Fasting in October
Fasting in October at RHC
LIVING BY GOD'S HAND, NOT THE KING'S TABLE
In Babylon, Daniel faced a subtle pressure: to rely on the provisions, comforts, and power of the world rather than the Lord. Yet, Daniel resolved in his heart not to defile himself with the king's feast. By stepping away from the table, Daniel declared that his true strength and survival came from God alone.
"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." — Daniel 1:8a
This October, we are inviting our entire church body to follow Daniel’s model—stepping away from earthly comforts to plead for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit upon our lives, our church, and our community.
OUR CORPORATE RHYTHM: FASTING TOGETHER ON WEDNESDAYS
To keep our hearts unified in intercession, our entire church body will fast together every Wednesday throughout October. When physical hunger sets in on Wednesdays, let it serve as an immediate trigger to pray—turning physical appetites into spiritual cries for God's presence and awakening in our lives, our church, and our community.
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION
Fasting is not a spiritual performance or a competition; it is a posture of humble dependence. Choose a rhythm that challenges you to lean entirely on Him:
- Option 1 (One Meal a Day): Fast from one meal every day during the week (or specifically on Wednesdays), substituting that time with Scripture and prayer.
- Option 2 (Two to Three Meals a Day): Fast from two meals or observe a full 24-hour fast on Wednesdays (or multiple days during the week as the Spirit prompts).
- Option 3 (Partial / Daniel Fast): Abstain from rich foods, delicacies, or meats—eating simple meals to posture your heart in dependence, patterned after Daniel 1:8-21
- Alternative Fast: If health conditions prevent you from fasting from food, fast from another earthly provision you depend on—such as social media, news, television, or entertainment.
WHAT WE ARE PRAYING FOR IN OCTOBER
As Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us, we must cry unto God for an extraordinary outpouring of His Spirit over and above His usual work. Replace what you give up with focused prayer for:
- A Fresh Outpouring & Revival in Cartersville: We are crying out for the Holy Spirit to move in power across our community, bringing a profound sense of God’s presence, conviction, and spiritual awakening in our church and community.
- New Conversions: For lost family members, children, co-workers, and neighbors to be convicted by the Spirit and brought to salvation in Jesus.
- Increased Sanctification, Hunger for the Word & Mutual Growth: That God would purify our hearts and give us a deeper, relentless hunger for His Word. We pray that as we feast on Scripture, we will spur one another on toward maturity, walking in genuine accountability, discipling one another, and growing together in love.
- Direction for Our Church: For clarity and divine wisdom as we pray over church planting efforts, our strategic focus for 2027, missional engagement, and discipleship initiatives.
- Personal Direction & Guidance: Pray for the Lord's hand to rest upon your own life, family, and home—asking Him for wisdom in decision-making, personal surrender, and clear alignment with His sovereign will.