Now, therefore,' says the LORD, 'Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.'So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him-A grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your

God?" (Joel 2:12-14, NKJV)

Throughout Scripture, spiritual leaders called God's people to times of fasting and prayer when the need for transformation was recognized. Fasting demonstrates the desperation and sincerity of our hearts in

approaching the Lord our God. It is a tangible expression of humility, acknowledging our utter dependence upon the Lord.

Pray! Books and I highly recommend that you add some form of fasting to your forty-day experience. God will bless your act of faith. Seek the Lord to instruct you as to how and what He wants you to fast

for this season in your life (see Is. 58:6-14). Whatever fast you choose, be careful that it is faithfully added to extended seasons of prayer. We offer the following options as suggestions for your consideration:

1. Juice only

2. Fresh fruits and vegetables only (a Daniel fast)

3. Fast one day per week for the six weeks

4. Fast one meal per day

5. Fast a particular food or activity as a token of your devotion

   and commitment

Pray that this time will be radically used by the Lord to bring life transformation to us all-personally and corporately-throughout your church and city.

Reprinted with permission.