Word to sustain them. By His example of fasting, Jesus reminds us that food alone can’t sustain us. We need to be nourished by God’s Word. FASTING TEACHES US THAT DOING GOD’S WILL SUSTAINS US: John 4:31-35 records Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. When the disciples return they encourage Jesus to eat. He responds by saying “I have food to eat that you know not of,” then He adds “My food is to do the will of the Father.” Again, Jesus reminds us that food alone is not enough. We are sustained by doing God’s will. FASTING TEACHES US THAT JESUS HIMSELF SUSTAINS US: In John 6:48-50 Jesus says “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” We see this pictured symbolically in the bread and the cup of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is the source of eternal life. Fasting is feasting on Jesus. Jesus commanded that fasting would be a part of His disciple’s spiritual life. In Matthew 6:16-18, He says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” He warns us not to fast to impress people, but to be near to the heart of God. The Purpose of Fasting Fasting reveals and heals our dependence on food (and other things) to fill the discomfort caused by low self-esteem, unfulfilling work, unloving relationships, uncontrollable circumstances, etc. It removes the false peace derived from the pleasure of eating. It also reveals the things that control us. If things such as pride, anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, or fear are within us, they will surface during fasting. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). FASTING TEACHES US WE CAN GO WITHOUT GETTING WHAT WE WANT AND SURVIVE. Fasting can free us from the need to always have what we want. It can teach moderation or self-control, not only in relation to food, but in other areas as well. It teaches contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). FASTING EXPRESSES AND DEEPENS OUR HUNGER FOR GOD. Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together” (Col. 1:17). We are not so much abstaining from food as much as we are feasting on the word of God and on Christ Himself. Fasting for other reasons, such as to look more spiritual or to lose weight, is not the Biblical way. Jesus instructed us on how to fast in Matthew 6:17-18. It must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him. Fasting is designed to intensify our dependence on God by weakening our dependence on food and other things. How to Fast STEP 1: CLARIFY THE PURPOSE OF YOUR FAST Why are you fasting? Is it to strengthen your relationship with God? Are you needing wisdom or an answer from God about something? Ask the Holy Spirit to help lead you. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. STEP 2: DETERMINE THE DETAILS OF YOUR FAST If it is your first time fasting, start small and don’t go completely without food. Consider fasting one meal a day or all meals for one day of the week. You can also consider changing the way you fast throughout the 21 days. Different types of fasts can include: All food and liquids (except water) Drink liquids only (water, juice and plain broth) Daniel Fast (eat only fruits and vegetables) Entertainment fast (fast one or all of television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, texting, etc..) STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR HEART, MIND, AND BODY FOR YOUR FAST The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare: Consult your physician first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Prepare your body by eating smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods and do not fast water. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from anyone you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4) Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9-10; 103:1-8, 11-13). Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6) Consider starting a Bible reading plan such as the ones available through the YouVersion Bible app. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit. (Galatians 5:16-17) Finally, Jesus instructs us in Matthew to not let others know about your fasting. The strict details of your fast should not be something you constantly talk about to others. It should remain between you and God. The act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. Types of Fasts Whether you fast food or something else in your life, the purpose of fasting is to focus on God, to humble ourselves and be reminded that we are sustained by God. Our goal is to connect the feeling of going without something we need or enjoy to hungering for God. This takes time, focus, and prayer. Please do not expect to be an expert at fasting right away. Fasting is a discipline that can take a very long time to understand well, but don't let this fact discourage or intimidate you. We learn and grow in this and many other things over a lifetime of serving God. Start small and grow your level of fasting over time. DANIEL FAST: ABSTAINING FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF FOOD (MEAT, SWEETS, ETC.) - DANIEL 10:3 This type is a good first step for beginners to fast or those with health needs, special or restrictive diets. Choose to abstain from something like breads, sweets, sodas, coffee or even red meat. Perhaps spend some time reading through Daniel’s fast in Daniel chapter 1 and chapter 10. Stick to only fruits and vegetables like Daniel, or try something similar. You may choose to go without a specific type of food only on certain days like Fridays, or during the weekdays only, or perhaps every day. ABSTAINING FROM ALL FOOD (ESTHER 4:16; ACTS 9:9) This kind of fast is more difficult but can be broken up by timing and duration. This seems to be the most common type of fast we see in the Bible. It is also the most intimidating, but don't let it scare you. Fasting from all food is not scary if you determine beforehand when you will do so and for how long. Here are some ideas: • Start slowly. Begin with fasting for only a part of a day (lunch, or lunch and dinner). Do this for one day a week, or perhaps three days a week. You determine the timing and duration. Take a step of faith. Fasting is risky and involves our faith. • Next, try fasting from food but not beverages. This means that according to your timing and duration, you would not eat any solid foods but only water, juices, smoothies or perhaps simple soup broths. • Do this for the first one or two weeks. Devote the time that you would normally be eating to Scripture reading and prayer. • Next try a 24-hour fast. This means that you get up and eat a good breakfast and drink only water or juice until the following breakfast the next day. Set aside specific time, during normal meal times if possible, to pray and seek God. Finally, you may progress to a two- or three-day fast. For some, progression may lead to a multi-day, even a multi-week, fast. ABSTAINING FROM THINGS BESIDES FOOD (DANIEL 6:18) The king’s voluntary “fasting” from entertainment in the time of Daniel helps us further understand yet another type of fast. Fasting from non-food items like entertainment can be particularly helpful and accessible for everyone. Think of abstaining from television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc. for the duration of your fast. This can be a very powerful decision and even an addition to food fasts. Have a question about fasting or anything else? Send us a message and let us know. Contact Us Questions? Comments? Get in touch with ICA Tokyo here. WE'RE ALL ABOUT LEADING PEOPLE TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. ICA Tokyo is a culturally diverse international church in the heart of Tokyo. Our heart is to connect people to a strong community of faith as we grow together in our relationship with Jesus Christ. 11am on Sundays FIND US HERE CONTACT US Hi-Tech Building 2F & 3F 5-25-18 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 contact@icatokyo.com Copyright 2022, ICA Tokyo. All Rights Reserved.

0	Fasting Guide	2022-01-10	Edit
https://icatokyo.com/fast COVID-19 UPDATE Our church is currently meeting in person and online with safety protocols in place. WATCH NOW Experience God. Find Community. Fulfill Your Purpose. NEW HERE? CHURCH ONLINE NEXT STEPS CONTACT US GIVING 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting A prayer and fasting guide for you to use during the next 21 days of seeking God for 2022. Introduction Here is a prayer and fasting guide for you to use during the next 21 days. To start off the new year right, we are encouraging you to grow in your walk with Christ in three areas: reading the Bible, praying, and fasting. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. We should never feel guilty about our level of fasting or feel competition from others. This is about you and God. This community-wide fast is 21 days but that does not mean you must go without for all of the 21 days. Determine the timing and duration ahead of time and pray about it. Reading When Morning or Evening: Jesus and the psalmists are often found praying in the morning (e.g., Psalm 5:3; Luke 4:42). The evenings less so, but choose a time when you are at your best and most attentive. Lunch Break: If you have time during your workday to read during your lunch or another break, this might be a perfect way to spend your time. Anytime: Some of you may have such busy lives that you need to fit it in whenever you can. This is totally normal. Make sure that whatever time you decide to read your Bible that you are in a place where you can focus and reflect on God’s Word. How Pray: Ask God to speak to you through his Word and then expect Him to speak. Your approach to God’s Word will greatly impact your times of personal worship. Ask God to search your heart and to transform your life. Read your Bible: Consider choosing a plan such as the ones available on the YouVersion Bible app or the one below and follow the plan. If you miss some days, do not try to catch up and don't feel guilty. Simply pick up where you left off. If you have a question or have difficulty understanding something: Pray and ask God to help you understand. Use the notes in a study Bible to explore answers. Ask a Life Group Leader or Pastor for help. Journal: Take notes as you read God's Word. Start a new page and record the date and Scripture you read on the top line. Write down a verse or two that stood out to you. Slow down when you read and stay focused on what God is saying through his Word that intersects with your everyday life. This is not about manipulating God’s Word to say what you want it to say. This is about bringing Christ to your everyday life based on the truth of God’s Word rightly interpreted. Ask God to speak to you through his Word and then expect Him to speak. 25 Day Reading Plan THE STORY OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH DAY 1 Luke 1-2 The Birth of Jesus DAY 2 John 1:1-18 The Identity of Jesus DAY 3 Luke 4:14-44 Jesus Begins His Ministry DAY 4 Matthew 5-6 The Core of Jesus’ Teachings DAY 5 John 3 God’s Love for the World DAY 6 John 5 Jesus’ Miracles and Authority DAY 7 John 11 Jesus' Power Over Death DAY 8 John 15 The Christian Life Defined DAY 9 Matthew 26-27 The Arrest and Crucifixion of Jesus DAY 10 John 20, Luke 24 The Resurrection of Jesus and His Ascension DAY 11 Acts 2 The Coming of the Holy Spirit DAY 12 Acts 9, 16-19 The Conversion of Saul and His Ministry DAY 13 Acts 26 Paul’s Defense of the Christian Faith DAY 14 Romans 3 Justification by Faith Alone DAY 15 Romans 7-8 The Battle with Sin: Life in the Spirit DAY 16 I Cor. 13, Eph. 5 The Way of Love DAY 17 I Corinthians 15 The Power of Resurrection DAY 18 Gal. 5, Eph. 4 Freedom and Unity in Christ DAY 19 Ephesians 6 The Whole Armor of God DAY 20 Philippians 1:18-2:18 Christ’s Example DAY 21 Colossians 3:1-17 Putting on the New Self DAY 22 Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Jesus the Great High Priest DAY 23 James 1, 1 Peter 1 Pure Religion DAY 24 1 John 4:7-21 God is Love DAY 25 Revelation 21-22 The New Heaven and Earth Praying During the fast, seek God for yourself and also for our church. WEEK ONE: HEART FOR THE HOUSE We believe our local church has an incredible opportunity to reach and serve our community. As we begin this new year, take time to pray for our ICA church community. Pray that we would be a place of love and unity. This is also an important time to pray over the church’s resources. Pray that we would see financial stability and growth. We must all learn to be good stewards of the time, money, and resources that God has given us. We do all of this for His kingdom and His kingdom alone! WEEK TWO: FILL THE HOUSE Pray that our church would grow and that God would empower us to reach more people this year than ever before! For this to be a reality, we must be a people of prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of men, women, and children so they might have new life in Christ. We believe this for our neighbors, co-workers, families, and friends. Pray for opportunities to invite people to ICA services, Life Groups, and events. Ask God for the opportunity to disciple someone this new year. We believe that a move of God only happens through the power of prayer from those who have hearts postured in humility and repentance. Together, let’s trust that God will fill the house! WEEK THREE: WAKE UP We refuse to be a people who fall into a spiritual slumber. In this new year, seek God to spiritually awaken you in areas of your life that might be asleep. Together let’s pray that God would wake us up to see the beauty of who He is and how He is calling us to serve in His kingdom. Getting rid of worthless, sin-filled desires happens with the help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit and by centering our lives on Jesus. So wake up, enjoy God and be alert for the mission that God has called you to in this city and in our community. Fasting What does the Bible teach about fasting? BIBLICAL FASTING INVOLVES ABSTAINING FROM EATING (AND/OR DRINKING) FOR SPIRITUAL PURPOSES: The Bible doesn’t command fasting but it presents it as something that is good and beneficial for our lives. You can use this time to seek God and grow spiritually. In the Old Testament, Israel celebrated certain annual fasts, the most prominent being the Day of Atonement. There were also occasional fasts tied to specific historical events, sometimes individual and sometimes corporate. Here are a few of the occasions for fasting: at a time of grief (I Sam. 31:13; Nehemiah 1:4), at a time of repentance (I Sam. 7:6; I Kings 21:27), as an expression of humility (Ezra 8:21; Psalm 69:10) and as an expression of a need for God’s guidance and help. All of these fasts express a common dependence on God. Several New Testament passages give us insight about fasting. FASTING TEACHES US THAT GOD’S WORD NOURISHES US: Matthew 4:1-4 records the only example of Jesus fasting, just prior to his being tempted in the wilderness. He faced temptation with these words “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3-5 which talks about the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, depending daily on manna to sustain them. He says that God humbled them and let them be hungry in order to teach them to depend on God’s Word to sustain them. By His example of fasting, Jesus reminds us that food alone can’t sustain us. We need to be nourished by God’s Word. FASTING TEACHES US THAT DOING GOD’S WILL SUSTAINS US: John 4:31-35 records Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. When the disciples return they encourage Jesus to eat. He responds by saying “I have food to eat that you know not of,” then He adds “My food is to do the will of the Father.” Again, Jesus reminds us that food alone is not enough. We are sustained by doing God’s will. FASTING TEACHES US THAT JESUS HIMSELF SUSTAINS US: In John 6:48-50 Jesus says “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” We see this pictured symbolically in the bread and the cup of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is the source of eternal life. Fasting is feasting on Jesus. Jesus commanded that fasting would be a part of His disciple’s spiritual life. In Matthew 6:16-18, He says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” He warns us not to fast to impress people, but to be near to the heart of God. The Purpose of Fasting Fasting reveals and heals our dependence on food (and other things) to fill the discomfort caused by low self-esteem, unfulfilling work, unloving relationships, uncontrollable circumstances, etc. It removes the false peace derived from the pleasure of eating. It also reveals the things that control us. If things such as pride, anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, or fear are within us, they will surface during fasting. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). FASTING TEACHES US WE CAN GO WITHOUT GETTING WHAT WE WANT AND SURVIVE. Fasting can free us from the need to always have what we want. It can teach moderation or self-control, not only in relation to food, but in other areas as well. It teaches contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). FASTING EXPRESSES AND DEEPENS OUR HUNGER FOR GOD. Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together” (Col. 1:17). We are not so much abstaining from food as much as we are feasting on the word of God and on Christ Himself. Fasting for other reasons, such as to look more spiritual or to lose weight, is not the Biblical way. Jesus instructed us on how to fast in Matthew 6:17-18. It must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him. Fasting is designed to intensify our dependence on God by weakening our dependence on food and other things. How to Fast STEP 1: CLARIFY THE PURPOSE OF YOUR FAST Why are you fasting? Is it to strengthen your relationship with God? Are you needing wisdom or an answer from God about something? Ask the Holy Spirit to help lead you. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. STEP 2: DETERMINE THE DETAILS OF YOUR FAST If it is your first time fasting, start small and don’t go completely without food. Consider fasting one meal a day or all meals for one day of the week. You can also consider changing the way you fast throughout the 21 days. Different types of fasts can include: All food and liquids (except water) Drink liquids only (water, juice and plain broth) Daniel Fast (eat only fruits and vegetables) Entertainment fast (fast one or all of television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, texting, etc..) STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR HEART, MIND, AND BODY FOR YOUR FAST The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare: Consult your physician first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Prepare your body by eating smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods and do not fast water. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from anyone you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4) Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9-10; 103:1-8, 11-13). Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6) Consider starting a Bible reading plan such as the ones available through the YouVersion Bible app. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit. (Galatians 5:16-17) Finally, Jesus instructs us in Matthew to not let others know about your fasting. The strict details of your fast should not be something you constantly talk about to others. It should remain between you and God. The act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. Types of Fasts Whether you fast food or something else in your life, the purpose of fasting is to focus on God, to humble ourselves and be reminded that we are sustained by God. Our goal is to connect the feeling of going without something we need or enjoy to hungering for God. This takes time, focus, and prayer. Please do not expect to be an expert at fasting right away. Fasting is a discipline that can take a very long time to understand well, but don't let this fact discourage or intimidate you. We learn and grow in this and many other things over a lifetime of serving God. Start small and grow your level of fasting over time. DANIEL FAST: ABSTAINING FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF FOOD (MEAT, SWEETS, ETC.) - DANIEL 10:3 This type is a good first step for beginners to fast or those with health needs, special or restrictive diets. Choose to abstain from something like breads, sweets, sodas, coffee or even red meat. Perhaps spend some time reading through Daniel’s fast in Daniel chapter 1 and chapter 10. Stick to only fruits and vegetables like Daniel, or try something similar. You may choose to go without a specific type of food only on certain days like Fridays, or during the weekdays only, or perhaps every day. ABSTAINING FROM ALL FOOD (ESTHER 4:16; ACTS 9:9) This kind of fast is more difficult but can be broken up by timing and duration. This seems to be the most common type of fast we see in the Bible. It is also the most intimidating, but don't let it scare you. Fasting from all food is not scary if you determine beforehand when you will do so and for how long. Here are some ideas: • Start slowly. Begin with fasting for only a part of a day (lunch, or lunch and dinner). Do this for one day a week, or perhaps three days a week. You determine the timing and duration. Take a step of faith. Fasting is risky and involves our faith. • Next, try fasting from food but not beverages. This means that according to your timing and duration, you would not eat any solid foods but only water, juices, smoothies or perhaps simple soup broths. • Do this for the first one or two weeks. Devote the time that you would normally be eating to Scripture reading and prayer. • Next try a 24-hour fast. This means that you get up and eat a good breakfast and drink only water or juice until the following breakfast the next day. Set aside specific time, during normal meal times if possible, to pray and seek God. Finally, you may progress to a two- or three-day fast. For some, progression may lead to a multi-day, even a multi-week, fast. ABSTAINING FROM THINGS BESIDES FOOD (DANIEL 6:18) The king’s voluntary “fasting” from entertainment in the time of Daniel helps us further understand yet another type of fast. Fasting from non-food items like entertainment can be particularly helpful and accessible for everyone. Think of abstaining from television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc. for the duration of your fast. This can be a very powerful decision and even an addition to food fasts. Have a question about fasting or anything else? Send us a message and let us know. Contact Us Questions? Comments? Get in touch with ICA Tokyo here. WE'RE ALL ABOUT LEADING PEOPLE TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. ICA Tokyo is a culturally diverse international church in the heart of Tokyo. Our heart is to connect people to a strong community of faith as we grow together in our relationship with Jesus Christ. 11am on Sundays FIND US HERE CONTACT US Hi-Tech Building 2F & 3F 5-25-18 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 contact@icatokyo.com Copyright 2022, ICA Tokyo. All Rights Reserved.

Achievement