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"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Let us unite to seek the heartbeat of God for our nation and church through the NECF 40-day fast and prayer movement.
Here are ways you can participate:
Daily Prayer Huddles:
Come together in a smaller group on any day of your choice to pray together for the nation at 8:00 AM. Indicate which day you commit to pray with others through this sign-up sheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1llgLPnhMB4vfDe2PKpePjZfS9Thrb-AolJ8axVCrRuI/edit#gid=0
We would like to encourage you to fast on that day.
Weekly Corporate Prayer Meetings:
Do join us on these dates as we intercede for our nation in these specific areas:
4 Aug (Wed) 8:00-9.30 PM: Launch of 40 Days Fast & Pray
11 Aug (Wed) 8:00-9:00 PM: COVID Crisis
18 Aug (Wed) 8:00-9:00 PM: Poor & Marginalized Communities
25 Aug (Wed) 8:00-9:00 PM: Economy
1 Sept (Wed) 8:00-9.30 PM: Political Leadership
8 Sept (Wed) 8:00-9:00 PM: Churches to Become Salt & Light
16 Sept (Thurs) 10:00 AM: Malaysia Day & Closing
Digital Prayer Wall:
Post words of encouragement and impressions from the Spirit as well as testimonies to declare His wondrous works in our midst and to spur one another on during this period of fasting and prayer.
RESOURCES
You can use the NECF 40-day fast & prayer booklet available on their website.
English booklet: https://bit.ly/3rBbcW8
or scan this QR code:
Chinese booklet: https://bit.ly/2TCPPY2
or scan this QR code:
HOW TO FAST
Complete fast: give up all food, and take only water and juice for an extended period.
Partial fast: give up some, but not all food (e.g., give up meat, sweets, etc.), or a specific meal in a day (e.g., refrain from having either breakfast/lunch/dinner).
Example: In Daniel 1:12 , Daniel only had vegetables and water.
“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
Even though the Bible does talk about fasting from food and water, this is more of an exception rather than the norm. Absolute fasts must only be done if a very clear invitation from the Lord is received and is entered into for a limited amount of days (usually not more than 3 days) with the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Other ways of fasting: Non-food fasts - Fasting from media or any nonessential activity that takes up your time.
Practical Tips for Fasting:
1) Start small
Fasting is a spiritual discipline and disciplines take time to develop. The purpose is not to set ambitious goals but to commit to a small, steady and sustainable rhythm of fasting with the Lord’s help. Do not compare your commitment with others. Remember that the Lord looks at our hearts not how many meals we skip.
2) Plan the fast
Prayerfully decide on the type of fast and the regularity. Inform the people you live with and plan your meals around the fast. If you have a medical condition and you are unsure about refraining from food, consult a doctor or start with a partial or non-food fast.
3) Drink plenty of water
Keep your body hydrated because you won’t be getting water from food and other sources.
4) End the fast slowly
If you refrain from eating meals for longer periods (e.g., 24 hours), transition back to eating by starting slow and eating foods that are easy on the stomach.
5) Dedicate the time that you would eat or engage in the nonessential activity to spend time with the Lord in prayer and meditation of Scriptures. Journal your experiences of prayer and fasting.
We prayerfully hope that this will be a meaningful experience for you as you spend time with the Lord and in praying with others.
Do feel free to contact anyone in the Pastoral Team if you need any assistance.