PRAYER

IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE

Please follow the advice and counsel of your primary healthcare provider. 

A CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING 

At Richmond, we believe in corporate prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Nehemiah 9:1-3). 

You may choose to fast a single meal or a whole day. 

You might opt to do the Complete Fast, Selective Fast, or Partial Fast. 

Be led of the LORD, and follow the instructions of your primary healthcare provider. 

THE GOAL OF FASTING 

The goal of fasting is to draw near to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it renews our soul, strengthens us spiritually, and sharpens our focus. 

It also helps us to redirect our attention on the promises of God, and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. 

Remember, your personal fast (which usually involves others in a group or corporate effort) should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, respect personal health considerations, review the types of fasts listed below, and most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

TYPES OF FAST

If you have a health condition, we strongly advise that you consult with a medical professional prior to participating in any type of fast. 

• Complete Fast: In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.

• Selective Fast. This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the “Daniel Fast”, during which you refrain from meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food. 

• Partial Fast. This fast is sometimes called the “Jewish Fast”, and involves abstain from eating ANY type of good in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Consult with your primary care provider.

PRAYER POINTS & SUGGESTED SCRIPTURES TO READ DURING THE DAY 

GOD IS WITH YOU

• Joshua 1:9
• Isaiah 41:10:
• Matthew 28:20
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Psalm 23:4:
• Zephaniah 3:17:
• Psalm 46:1:
• Isaiah 43:2:
• Romans 8:38-39
• John 14:18 

 GOD IS OUR COMFORT 

• Psalm 23:4
• Isaiah 41:10
• Matthew 11:28-30 
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• Psalm 34:18
• John 14:27
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Psalm 46:1
• Romans 15:13
• Psalm 119:76

GOD IS OUR GUIDE

• Psalm 119:105 
• Proverbs 3:5-6  
• Jeremiah 29:11  
• Romans 8:28  
• Psalm 37:23-24 
• Isaiah 40:31 
• Psalm 121:7-8  
• Proverbs 16:9  
• Jeremiah 33:3 

GOD IS OUR RESTORER

• Psalm 23:3
• Joel 2:25 
• Jeremiah 30:17 
• Psalm 51:10 
• Isaiah 40:31 
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 
• Psalm 103:2-5 
• Isaiah 61:1
• Lamentations 3:22-23 
• Psalm 107:20 

GOD IS LOVE 

• John 4:8 
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
• Romans 8:38-39 
• 1 John 4:16
• John 3:16 
• Ephesians 2:4-5 
• Zephaniah 3:17 
• Psalm 86:15 
• Lamentations 3:22-23 
• Psalm 136:26