Guide to the grove’s 21-day fast
Dear Friend,
I am so glad you decided to start the New Year with our 21-day fast. During this time, each of us will set aside personal time to have an extended prayer time, fasting, and personal devotion. There really is no better way to reset our spiritual compass and bring about refreshing in every area of our lives than through prayer and fasting. Everyone can fast something, so I want to encourage you to get the whole family involved.
This fast was intentionally designed to be flexible so you can participate at any level. Whether you have done a 21-day season of prayer and fasting before, or if this is your first time, you can start where you are and experience what God has in store for you in a powerful way. However the Holy Spirit leads you to pray and fast, I encourage you to be obedient in doing that.
The tools provided here are a practical guideline to help you navigate through your personal journey. As you read over the information, consider how it applies to you and your personal circumstances and convictions. I want you to be very specific about prayer needs in your own life and the needs of those around you.
I pray that you will experience the presence and power of God in an extraordinary way as you commit yourself to Him over the next 21 days. Jessica and I are believing for great things to happen in your spiritual life, and excited to hear all what the Lord is going to do in your life during this time.
Excited to take this journey with you,
Gabe Cox
The Fast Lane!
Important Note: Fasting requires reasonable precautions. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician prior to beginning your fast, especially if you are taking any medication, have a chronic condition, or are pregnant or nursing.
As you begin this journey it is very important to remember the reason you are doing this. Everyone’s goal should be a desire to grow closer in your relationship with Christ, and to reflect His glory in your life. Do not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. Keep the main thing the main thing which is growing closer to Christ. Remember, this is a time to disconnect enough from your regular patterns and habits in order to connect more closely to God. Here are some tips to help you find you Fast Lane!
1. Start where you are
We are all at different places in our walk with God. Likewise our jobs, daily schedules, and health conditions are all different and place various levels of demands on our energy. So most importantly, whether you’ve fasted before or this is your first time, start where you are. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but it’s very important to know your own body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. Remember, the goal of fasting is not just to go without food. The goal is to draw nearer to God.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
2. Finding your Fast Lane
When most people start fasting, there is typically some level of discomfort. However, it is important to know just when things become difficult or uncomfortable that is not a reason to stop. Finding your Fast Lane is about letting your spiritual hunger become greater than your physical hunger.
The best way to describe your Fast Lane is that it’s the place where you feel connected and spiritually in tune. Your mind is easily focused on God and Spiritual things. You have an increased desire to pray and determination to see the fast through. As your pastor I also feel the need to remind you that that there is a real enemy out there and the last thing he wants for your life is to start to pray and fast. The enemy’s goal during this time is to do whatever he can to distract, discourage, and make you feel defeated. Don’t believe the lie, don’t get off focus, and don’t give up. Find your Fast Lane and stay in your Fast Lane, and enjoy the ride!
Different Types of Fast
Specific Food or Activity Fast
In this type of fast you omit a specific item(s) from your meal plans. For example, you may choose to eliminate all red meat, processed food, or sweets. Most people can incorporate this type of fast relatively easy. It can also prove to be a great solution of people with specific dietary needs or medical conditions that may cause certain limitations.
While fasting typically refers to reframing from specific food items, you may also find it extremely beneficial to fast from a regular activity, habit, or some form of media. This might include things such as television, social media, and the like. Prayer and fasting are not just about connecting to God, but also about disconnecting from the world. Try to tune out some of the regular distractions from your day as much as possible. Replace that time with things that will nourish you spiritually.
Water Fast
A water-only fast is the normal fast referred to in the Bible. This is how Jesus and the New Testament church fasted. Water fast is just that- no eating of any food or drinking of any liquids except water.
We recommend consulting your physician first, and water fasting only for a few days unless you can get away or your job allows you to really disconnect so you can give your best energy to the fast. Remember, when Jesus went on His forty-day fast, He went by Himself out into the wilderness.
Having said all that, there are some people who can water fast and work, and they function fine without much fatigue and are able to work well.
Daniel Fast
The Daniel fast is a great model to follow and one that is extremely effective for spiritual focus, bodily discipline, and purification of the body and soul. It is probably one of the most commonly referred-to fasts. I must warn you it is also the one of the most challenging as well. In the Book of Daniel we find two different times where the prophet Daniel fasted. Daniel 1:8-16 states that he only ate vegetables and water, and Daniel 10:3, while the passage does not give a specific list of foods that Daniel ate, it does state that he ate no rich (choice, or delicacies) foods, as well as no meat or wine.
Here is a helpful list of foods approved and not approved should the Lord lead you to do the Daniel Fast over the next 21 days:
Make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.
Foods to include in your diet on the Daniel Fast
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned as long as there is no added sugar.
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. 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. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
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.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
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 food 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.
Total Fast
A total fast is where nothing-neither liquid, solid food, not even water-is consumed for a very short period of time. I strongly suggest seeking spiritual guidance from your pastor and having a definite start and end date. I also advise you seek consolation from you doctor before you start.
Media Fast
A media fast is where you shut yourself off from all forms of media: TV, phone apps, all social media, computers, and radio. This is a great fast for you kids and teenagers to participate in.
FASTING TIPS
Fasting and Eating Disorders
If you have struggled with an eating disordered, this situation is a battle of the mind and you can win through Christ (Philip. 4:13).
Remember, fasting is a tool used to get closer to God, and it actually should keep us from being preoccupied with food. If your method of fasting is going to cause you to obsess about what you eat in any way, you will need to change either your approach of your mindset.If giving up food is a stumbling block to you, then consider fasting television, reading (other than the Bible, of course), social media, shopping, or fishing. There are many distractions and ways that we use to stay in control that we could eliminate from our daily routine. We do these things to distract ourselves from the real issues hurting us. If you can identify such other things, maybe you can give those up instead of food.
Remember that you are covered by God’s grace. God will show you what to do. His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light”
Fasting While Nursing or Pregnant
Strict fasting while pregnant or nursing is not recommended. If you are in this incredible season of life but would like to participate in the 21 day fast, here are some great options for you to consider- with the approval of our physician:
A modified Daniel Fast including whole grains, legumes, whey protein, calcium, iron supplements, and rationed meat intake.
Fasting sweets and desserts
Fasting red meat
Fasting things alternative to food- T.V., movies, social media, internet, etc. If you are a pregnant or nursing mother, your priority is the health and the development of the baby God has entrusted you with.
Make that your guideline and go from there, and please consult your doctor.
“His way will bring rest to your soul.”
Starting your Fast
Depending on the type of fast you choose, it is very important to prepare your body ahead of time before beginning your fast. It would be wise depending on the fast you choose to start to cut back on food products you know you will be fasting. It is also wise to go ahead and clean out your refrigerator and pantry with foods that do not comply with your fast. Do not set yourself up for failure or temptation. Go ahead and write out specific things you will be praying about over this fast. Have a predetermined time already set for you to pray and read your Bible. Are you ready to get started?