Prayer is not an option; it is a necessity. However, oftentimes we find it difficult. This is because the weight of the spiritual darkness in this world continues to press down our heart and soul. In the book of Daniel, there is a story where Daniel himself is determined to pray for 21 days only focusing on God. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” (Daniel 10:2-3). “He set his mind to gain understanding and to humble himself before God,” (Daniel 10:12). As a result, he experienced God’s answer to his prayer. He then realized that he was at spiritual war in those 21 days. (Daniel 10:13)
Like Daniel’s story in the Bible, our church also wants to set aside 21 days, to discipline ourselves while focusing only on God. From March 19th to April 8th, we want to have a time of self control and focus, concentrating our mind and will to God. It is a 21 day journey that encompasses the passion week, where Jesus carried the cross, and finishes with Easter. We will be able to fully experience the joy of Christ's resurrection after the 21 days of Daniel prayer.
The ultimate goal of abstinence is not to inflict stress physically but to get fulfilled spiritually. It is like emptying out space before filling in. I pray that we can cleanse our heart and fill it with spiritual grace and blessings. Most of all, I want you to know that our purpose is God. I pray that during the prayer, we get to know God’s heart and get one step closer to Him.
Just like what we eat matters to our physical health, what we think, see and hear matters to our spiritual health. So during the 21 days of prayer, we recommend that you abstain not only from eating but also from media (TV and Internet). You may not know what to do on the first day but as the time progresses, you and your family will start to read books and engage in conversations. Please use the time remaining for prayer and reading the Bible.
I will leave it to your judgment as to what to abstain from and its extent as everyone’s individual and family circumstances differ. Please select one or two from the following list.
1. Daniel Fasting: Abstain from all meats and sweets, having only vegetables and other foods.
2. One-meal Fasting: Abstain from one meal a day.
3. Media Fasting: Abstain from watching TV or being on the internet for 21 days or for a segment of time, perhaps in the evening so you can pray, read, and reflect upon these matters of prayer.
4. Other: Choose your own option.
Please join us in the 21 day Daniel prayer in any form or shape so we can offer to God our hearts and will..
Following the shepherd…
Pastor Jiwon Choi