10 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING 2024
JANUARY 2 - 11
Wheaton Christian Center Family,
Stepping into this new season necessitates a heightened awareness—an imperative tuning of our ears to listen. It’s not that God has fallen silent; rather, regrettably, many of His cherished children have tuned Him out (Psalm 95:7-8). Our hearts, once sensitive to conviction, have become indifferent through prolonged neglect of God’s Word or by succumbing to unauthorized voices that muffle His message (Galatians 3:1).
Apostle John, residing on the Island of Patmos due to the rejection of God’s love by those in power, receives divine revelations for seven churches. Each message explicitly targets those with ears to hear (Revelation 2:7,11,17, 29; 3:6,13,22). Recognition as an overcomer is granted to those who choose to listen.
Jesus confirms that His sheep recognize His voice, refusing to follow a stranger’s call (John 10:4-5). This underscores the principle that following is contingent upon hearing. Action is prompted by hearing the Word, and when guided by the Spirit, it becomes the pathway of the overcomer (Romans 10:14-17).
In this season of prayer and fasting, it’s crucial to attune our ears to God’s voice, and our response must be one of radical obedience (Luke 6:47-48).
The one unable to listen becomes resistant even to the Holy Spirit, the Helper. Amid these 10 Days of Prayer and Fasting, let us not only present our requests but also create space for faith to flourish through attentive listening (Acts 13:16; 15:12). Grant yourself the liberty to dwell in the discomfort of silence, redirecting your heart to the resonating whisper of God’s still, small voice (Psalm 29).
Yours In Christ,
Pastor Paul D. Arthurs
10 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 | 7PM - AURORA CAMPUS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 | 7PM - CAROL STREAM CAMPUS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 | 7PM - AURORA CAMPUS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 | 7PM - CAROL STREAM CAMPUS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 | PRAY INDIVIDUALLY, AS FAMILIES, AND NEIGHBORHOODS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 | PRAY INDIVIDUALLY, AS FAMILIES, AND NEIGHBORHOODS
MONDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7PM - CAROL STREAM CAMPUS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 | 7PM - AURORA CAMPUS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 | 7PM - CAROL STREAM CAMPUS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 | 7PM - AURORA CAMPUS
FASTING GUIDELINES
There are many different kinds of fasts but WCC will focus on a food fast from midnight until 4PM.
Fast from Midnight. Eating is allowed after 4pm
Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
When you break the fast each day, eat small portions to avoid indigestion.
If this is your first time fasting, here are some details or just need a refresher.
What is fasting?
The simple definition of fast is not eating. People who fasted in the bible did it for spiritual purposes. Fasting typically involves abstaining from all food, solid or liquid, but not water, for a determined amount of time with specific spiritual goals. Fasting is not dieting. You may shed a few pounds or lose a couple of inches, but that is not the sole purpose of calling a fast.
IF OUR FAST IS NOT UNTO THE LORD, THEN IT HAS FAILED.
Isaiah 58:6-9 describes the type of fast God desires (a holy fast).
"No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. "Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. "Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!" Isaiah 58:6-9 NLT
The focus of the fast must be God. Our attention during a fast must be entirely on God. We should spend more time reading the Bible. It might be helpful to abstain from TV and social media or other distractions.
What if I take medication, can I still fast? If you take medication or have a condition that requires you to eat, please check with your doctor before fasting. We strongly suggest that you follow your doctor's orders.
Can pregnant women fast? Please check with your OB/GYN before fasting. We strongly suggest following your doctor's advice.
WAYS TO FAST
Normal Fast – No food, Water only.
Absolute Fast/Supernatural Fast – Absolutely no food or Water (Caution: Should not last over three days and only then if you have a clear directive from the Lord and are in good health).
Partial Fast – This could mean fasting certain meals of the day or abstaining from certain foods (i.e., No meat or sweets, soup only, fruit and vegetables only, etc.)
Daniel Fast (Daniel 10:3) ate no pleasant bread). The Daniel Fast is a fasting option for those who take medication, have a medical condition, or pregnant mothers.
FASTING PRODUCES THE FOLLOWING OUTCOMES:
1. To loosen the bonds of wickedness, i.e., break sin's addiction.
2. To undo heavy burdens, i.e., to solve problems.
3. To let the oppressed go free, i.e., for revival and soul-winning.
4. To break every yoke, i.e., to overcome discouragement or despondency.
Juice Fast – Fruit and vegetable juices only.
Corporate Fast – A church or group of people who fast together for a certain period.
The enemy knows the power of Prayer and Fasting, and he will do everything to stop you. Intercessors who begin to fast can expect to encounter much spiritual resistance. We must be committed to fasting; the rewards far outweigh the enemy's obstacles.
*Adapted from KSI.com
WEEKLY PRAYER SCHEDULE
-
MORNING PRAYER
9:30AM - 10:00AM
(IN-PERSON) -
MORNING PRAYER
6:00AM - 7:00AMEVENING PRAYER
7:00PM -
GWM PRAYER
5:00AM & 10:00AMEVENING PRAYER
7:00PM -
MORNING PRAYER
6:00AM - 7:00AM -
MORNING PRAYER
6:00AM - 7:00AMEVENING PRAYER
7:00PM -
MOE PRAYER
6:00AMMORNING PRAYER
7:00AM