Introduction
There are different kinds of fasts: a total fast from foods and liquids for a short interval of time; a liquid fast, in which only water may be drunk; a juice fast, which involves drinking water and a given amount of juices at normal mealtimes; a fast from meats, in which only fruits and vegetables may be eaten.
It is important to understand the effects of fasting on the spirit, soul, and body. Before committing to a fast, I encourage you to study the Word of God and to read books that provide important nutritional and other health information. Understanding will help to avoid harm and injury—both physically and spiritually.
Do not flaunt your fast, but do talk with your family and close associates if necessary to let them know what you are doing.
(Personal note: During times of fasting I continue to prepare meals at home for my family.)
Prayer
Father, I consecrate this fast to You and set my mind to gain understanding in these matters for which I am concerned. (Write your concerns out and keep them before your eyes. Do not lose sight of the reason for your fast.)
I humble myself before You, Most High God. In accordance with Daniel 10:1-3, I will eat no __________ for the period of ________.
I obey the words of Jesus by putting on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect that I am fasting.
Father, You know every secret, and I look to You for my reward. I am assured that You hear me when I pray according to Your will, and I know that I shall have the petitions that I desire of You.
Father, I delight myself in You, and You cause my desires to be agreeable with Your will.
I choose the fast You have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke. I share my food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter.
When I see the naked, I will clothe him, and I will not turn away from my own flesh and blood. Then my light will break forth like the dawn, and my healing will quickly appear; then my righteousness will go before me, and Your glory, Lord, will be my rear guard.
Father, thank You for cleansing me—spirit, soul, and body. All my ways seem innocent to me, but my motives are weighed by You, my Lord and my Master. I commit this fast to You, and my plans will succeed. I thank You that it is You Who give the wise answer of the tongue.
Forever, O Lord, Your Word stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth You created; it endures by Your decree, for everything serves Your plans.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:17,18 TLB 1 Thessalonians 5:23
1 John 5:14,15 Proverbs 16:2,3 NIV
Psalm 37:4 Proverbs 16:1
Proverbs 16:3 AMP Psalm 119:89-91 TLB
Isaiah 58:6-8 TLB
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Germaine empowers God’s agents of prayer to approach the Throne of God confidently and fearlessly. She has a passion to see believers become intimately acquainted with the Father-God, the Creator of the universe, praying that His will might be done on earth as it is in heaven. They are equipped with the necessary prayer armor learning to wage a spiritual warfare for the reclaiming of communities and nations for Kingdom purposes. Business, government, the arts, media, education, religion, and family are societal areas where God wants to reflect His glory. Germaine provides coaching and prayer counseling, calling on every member of the Body of Christ to take their place in the Global Company of Intercessors. Her teaching helps the listeners solidify their identities, enables them to “repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for God and stand in the gap to protect this land so He won’t have to destroy it.” (Ezekiel 22:30 MSG).
In the 1980’s Germaine served as Associate Pastor of Word of Life Church in Smyrna, Georgia, before serving as Senior Pastor for 5 years. She travels nationally and internationally conducting prayer schools, speaking at churches, conferences, and other groups.
Germaine organizes prayer teams for the purpose of spiritual and social transformation in the nations where they pray on location. These teams receive training in the art of prayer that releases the will of God into the atmosphere of the regions. She has led teams to the Cayman Islands and to North African countries where they have spread the love of God to unbelievers and strengthened followers of Jesus who are living in the various countries. Her books and teaching help others discover how to grow in grace and knowledge and live with new power, strength and victory as God promises.
Germaine is an Executive Network Member of International Breakthrough Ministries (IBM), and a member of Deborah Company.
Germaine is the author of A Global Call to Prayer, the Prayers That Avail Much book series, 365 Days to a Prayer-Filled Life, and Prayers That Avail Much for Daily Living (Charisma House). She is also a contributing author of Women’s Destiny Bible (Thomas Nelson) and Impart Magazine. Germaine and her husband, Everette, have four adult children, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. They reside in Greensboro, Georgia.