As we take 2023 to focus on worship it’s imperative to understand that worship is a response to something or someone worthy of our praise/singing, service, submission, and sacrifice. Worship is not only our reaction, worship is our choice. God allows each and every one of us the opportunity to choose Him as the One we worship.

Monday 10/2: 7 pm Zoom Call and start of the Fast  

Wednesday 10/4: In-Person Worship & Prayer and Breaking the Fast

• 7 pm: worship & prayer
• 8 pm: Break the fast 

Friday 10/6:  7 am Zoom Call

Why Fast?
Fasting is a spiritual tool God uses to advance his kingdom, change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring victory in people’s lives.  Valley Gate is entering a new season and we want to humble ourselves before God, consecrate ourselves to him and step into all that God is calling us to.
 
Jesus fasted.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1–2

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. Luke 4:14

Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2

Want to hear from God and the direction He’s taking us.
…he set himself to seek the Lord , and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:1-4

Pray - Spend time reading the Bible before the fast. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your prayers.

Commit - Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it ahead of time.  Ask God for grace to help you follow through with your decisions.

Act - Start eating smaller portions a few days before the fast. Avoid food high in sugar and fat. Plan to limit physical and social activities for the week of the fast. Ask someone to be your prayer partner throughout the fast.

NOTE: Consult a physician, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking
medication. If your situation does not allow you to do a full fast, determine what will work best for you.

While Fasting
[Jesus] answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Focus - Set aside time to work through the devotionals. Be ready to respond to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Pray - Join us on our zoom calls on Monday  Intercede for your family, church, pastors, nation, campuses, and missions throughout the week.

Replenish - During mealtime, read the Bible and pray. Drink plenty of water and rest as much as you can. Be ready for temporary bouts of physical weakness and mental annoyances like impatience and irritability.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14–15

Eat - Reintroduce solid food gradually. Your body will need time to adjust to a normal diet. Start with fruits, juices, and salad, then add more vegetables. Eat small portions throughout the day.

Pray - Don’t stop praying! Trust God’s faithfulness and timing. Carry your newfound passion for God throughout the year. Be in faith for God to answer your prayers.