Altars Journal

With a Guide for
Fasting and Prayer

We’ve created a digital journal for the whole month of August to listen and respond to Jesus’ voice, together. Included are stories from people in our community, guides for scripture and fasting and space to reflect and respond.

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Altars in the home

This is a simple guide for families to follow Jesus’ voice together. It provides practical ideas and encouragement for parents to help their children listen to Jesus, reflect on his Word and respond in creative ways.

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Coporate Fast

We invite you to join us in a corporate fast during the week of Altars from August 24-30. Learn more about fasting in the Altars Journal.

Corporate Fast

What is Fasting?

Prayer is a gift God has given to us to commune with him and there are many ways we can engage God in prayer. One of those ways is fasting. While we pray and fast, we focus our attention and give preference to the Spirit of God in us by resisting the draw of our flesh to what would normally bring us comfort or keep us in the status quo of our lives. Our spirits become sensitive to the Spirit of God in us and “thins the veil between heaven and earth”, as Michael Dow of Burning Ones puts it. Seasons of fasting can be very challenging, but can also be some of the most spiritually enriching times of your walk with Jesus. Keep in mind that fasting without prayer is just another restrictive diet that serves no spiritual purpose. Take the opportunity in fasting to deepen your walk with Jesus.

Types of Fasts

WATER FAST
Drinking only water for the duration of the fast
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DANIEL FAST
No meat, no sweets and no bread.
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PARTIAL / INTERMITTENT FAST
No food during the day. Break the fast at dinner or a chosen time in the day.

This is not an exhaustive list, but simply a few suggestions that have been a blessing to many during their seasons of fasting. You may have another approach and that is perfectly ok. The heart to draw near to God is of first priority, the method can vary.

Keep in mind, biblical fasting is about food. Fasting different media can prove very beneficial, but when the scriptures speak of fasting they are referring to food.

When you fast, please do so with wisdom, prayer and your health in mind. If you have underlying health conditions, a history of eating disorders or an unhealthy view of your body, please be prayerful and seek counsel from a medical professional.

Preparing to Fast

When you are preparing to fast, spend time in prayer ahead of time to plan and articulate your motive, knowing what type of fast you will do and deciding when it will start and when it will end. If you happen to fall short of what you planned in prayer, leave no room for guilt or shame and just get back to where you were. As we engage in this spiritual practice, prepare your heart to know you may experience spiritual opposition, particularly in your thought life and attitudes of the mind. And if it comes, take heart and keep your focus on Jesus; set and reset your heart and mind on things above and you will stand in victory.

Additional Resources

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Corporate Fasting:1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

BOOKS ON FASTING
Fasting: Rediscovering the Ancient Pathways by Michael Dow
Fasting Volume II: Your Life As A Weapon In The Hand Of God by Michael Dow
God's Chosen Fast: A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Fasting by Arthur Wallace

Altars Journal

Altars in the home

Coporate Fast

Corporate Fast

August Overview

Altars preparation

Altars Pop-up with Michael Dow

Altars

No Evening Services

Morning Service - Baptisms