It is a no brainer that prayer is not an option;it is a necessity. However, oftentimes we find it difficult to do. It is because the same spiritual darkness that covers the earth is over the people as well. 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)
In remembrance of Daniel’s story, our church also wants to set aside 21 days and exercise self-control focusing on God. From March 14th to April 3rd, for 21 days, we want to have a time of self control and focus, concentrating our mind and will to God. Passion Week is observed during the 21 day prayer, and April 4th, the day after the last day of the 21 day prayer, is Easter. We will be able to further experience and benefit from the fullness of Christ's resurrection after the 21 days of Daniel prayer.
Every year we have observed Daniel prayer at our church, and there were many testimonies. Most of all, there is no other greater blessing than being able to offer God our clean heart and attention. Many do testimonies related to such topics. Although people fast and refrain from doing worldly things, churches involved in the Daniel prayer have shared that it was like a festival. Subjects of all the meetings naturally funnel down to the Daniel prayer and it becomes a celebration of sharing spiritual blessings. It is impossible not to be joyful because they eat only healthy food and experience rejuvenation in their life and physical body.
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 judgement 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. A decision to fast anything else not on the list: 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.
From pastor, JiWon Choi