In our “21 Day Journey With God,” many of our people are embracing various elements of fasting and prayer in this period of time. Let me share with you some practical matters to keep in mind for this spiritual journey. Let me just give you a simple list for consideration:

1. When you fast, drawing aside is imperative. Drawing aside means to get with God during the day and night a few times, laying your petitions before Him. Again, drawing aside is imperative. Fasting will only have the element of influence to the level of drawing aside.

2. Journal what God is saying to you. Your Bible is your guide above all else and is God’s way of speaking to you in your life. As you lay those petitions before Him, always ask Him to share with you any words from His Word concerning any of those things. When He speaks through His Word, record it in your journal. Then when you review your fast, you will have a record of what God has said to you. This will sustain you for days to come.

3. Interpret any hunger pains as a call to prayer and dependence on God. The Lord uses those hunger pains or even “mental assaults regarding food” as a call to prayer. Run to God when you fast. You cannot do it on your own, only through God.

4. Read other books or materials during your fast that will stretch you. This can be articles written, historical lessons about great moves of God, or books that will challenge you. If you are looking for a book, consider my newest book, “The Power of Prayer and Fasting, Revised and Expanded.” This book has just been released and I think it will really challenge you greatly. 70% of the book is brand new from the previous book, plus a couple of chapters talk about how churches can do corporate fasting together as we are doing now.

Just consider these things as you pray and fast.