Begin: Take Your First Step
Begin
Growing in our relationship with God begins with taking responsibility for our own growth. Take a first step with Prayer & Fasting using the ideas below.
-
We often consider prayer to be synonymous with intercession—asking God for the needs of ourselves or others. It certainly includes this practice, but it far from covers it. In reality, prayer is our communion with God, and the prayer book of the Bible (Psalms) and much of the New Testament emphasize the value of thankfulness in our prayer life (Psalm 100:4, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Take a first step in prayer with a Thanks Journal.
-
Early Christians were instructed to pray the Lord’s prayer three times a day. If you are new to faith, that is a great way to start! As you do so, begin to slow down, take it phrase by phrase, and add to it as the Spirit leads. Here are some examples:
“Our Father, who is in the heavens…”
Recognize your relationship with Him. Recall His Father-heart for you and for those for whom you pray (I John. 3:1). Celebrate that the One you call Father reigns above all that you see, know, and experience.“Hallowed be Your name...”
Recall the covenant names of God and their meaning and application for today (He is our banner, our righteousness, our provider, our healer, our peace, our sanctifier, our shepherd). Meditate on these. Although He draws near, recognize that He is Holy and distinct from us.“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”
Spend time submitting your plans to God and ask for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done in your life. Also pray that our nation’s leadership would walk in His will, pray for your family, etc. Get scriptures for the areas of concern.“Give us this day our daily bread...”
Appropriate His provision in areas of material concern.“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...”
Ask the Holy Spirit to search you and point out areas where repentance is needed. Forgive those against whom you are holding grudges (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:44).“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil…”
Know the Truth of the Word of God and use it against the devil (I Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6).“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.”
End with praise (Revelation 5:13).Adapted from page 16 of the Alone with God Packet
-
Use a few minutes of silence to help you abide in Christ throughout your day. Rather than stuffing down what you feel and experience, begin to offer them by coming to Him as you are without distraction.
-
How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig
-
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Prayer is the most natural thing in the world, and it should never become complicated, weird, or intense.
Matthew 6:7-8KEEP IT REAL
Prayer isn’t where you pretend you’re fine when life hurts, nor is it something you should hide from when you make a mess or things. Messes and hurts belong in prayer.
Luke 18:9-14KEEP IT UP
Prayer is an integral part of our journey of faith. Life is tough, the battle is fierce, and God is not an algorithm. When we experience answers to prayer, it’s not that we found the right formula, but that we simply chose not to give up.
Luke 18:1Adapted from How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig
Practicing Prayer
Practicing Prayer
Finding God through Fasting
Finding God through Fasting
-
Clarify what you are praying for as you fast.
If this is your first time to fast, start slowly (fasting from one meal, fasting for one day, etc.) and move up to longer fasts over a period of time.
Set a definite beginning and ending time. If it is an extended fast, be accountable to someone.
Begin the fast with the faith resolve that it is going to be effective.
Plan ahead - look at your schedule and make it a part of your planning for the week (set specific prayer times, etc.).
You may experience some physical discomforts (headache, etc.). Decide ahead of time that you will let these times lead you to desperation for God. Walk by faith and not be feelings. Focus on the fact that you are obeying God.
Always drink lots of water and/or 100% juice (if including juice in your fast).
On longer fasts, you may need to rest more than normal.
Break the fast with healthy food — soup, broth, bread, fruit, etc.
If you have a medical situation (hypoglycemia, pregnancy, etc.) or are taking medication, please consult your physician if you have any questions about fasting. In this case you may consider a different kind of fast (ie. a Daniel fast).
-
Morning
Begin the day with worship and praise, if possible, on your knees.
Open your hands and surrender your day and your life to God.
Clarify and write down what you will believe for as you fast today.
Drink water until you start to feel full, then drink some juice (if you’re drinking juice).
Other Meal Times
Set aside specific times for the Word and prayer. Don’t just starve.
Sample prayer time (30 minutes):
LOOK UP: worship and thanksgiving (5-10min.)
LOOK IN: Word of God, confession, prayer, listening (15 min.)
LOOK OUT: intercession for others (5-10 min.)
Keep a journal of what you hear God saying throughout the fast.
Pray with someone for at least one prayer time.
Drink 8-16 oz. of 100% juice or vegetable drink.
Throughout the Day
Play worship music throughout the day to “feed” your spirit.
Abstain from any media unless absolutely necessary.
Drink lots of water throughout the day.
Develop a prayer declaration to say when your stomach growls, like “I do not live by bread alone, but by the Word of God".
Pray in the Spirit to yourself often.
Breaking the Fast
Give thanks to God before you eat for what He has done.
Take it slow! Don’t gorge or eat fatty foods.
Break your fast with raw fruit, salad, or other vegetables.
Continue to drink lots of water and 100% juice.
-
After reviewing the fasting plan, choose one lunch to fast from. Use the time you would normally spend eating to read Scripture, pray, and worship. When you break your fast at dinner, receive the meal with renewed gratitude and continue worshiping God through thanksgiving.
Check out our Songs We Sing Spotify Playlist to incorporate worship music from Sundays into your prayer time.
Be Known
Be Known: Accountability Questions
We grow best in authentic community. Use these questions in Lifegroup or Core Group to encourage growth, accountability, and next steps around Prayer & Fasting.
Not in a Lifegroup? Find one.
-
1. How have you been connecting with and enjoying Jesus lately? Has time alone with God been part of that?
2. How consistent has your personal time with God been? What changes could help you connect with him more consistently?
3. Does your current devotional rhythm help you connect meaningfully with God? Is there anything you need to change?
4. Is your focused time in prayer helping you remain aware of and connected with God throughout the day? How?
5. How are you praying for people and needs beyond yourself?
6. What forms of worship help you connect with God? What is one new way you could engage in worship?
7. How have you practiced fasting, or how might fasting help you seek God more intentionally in this season?
Build: Resources to Grow Together
Build
Use these resources in discipleship with others to build a stronger foundation and have a deeper experience with Prayer & Fasting.
-
Prayer Walking Guide Prayers are effective wherever they are, but prayer walking helps us pray onsite with insight, gain God’s heart, and prepares the way for what He is about to do.
TWI Guide The Antioch Movement has developed a simple Spirit-led prayer approach called Thanksgiving, Worship, and Intercession, or TWI. This is a reproducible way to seek God in prayer alone and with a group.
Fasting Guide Use this detailed breakdown of fasting to help you dive in with confidence and freedom. Work through this slowly with your group as you grow in this practice.
-
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis
-
Approaching God Series Dive into our 8-part series that breaks down numerous forms of prayer that can fuel our time alone with God.
Invitation to Fast Message Discover how fasting is an invitation to seek God while we actively wait for His kingdom.
-
Prayer Practice By Practicing the Way, use this four-week course with your Lifegroup or Core Group to pursue a deeper life of union with God together.
Fasting Practice By Practicing the Way, use this four-week course with your Lifegroup or Core Group to pursue this neglected but essential practice.
Solitude Practice By Practicing the Way, use this four-week course with your Lifegroup or Core Group to pursue spiritual health in a world of distraction.
-
Pre-Service Prayer Thirty minutes before each Sunday Service, we have a group of people who meet to pray for our corporate gathering. Join in as often as you like to pray consistently for our church and for God to move powerfully when we gather.
Fast Weekly Like all spiritual practices, they shape us over time. Fasting is no different. If you have fasted before and not experienced it in this way, it may be because more time is needed. Commit to fasting for 24 hours (recommended dinner to dinner) one day a week for 3-6 months. Let it become part of your life and afterward reflect on how it has impacted you.
Location Prayer Together with your Lifegroup, decide a few places that you want to intentionally saturate with prayer. Parks, businesses, and restaurants are all great places to own and pray for as a community.
Prayer for the Lost As a Lifegroup, make a list of those who do not yet follow Jesus whom you can be praying for. Refer to the list regularly when you meet and pray for breakthrough that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Night of Prayer We occasionally have nights of prayer, especially around big city-wide events. If you or your Lifegroup are interested in hosting one, please reach out to info@antioch.ch.
Corporate Fast About once a semester, we invite our church to join in a corporate fast. Jump in with us and get your Lifegroup in on it too. Use these resources to help those who haven’t been on this pathway have a great first experience.
Bless
Bless: Share What You Have
Help others grow in intimacy with God through prayer and fasting as you have the opportunity. Invite them to begin this pathway with believers who can encourage them, provide accountability, and grow with them.