Mount Olive Prayer & Fasting Handbook

PRAYER & FASTING HANDBOOK 
 Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun, Senior Pastor Rev. Patricia R. Calhoun, Assistant Pastor Rev. Dana Swann, Assistant-to-the Pastor

Revs. Johnny & Patricia Calhoun

Senior & Assistant Pastors

From the Pastors’ Desk Tuesday, January 9, 2019

We greet with Jesus’ joy and hallelujah praise!

We have claimed 2019 as the year that we see the unseen.

The year where blessings,

promises and revelations are seen, revealed and made known. GOD is going to make many things seen that have been hidden and manifest Himself in places and persons by faith.

Our faith says that we, as a congregation and children of the Most High, will become more aware and conscious of that which is unseen.

In 2019, we will see GOD’s angels, see His

WORD become flesh and His Son be manifested in our hearts and ministries. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and help us to see, the great and precious promises that the WORD says are ours. Through our faith in GOD, we shall see them come to fruition and be seen in the spirit and in the land of the living.

The bible says, “follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD”. (Hebrews 12:14)

In other words, being consecrated and sanctified clears our

spiritual eyes and helps us to see the LORD and His unseen blessings.

We are fasting to make space for GOD and to allow Him to sanctify us, so that we can see

the unseen. Our aim is to draw closer to GOD as He draws closer to us. Believing that in His presence, He will open our eyes.

“Beloved, we are the children of GOD and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is and every man that hath hope in Him purifieth Himself, even as He is pure.” ! John 3:2-3

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall

know fully, even as I have been fully known.” I Corinthians 13:12 Some things come only by prayer and fasting. We shall see the unseen in 2019!

What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a method of fasting. It’s a partial fast, meaning that some foods are eaten and others are restricted.

The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel when he and his companions were captured in Israel by the Babylonians under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. These young and very intelligent men were to be groomed to take some of the administrative positions of the growing Babylonian empire. So while they were captives, they were still treated very well.

Daniel was a man of deep faith and devoted to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When served the food and wine of the king, Daniel didn’t want to defile his body and so requested a different meal: “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12 KJV Pulse is food grown from seed, so the Daniel Fast is a plant-based way of eating and consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, health oils, herbs and spices. You will also see from the verse that the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water.

Many years later, Daniel was mourning over Israel and its long captivity. From this experience we gain another set of guidelines for the Daniel Fast: “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:3 KJV From this passage, and using various translations, the standards of sweeteners (including artificial varieties), leavening agents, deep fried foods, solid fats and sweet desserts are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. It is also from this verse that we the 21-day period is set, however many people use the Daniel Fast for as few as seven days and for as many as 50 days.

A Life-changing Experience Entering a consecrated period of extended prayer and fasting is a lifechanging experience as you focus more of your time and thoughts on God and His ways.

Think of the Daniel Fast as a journey. If you were embarking on a long backpacking hike, you would be sure to prepare for your experience. And the more you engage in all the hike has to offer, the more you will gain from the event. The same is true for your fast, which is a spiritual journey. The more you prepare and engage in the experience, the more you will gain by this powerful discipline.

Closer Walk with God: During your fast you will want to focus more of your attention on God and your life with Him. The greatest blessing people share with me is their improved relationship with the Lord. You will want to plan one or more times each day to meet with your Father for prayer and communion with Him. Focused Prayer: During your fast, you will have a more focused time of prayer. This is at the heart of your fast where you will concentrate on one or two specific areas for prayer, study and contemplation.

Improved Health: The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way of eating. You may experience some uncomfortable feelings on the first few days of your fast as your body goes through a detox. This can be avoided by proper preparation undertaken prior to your fasting start date. Many people experience significant improvements to their health including lower cholesterol, reduction in pain, balanced blood sugar levels, weight loss and much more.

You will also notice a surge in energy and a sense of greater well-being.

A New Start: God’s mercy is everlasting and opening your heart to Him and seeking His wisdom and direction can result in massive changes in your life.

Many people use the Daniel Fast at the New Year as they purpose to draw closer to God and experience growth and change.

The Daniel Fast Food List Remember, the Daniel Fast is a method of spiritual fasting. While we change the way we eat, having food at the center of the fast is missing the point. This is a fast.

We want to be wise, prudent and simple in our eating habits. And while doing, we stick to the guidelines developed from the Scriptures.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. Look at the list of ingredients on the label. The contents should be free of all sweeteners and free of all man-made chemicals. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods listed in the contents.

Newman’s Own Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing is one of the few bottled dressings that includes only acceptable ingredients.

You want to study the list of ingredients to make sure they all comply with the allowable foods for the Daniel Fast.

Many foods will list “sugar” in the Nutritional Facts, however practically all foods include sugar and this is naturally derived from the ingredients and therefore acceptable for the Daniel Fast.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast: All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. 
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.


Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed foods products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Remember, READ THE LABELS so you know the ingredients included in any prepared food.

Online Daniel Fast 21 Day Experience With GOD & Meal Planner

Daniel Fast Considerations

Saints, thank GOD for the unseen blessings that will come upon you as you make space for the LORD in your life, during this season of fasting. Be prepared to rebuke the devil, as he attempts to discourage you and increase your cravings for food. He will attempt to make you quit and give you reasons why you shouldn’t finish your commitment and vow to the LORD. Pray harder when the temptation to eat items not on the Daniel Fast food listing or to act in ways that are not pleasing in the sight of GOD. You have been consecrated and set apart to be used by GOD. Making space for Him in your heart. The devil is a liar. If you give in, ask GOD for forgiveness and forgive yourself. Don’t let a set back become a reason to stop.

Thanks be to GOD who give us the victory through Jesus Christ!

Fasting Bible Study Outline

THE TWELVE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES 2019 Small Group & Worship Service Schedule

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OVERVIEW January 20th (SUNDAYS 8AM)

THE INWARD DISCIPLINES: MEDITATION - January 27th PRAYER - February 3rd FASTING - February 10th STUDY - February 17th THE OUTWARD DISCIPLINES: SIMPLICITY - February 24th SOLITUDE - March 3rd SUBMISSION - March 10th SERVICE - March 17th THE CORPORATE DISCIPLINES CONFESSION - March 24th WORSHIP - April 7th GUIDANCE - April 14th CELEBRATION - April 21st (EASTER SUNDAY 10AM)

PRAYER & FASTING PRAYER For Spiritual Cleansing and Strength

Father, we come before You, in the Name of Jesus, as Your family, to thank You for this day and this opportunity to draw nearer to You. We glorify You with our whole hearts and by faith, seek Your Face. We ask, in the Name of Jesus, that You be manifested in this place and in our hearts. We bless Your holy Name and give You the Highest praise. For You are GOD all by Yourself and above You there is none other.

LORD, You are our refuge and our strength. We desire to have a closer, deeper and more active relationship with You. As a family, we pray that during these next several days & weeks, we will make more and more space for You in our lives, so that we can commune with You as one, in the Secret Place, that is under Your Shadow. We pray Father, that You will make known the church you would have us to become and ministries you would have us to pursue. O’LORD, help us to see it. And having seen it, give us the courage and spiritual strength to be transformed and the will to follow You, as You lead us to Calvary. LORD, please open our eyes that we might see You in all of Your glory and majesty!

As Your child, I yield my heart, soul and mind to You in the process. I pray that as I fast, I will be able to hear Your voice more clearly and better understand Your will for my life. Reveal, in the Name of Jesus, the unseen things that You have prepared for and in me. LORD GOD, allow me to become aware of the angels from heaven You have sent to bless me. In Jesus’ Name, show me the giant that exists within me, who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all I could ever ask or think, through Your power that lives and works in me. Father, allow me to become more aware of this unseen strength and amazing force that lives in me and help me to see the person in me that You desire me to become and to dwell in. Father GOD, please open my eyes that I might see You in all of Your glory and majesty!

LORD, I pray that Your power and Your light will consume me and that my heart will be filled with Your love, peace and joy. Master, I confess my sins and thank for You for cleansing me from all unrighteousness. Thank You for forgiving me for the sins I have committed by thought, word and deed. I surrender every part of me that is not pleasing in Your sight and thank You for Your divine power to deliver and heal me from the habits, actions and appetites that cause me to sin. I bind, in the Name of Jesus, every unclean spirit and demonic force that is at work in my life and loose, in Jesus Name, the angels You have sent to keep me in all of my ways. Thank You LORD! You O’LORD are holy and I seek Your holiness and sanctification. Help me to follow peace with all men and holiness, knowing that without which I won’t be able to see You. It does not yet appear what I shall be, but LORD I realize that when You appear I shall be like You and see You as You are. LORD GOD, I understand that You are holy and pure. During this fast, I will purify myself, because You said, “Blessed are the pure at heart, for they shall see GOD (You)”.

Reveal, uncover and show me what You would have me to see in 2019. Show me Your glory, Your Shining Greatness By faith, in 2019 I will trust You even more and by faith, I will see the unseen.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Written By: Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun, Senior Pastor Mount Olive AME Church