Fasting | oicministries

21 DAYS of FASTING AND PRAYING

6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (SEE APPROVED FOODS BELOW)

6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. – WATER ONLY

January 5th - 26th, 2020

The number one reason for the fast is to develop our faith and to draw closer to God. One’s purpose is focus of prayer, studying God’s Word and materials that will be used during the fast.

The purpose of spiritual fasting is to consecrate (set aside) a specific period of time to draw closer to God and to hear from Him.

In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

Daniel 1:12 “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”

Only fruits, vegetables and smoothies
Only water for a beverage

Daniel 10:2-3 “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 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.”

In Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat, nor any precious bread or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

No sweeteners and no breads

Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast. So that’s why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Fast.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE HEALTH ISSUES?

Fasting should never bring harm to the body. And if you have concerns, be sure to consult your health professional before going on a FAST or making any major dietary changes.

The FAST is a very healthy way to eat! So health professionals will support this eating plan, but might suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, pregnant and nursing mothers might get instructions to add fish, chicken and cheese into the Fast, but otherwise stay the course.

Diabetics may need to add more carbohydrates or include chicken and fish.

Also, those who are especially active either through sports, bodybuilding or vocation may need to slightly alter the eating plan.

FOODS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET DURING THE FAST

All fruits.

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 dates figs, grapefruit grapes guava honeydew melon kiwi lemons

Lime 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 not limited to:

Artichokes asparagus beets broccoli brussels sprouts cabbage carrots cauliflower celery chili peppers collard greens, corn cucumbers eggplant garlic ginger root green beans kale leeks lettuce mushrooms mustard greens okra onions parsley peppers potatoes radishes rutabagas scallions soup(veggie) spinach sprouts squash 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, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame.

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, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

FOODS TO AVOID ON A FAST ARE:

Iodized Salt Sweeteners Breads Pasta Flour

Crackers Cookies Juices Energy Drinks Dairy

Gum Mints Coffee Candy Meat

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, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed foods products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Remember, anytime you make a significant change in your diet or exercise, consult your health professional. Also, if you have special health needs consider adjusting the eating plan to meet those requirements while maintaining the other restrictions for the fast.

Your Flesh Is Going To Want Foods That Are Not Allowed!

But put Your Flesh Under Control Of The Spirit!

NO SOCIAL MEDIA DURING THE FAST

NO TELEVISION AFTER 6:00 P.M. – 6:00 A.M.

2020 IS THE YEAR OF PROMISE AND PROMOTION