Download Prayer Guide - Gods House Maui

GODS HOUSE 2016 FAST (JANUARY 4-24, 2016)
Join us this Monday, January 4, 2015, as we begin a 21-Day Prayer and Fast.
We believe that praying and fasting is an essential key to growth in our walk with
God, and although God does not explicitly command us to fast, He does tell us
that our relationship with Him will be deepened when we spend time in prayer
and fasting.
Prayer Guide
DREAM BIG DREAM GOD
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by
Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
WEEKLY PRAYER FOCUS:
Monday: Reaching for greater DISCERNMENT & DIRECTION for 2016
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Ephesians 1:17-20
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Pray for a spirit of wisdom and revelation
Pray for prepared things to be revealed by the Spirit
Pray for the pastors & leaders of God’s House
Tuesday: Reaching for greater PROVISION
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Philippians 4:19
Luke 6:38
2 Corinthians 9:8
Pray for jobs, businesses to flourish, divine appointments & connections,
promotions, etc.
Wednesday: Reaching people – SALVATIONS and prodigals return, and reach
out of our comfort zone to share Jesus
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1 Peter 3:15
Pray for people to know Christ & mature in Him in unprecedented ways
Thursday: Reaching for GOD’S KINGDOM in our city, island, and surrounding
local areas
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Matthew 6:10
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Pray God’s kingdom comes on earth as in heaven, in government,
schools, universities, etc.
Pray for continued growth and multiplication in Life Circles
Friday: Reaching for greater MINISTRY
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Matthew 28:19-20
Pray for all the ministries of God’s House
Saturday: Reaching NATIONS
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Isaiah 49:6
Pray for 2016 Missions Trips
Pray for protection, provision, and covering for all God’s House
missionaries going on trip
Pray for people groups affected by ISIS in the Middle East
Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in the nations of the earth
Sunday: RISE & BUILD
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Nehemiah 2:18-20 (Reaching our potential with property and building)
Fasting Guide
Why should I fast?
The Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and
beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made
important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked
together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food.
Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of
this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to
God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him.
Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.
What can I fast from?
Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are
other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our
attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should
be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of
time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended
to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be
considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose
weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but
some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can
temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.
What does fasting do for my spiritual life?
By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn
our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we
want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more
spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful
attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the
hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell
you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil
on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you
are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees
what is done in secret, will reward you.”
“Fasting is an announcement the soul makes that the body will not rule over it, and
it declares there will be no relief until the issues set before God are resolved in spirit.
Fasting does not signal sincerity but rather humbles the soul with dependence upon God.”
– Pastor Jack Hayford
THE DANIEL FAST
The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline to help us connect with God. During
these next 21 days we as a Church leadership and Church body are committing
to a time of prayer and fasting. We make no false pretenses - this will be a
difficult process. The fast will be challenging, but we look forward in faith to
what God will do in our lives and in the life of our Church.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate a few
common dietary ‘staples’; however there are plenty other options available. Our
focus will be on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have
included lists of food that are acceptable.
*Note: If you have any known medical conditions, or suspect such conditions,
consult your doctor before beginning the fast*
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat! Most 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 Daniel
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. I encourage you to check with your doctor.
If (and ONLY if) medical conditions or others issues prevent you from
committing to the strict diet of the Daniel Fast for the full 21 days; we urge you
to fast in some way shape or form for this time. Give up something that satisfies
the physical body to meet a greater need of spiritual body. We strongly urge all
those who are able to follow the example of the leadership and commit to the
complete Daniel Fast; however if you are not physically able there are
alternatives. Decide what it is that you are going to fast from; and commit it
whole-heartedly to God. Make it a sacrifice, make it tough, make it hard. This is
our challenge to you during this time: decide to not gratify a desire of the
physical nature for the greater good and eternal glory of the spiritual nature.
Remember, “...Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
We pray these next 21 days drastically increases your prayer life. This time is
designed for you to draw closer to Him and into a deeper relationship with him.
Increase your normal prayer time by substantial amounts these next three
weeks, and we encourage you to pray throughout the day.
HELPFUL TIPS
PASTA
Make sure the label says whole grain pasta. Watch for added sugar and added
dairy products.
BREAD & RICE
You may eat non-white or enriched bread & rice, such as wheat, multi-grain,
brown rice, etc. Stay away from white bread or rice. We are recommending
Ezekiel bread which can be found in the freezer section of your grocery or health
food store.
NUTS
Nuts are allowed and even encouraged on the fast; however watch the labels to
see how they are prepared and roasted. Raw, unsalted nuts are the best;
however they can be difficult to find. Just make sure they are not honey-roasted
or any other ‘sweet’ nut that would contain sugar.
PROTEIN
The following are protein-rich foods that we encourage: almonds, sunflower
seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains and tofu.
BEVERAGES
We are saying no caffeine and no carbonated beverages. Drink plenty of water
and help yourself to fruit and vegetable juices. Read your labels and make sure
there is no added sugar.
PEANUT BUTTER & OTHER NUT BUTTERS
Make sure that they are All Natural with no additives or added sugars or
sweeteners. Watch for ‘high fructose corn syrup’ and ‘Molasses’ which are
added sweeteners. Read the label. It should only contain nuts and salt (or no
salt, depending on the type you choose). Usually, these need to be stirred once
opened and then stored in the refrigerator.
EATING OUT
If you find yourself eating out during this fast, just keep in mind you’re most
likely going to need to alter your ‘usual’ a bit. Order cautiously, ask lots of
questions of the wait staff and know that you’re probably going to be ordering a
salad with a plain baked potato. Just be informed - and maybe it can be a
witnessing tool and an opportunity for you to share your testimony.
PORTION CONTROL
As long as you are eating the appropriate foods there are no limits as to how
much you can eat. Eat until you are satisfied and have plenty of options for
snacks.
FOOD LIST
VEGETABLES
Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no additives)
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chili Peppers
Collard Greens
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Ginger Root
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Okra
Parsley
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Spinach
Sprouts
Sweet Potato
Tomatoes
Watercress
Yams
Zucchini
*and any vegetable not listed
FRUITS
Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no added sugar)
Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Berries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Coconuts
Cranberries
Dates
Figs
Grapefruit
Grapes
Guava
Honeydew
Kiwi
Lemons
Limes
Mangoes
Melons
Nectarines
Olives
Oranges
Papayas
Peaches
Pears
Pineapples
Plums
Prunes
Raisins
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tangerines
Watermelon
*and any fruit not listed
WHOLE GRAINS
Whole Wheat
Brown Rice
Millet
Quinoa
Oats
Rolled Oats
Plain Oatmeal
Barley
Grits
Whole Wheat Pasta
Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel Tortillas
Tofu
Soy products
HERBS & SPICES
Herbs
Honey
Sea Salt
Salt
Pepper
Spices
OIL
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
NUTS & LEGUMES
Nuts of all kinds
Peanut Butter/Nut Butters
Other Dried Beans
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Split Peas
Black Eyed Peas
Green Beans
Green Peas
Kidney Beans
Peanuts Beans
Lupines
White Peas
Legumes
Almonds
Sunflower Seeds
Lentils
LIQUIDS
Water
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Herbal Tea (caffeine free)
100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice