Page 278 | St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church

Purpose of Our Fast: A Sacred Commitment to Restoration

THE PURPOSE OF THIS FAST IS THREEFOLD:

1. Spiritual Renewal

2. Focused Intercession

3. Empowerment For Action

SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: (Romans 12:1-2) Fasting serves as an intentional act of setting aside distractions and drawing closer to God. By temporarily giving up certain foods or routines, we allow space for prayer, reflection, and deeper connection with the Lord. Just as Nehemiah mourned and fasted when he heard of Jerusalem's ruins, we want to posture our hearts in humility, acknowledging our need for God's intervention in both our personal lives and the life of our church.

FOCUSED INTERCESSION: (1 Timothy 2:1-2) During this fast, we will be interceding for the specific areas of brokenness in our lives and in our community. We are asking God to reveal the rubble we need to clear and to open our eyes to the places where He is calling us to be repairers. Our prayer is for God to give us a vision for what restoration looks like—not just in our church building but in relationships, in our spiritual health, and in our engagement with the community around us.

Empowerment for Action: (Joshua 1:9) As we seek God through prayer and fasting, we are asking for His strength and wisdom to become active participants in the work of restoration. We desire to hear His call to action—what specific role He would have each of us play in repairing broken walls and raising up a holy community that glorifies Him. We believe that through this process, God will equip us to not only be healed but to also heal others, transforming our hearts and minds for the work ahead.

This fast is not merely a ritual or obligation; it is an opportunity to align our hearts with God’s will. It’s about seeking His face and preparing ourselves spiritually to undertake the significant work of rebuilding. Together, we will lay the groundwork for a powerful movement of restoration in our lives and in our church as we become true “Repairers of Broken Walls.” Let us step into this fast with anticipation, ready to see how God will move in our hearts and through our hands.

Important Health Disclaimer for Fasting

Dry fasting (abstaining from both food and water) is an advanced practice with significant risks. After praying and seeking the Lord concerning the purpose of your fast, consult with a healthcare provider before attempting, especially if you have medical conditions, take medications, or are pregnant/nursing. Discontinue immediately if you experience dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or extreme weakness. I encourage you to participate in the fast at a level of sacrifice that is safe yet still challenging. Not everyone will be able to participate in Total Dry Fast for Three Days, and not everyone should. Seek the Lord and participate at the Level he strengthens and leads you.

January 1, 2026 6:00 PM (Begin Fast) Consecration and Surrender

Theme: Setting apart this time for spiritual focus

Evening (6:00 PM onward):

- Begin with prayer dedicating your fast and this time to the Lord

- Read: Romans 12:1-12 - Reflect on how you can present your body as a living sacrifice and renew your mind.

7:00 PM: Focusing on Your Intentions

- Read: Psalm 63:1-11 - Reflect on your thirst for God and express your longing for His presence.

8:00 PM: Seeking Transformation

- Read: Isaiah 58:1-12 - Contemplate what true fasting means to God and how you can align your heart with His purposes.

9:00 PM: Reflection and Preparation for Sleep

- Read: Philippians 2:1-11 - Meditate on the humility of Christ and consider how you can emulate His servanthood.

January 2, 2026 – Humility and Dependence

Theme: Acknowledging your dependence on God.

6:00 AM: Morning Reflection

- Read: Psalm 42:1-11 - Reflect on your soul's thirst for God and the longing to worship Him in the midst of challenges.

7:00 AM: Encouragement for Dependence

- Read: Matthew 6:25-34 - Consider how God cares for all of creation and trust Him to provide for your needs.

10:00 AM: The Lord’s Prayer

- Read: Matthew 6:9-13 - Pray through the Lord's Prayer, meditating on each phrase and its significance in your life.

12:00 PM: Affirming God's Promises

- Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Reflect on God's grace being sufficient and His power being made perfect in weakness.

3:00 PM: A Cry for Help

- Read: Psalm 70 - Allow this earnest plea for help and deliverance to become your prayer too.

6:00 PM: Evening Prayer and Reflection

- Read: Hebrews 10:19-25 - Contemplate drawing near to God and encouraging each other in the faith.

January 3. 2026 – Renewal and Expectation

Theme: Preparing to receive spiritual renewal.

6:00 AM: New Mercies Every Morning

- Read: Lamentations 3:19-26 - Acknowledge God’s steadfast love and the new mercies that you can expect today.

7:00 AM: Trusting God's Plan

- Read: Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Consider the hope and future that God has planned for you, drawing nearer to Him in prayer.

10:00 AM: All Things Through Christ

- Read: Philippians 4:4-13 - Reflect on the joy of the Lord being your strength and His faithfulness in every circumstance.

12:00 PM: An Expression of Trust

- Read: Psalm 139:1-24 - Meditate on God’s intimate knowledge of you and His presence in every moment of your life.

3:00 PM: Promises of Strength

- Read: Isaiah 40:25-31 - Reflect on how waiting on the Lord leads to renewed strength: mounting up with wings like eagles.

6:00 PM: Evening Prayer and Anticipation

- Read: Ephesians 3:14-21 - Pray for spiritual strength, comprehension of God's love, and the fullness of Him in your life.

January 4 Preparation for Renewal (Ending at 6:00 PM)

6:00 AM: Last Day Reflection

- Read: Psalm 103:1-22 - Praise God for His benefits, mercy, and faithfulness as you prepare for the day ahead.

8:00 AM: Thankful for Deliverance

- Read: Exodus 15:1-18 - Read about God’s deliverance and His mighty acts throughout history. Praise Him for His power in your life.

1:00 PM: Words of Jesus

- Read: John 15:1-17 - Reflect on being a branch connected to the true vine and what it means to abide in Christ.

3:00 PM: A Prayer of Thanks

- Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Rejoice, pray, give thanks, and discern God’s will for your life as you finish this fast.

5:00 PM: Conclusion and Reflection

- Read: Romans 15:13 - Pray for God to fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

5:30 PM: Preparing to Break Your Fast

- Read: Colossians 3:1-4 - Focus on setting your minds on things above as you transition back to eating.

6:00 PM: Breaking the Fast

- Scripture Reflection: Take time to journal or pray based on the verses that have spoken to you throughout the fast. - Break your fast with small sips of water and light foods, reflecting on God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Instructions for Breaking The Fast

CRITICAL: Break your dry fast gradually and carefully

1. First 30 minutes: Sip 4-8 ounces of water slowly

2. Wait 15 minutes: Observe how your body responds

3. Next hour: Continue sipping water, adding electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water

4. First meal (7:30 PM or later): Light, easily digestible foods:

- Vegetable or bone broth - Steamed vegetables (no salt initially) - Small portion of fruit

5. Avoid: Heavy proteins, fats, processed foods, or large portions

What To Do During The Fast

Repentance and Confession:

Spend time in prayer confessing sins of omission and commission

Forgiveness-

Begin the process of addressing any unforgiveness, anger or bitterness in your heart. Seek opportunities to Reconcile broken relationships with other believers.

Read and Study Scriptures regularly-

Follow the reading with the ministry and identify a personal reading plan to follow. Ask for assistance if necessary.

Share-

with a believer that can support you through this time of fasting. Yield and submit to accountability with one another.

Prayer-

Pray regularly and often

1. Rest: Limit physical exertion; no exercise beyond gentle stretching

2. Monitor: Watch for warning signs (extreme thirst, dark urine if any, confusion)

3. Spiritual Focus: Replace meal times with prayer, scripture reading, or meditation

4. Community: Consider having a prayer partner aware of your fast

5. Hydration After Breaking Fast: Continue drinking water consistently for 24+ hours after ending

Behaviors to Abstain From

- Any activity that has been a hinderance to your walk in the past - Secular entertainment that could lead to sin or temptation to sin - Toxins and intoxicants (such as alcohol, smoking, etc.) and non-prescription drugs - Prescription drugs that are not prescribed to you - Discouraging or destructive speech. - Toxic thoughts/ doubtful or faithless reflection

Post-Fast Reflection (January 5)

- Journal insights received during fasting - Consider how to incorporate spiritual lessons into daily life - Continue eating light, nutritious meals for 24-48 hours - Drink plenty of water to rehydrate fully Remember: The purpose of combining fasting with scripture is to create space for God to work in your life. The physical discipline serves the spiritual goal of deeper dependence and clearer hearing.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, And to let the oppressed go free, And that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

Our Mission

We are Kingdom Builders, building our faith, building our fellowship, and building our community.

St Peters Missionary Baptist Church

17901 SW 107th Ave

Perrine, FL 33157

(305) 232-5512 info@stpetemiami.org

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