How and Why to Fast with the Church Jan 17-23

City Church fasts and prays three times a year. Our first weekly fast for 2011 starts Tuesday, January 17 and ends on Sunday, January 23.

Here are some notes about this first fast of the year from Lead Pastor Richard Irwin.

2010 was a year of expanding and launching of new ministries, i.e. Anchorage Vineyard Early Learning Center, small groups, Beacon Hill, and Homeless Shelter. God provided in numerous miraculous ways. 2011 is a year of developing more leaders to continue the expansion of ministry. It is a year of strengthening in every area. This is a year of making preparing and engaging in spiritual warfare!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on
the breastplate of righteousness., and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and eh sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God., praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. - Eph.6:10 –20

Here are the prayer focus points for this week:

1. Healing of physical diseases, deliverance of life dominating issues and restoration of families.
2. Identification and training of additional elders and deacons
3. Identification and training of small group leaders
4. Consideration of second City Church campus in the city so as to allow for growth in our children’s ministries as well as our small groups and classes since we are now at capacity in our classrooms.
5. The launching of the Alaska House of Prayer
6. Fine tuned focus in ministry for 2011.

You can read more on our website about fasting, including the "Daniel fast", one way that those who are unable to totally abstain from food are still participate in the fast.