Bethel

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Daniel Fast 2020

Sunday, January 5—Sunday, January 26, 2020
A journey of fasting and prayer.

Rev. Mashod A. Evans, Sr., Pastor

 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or
wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were ful-
filled.” (Daniel 10:1-2)

Fasting is an ancient spiritual discipline in which believers abstain from food, or certain
types of food, for a period of time in order to gain spiritual clarity and strength. Last year
Bethel came together as a congregation for a twenty – one day journey of fasting and
prayer. Our faith community was blessed tremendously during Daniel Fast 2019, and I be-
lieve we will be blessed again as we embark upon Daniel Fast 2020.

In the Bible, Esther fasted that God might intercede and save her people, Elijah fasted
while seeking refuge from his enemies, Jesus fasted in preparation for his ministry. The
prophet Daniel spent twenty – one days in fasting and prayer as an exile living in Babylon.
He gave up “rich” foods including meat and bread in order to gain favor from God.
Through the spiritual discipline of fasting, Daniel was able to overcome adversities and to
thrive in spite of difficult circumstances. For twenty – first century believers, fasting can of-
fer similar benefits. As we begin 2020, what are you seeking from God in this year? What
strongholds in your life would you like to see broken? What blessings would you like to see
manifested?

This prayer journal is a resource to assist you with important information about fasting,
daily prayers, scripture readings, meditations and assignments. This year’s journal incorpo-
rates Robert Schnase’s book, The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, which has been our
congregational focus during the last quarter of 2019.

It is my prayer that you will approach this fast with anticipation and excitement. God is
about to do great things in our homes, our workplaces, our community, and congregation.
Our families will be blessed, our lives will be transformed. I look forward to the awesome
testimonies that will come forth over the next weeks and months as a result of fasting and
prayer. While the process won’t be easy, it will certainly be worthwhile. The journey is
afoot.

Sincerely,

Pastor Mashod Evans

Servant of God
2
 HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A DANIEL FAST

The Daniel Fast is a biblically based fast in which fasters abstain from consuming meat,
animal by-products (eggs and dairy products), fried foods, white flour, white rice, refined
sugars, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and caffeine. Here are a few tips on how to success-
fully complete a Daniel Fast.

 ACKNOWLEDGE—Fasting is both a discipline and to pretend that it is not challeng-

ing would be unrealistic. We should acknowledge that this can be difficult process and
daunting undertaking. However, just as Jesus Christ sacrificed for us, we ought to
make sacrifices as well. Moreover, we know that “we can do all things through Christ
who strengthens us!”

 PRAY— Fasting without prayer is not fasting, . . .it is starvation. Prayer gives us the
power, patience and perseverance which makes effective fasting possible. We invite all
members to join us in our daily prayer conference call Monday through Saturday at 7
a.m. 1 (605) 313—5086, Access Number: 382023

 PREPARE— Withdrawals and craving foods not allowed on the fast is to be expected.
It is important to plan. Planning, purchasing, and preparing foods and menus in ad-
vance will help us to be less vulnerable to poor choices. Eat at regular intervals, drink
plenty of water, carry snacks.

 RESTRAINT IN OTHER AREAS— Often times during periods of self—denial, we

are susceptible to overindulging in other areas. For instance, while we fast, we may
spend money on unnecessary items, or waste time watching too much television or
spend too much time talking on the telephone or on social media. Fill idle time
through prayer, meditation, studying God’s word, and engaging in Christian conversa-
tion with other believers.

 MEDICAL CONDITIONS—Please consult your physician if you have any medical

conditions which might make the fasting unadvisable. Some fasters may need to modify
the fast in order to ensure a healthy and sustainable fast experience.

3
FOOD TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DANIEL FAST
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (no sugar added). Fruits in-
clude but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenber-
ries, 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, rad-
ishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, wa-
tercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers.

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, sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, herbal teas (non—caffeinated)
all 100% fruit and vegetable juices.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

4
FOODS TO BE AVOIDED DURING DANIEL FAST
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, wild
game, and fish * (see note below).

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, syrups, corn syrup, molasses, and artificial
sweeteners.

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

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

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, caffeinated tea, carbonated beverages, energy
drinks, and alcohol.

NOTES

 FISH OPTION—During the Daniel Fast members of the congregation who desire are
permitted to have fish TWICE a week.

1. Two servings of fish a week, not two full days of eating fish.
2. Permissible fish does not include shellfish, i.e. shrimp, oyster, clams, lobster.

5
MY GOALS FOR THE DANIEL FAST

Personally — i.e., improved health, forgiving others, discernment, etc.

 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 _________________________________________________________________________________________
_
 _________________________________________________________________________________________
_

For my family—i.e., greater spirituality, healing, etc.

 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

For my community—i.e., civic leaders, educational system, etc.

 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

6
DAY 1—Sunday, January 5
PRAYER

Lord, we give You thanks, praise, honor, and glory. As we approach this season of
Epiphany, we bask in the light and love that you shine upon us. As we begin this fast, we
pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the path before us. We pray for the
grace of the Holy Spirit to help us to embrace this process: We know that this process
will not be easy, and that there will be temptations, but we trust and believe that You
will be with us each and every step of the way, and that You will give the strength and
power to remain faithful.

We want to grow closer to You and to have a better understanding of Your will
for our lives, and for our families. As we start this process, this journey, this season of
fasting and prayer, we are expecting great things. Thank You for this opportunity to
move away from some of the things which we love and long for, and to turn toward
You, who loves us more than we can possibly ever imagine. You have everything we
need for this journey, and we are grateful.
In Jesus’ name—AMEN.
Assignment: Fill in the blanks for the four areas of prayer (page 6) that you will be
lifting before the Lord during this Daniel Fast.

DAY 2—Monday, January 6

Radical Hospitality
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Pray for students & educators who return to school this week.
Read: Luke 19: 1—5

Assignment: Invite someone, a friend, family member, co—worker or neighbor to join

you on the fast. Share a copy of the prayer journal with them.

DAY 3— Tuesday, January 7

Radical Hospitality
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Luke 19: 6—10

Assignment Call/ Text/ E—Mail/ Write/ IM someone to check on them, someone who
would not expect to hear from you, and let them know that you are praying
7
 for them. If they reside locally, schedule a time to see them.
DAY 4—Wednesday, January 8
Radical Hospitality
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Assignment: This week during your daily interactions, go out of your way to be kind to
someone by giving a compliment, or performing random act of kindness.
Join us today for Bible—Study at 12 noon., and invite someone to join you.

DAY 5— Thursday, January 9

Passionate Worship
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: John 12: 1—4

Assignment: Passionate worship is both authentic and intentional. Find a quiet space
where you can spend 5—10 minutes each day in personal worship. Not ask-
ing God for anything, but simply appreciating God for who God is.

DAY 6—Friday, January 10

Passionate Worship
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: John 12: 5—8

Assignment: Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with costly ointment as an act of worship. At
some point during this weekend, share something you value, (time, talent,
resources) expecting nothing in return.

DAY 7—Saturday, January 11

Passionate Worship
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Psalm 100

Assignment: Tomorrow we gather for corporate worship. Begin praying for tomorrow’s
worship experience today. How will you practice Radical Hospitality to visi-

8
 tors at church? How will you engage in passionate worship?

DAY 8—Sunday, January 12

PRAYER
Almighty God, we seek your power and presence in our lives, in our homes, in our congre-
gation, and in our communities. Moreover, as we move through this fast, we seek transfor-
mation and renewed vision. Help us to realize that anything “ worthwhile” is worth sacrifice.
In Jesus’ name—AMEN

DAY 9—Monday, January 13

Risk Taking Mission and Service
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 10: 5—15
Meditation : God’s vision for our lives always requires more resources than we are able to
provide. If we can accomplish God’s vision for our lives with what we al-
ready have and what we already know, then; 1) the vision did not come
from God, or 2) we have pocket—sized God’s vision. This “resource gap” is
a part of God’s plans, so that we must rely on him to do what we can’t.
Whatever risks that are involved in fulfilling God’s vision, know that God has
all that we need to do what he has called us to do.

DAY 10—Tuesday, January 14

Risk Taking Mission and Service
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 10: 16—25

Assignment: Commit to doing something this week in service to others that requires you
to step our of your comfort zone.

DAY 11—Wednesday, January 15

Risk Taking Mission and Service
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 10: 25– 31

9
 Join us today for Bible Study at 12 noon, and invite someone to join you.

Assignment: Today is “hump day”, we are half—way through the 21 day journey. Take
note of ways in which you have been hearing from God throughout this fast.

DAY 12—Thursday, January 16

Risk Taking Mission and Service
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 10: 32—40
Assignment In the passage from Matthew, Jesus asks the early disciples to embrace a life
of minimalism: To live on as little as possible. Americans today have more
debt than any other time in our nation’s history. During this month commit
yourself to paying off at least one outstanding bill or financial obligation,
while developing a plan to reduce overall debt..

DAY 13—Friday, January 17

Extravagant Generosity
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 2: 1—6

Meditation: In order to worship, we must give. Why? Because everything God has cre-
ated, gives. The sun gives its warmth and light, the rain gives life sustaining
water to plants and animals, trees bear fruit and provide shade, everything
gives. Pray about and then identify ways in which you will give to be a bless-
ing to those around you.

DAY 14—Saturday, January 18

Extravagant Generosity
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 2: 7—12
Meditation: When the Maggi arrived at the home where Jesus was, they were overjoyed,
they knelt down and worshipped him. Opening their treasure chest they pre-
sented him with gifts. Joy, worship, and giving, are interwoven throughout
this encounter. Coming into God’s presence should not tedious and taxing,
but rather it should be a joyful, awe-filled experience which leads us to wor-
ship, and inspires us to give our very best.
10
 Where have you seen God this week? How have you engaged in “risk—taking
mission and service”? How have you demonstrated
“extravagant generosity”?

Assignment: Extravagant generosity is more than financial contributions, it also includes

how we share our time, talents and resources. Make a commitment to freely
share two hours before the end of the month in service to someone to
whom you are not related, or an organization that serves others.

DAY 15—Sunday, January 19

PRAYER

Dear God, as we move into our last week of fasting, don’t allow us to grow frustrated, de-
spondent or weary. We pray for clarity and focus for the days ahead, so that we may keep
you first and foremost in our lives.
In Jesus’ name – AMEN

DAY 16—Monday, January 20

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Amos 5: 18—24

Meditation: He was a prophet. He was a preacher. He was a KING

Today, our nation celebrates the birth of one who died too soon,
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Had he lived he would have been ninety—one,
However he was struck down by an assassin’s bullet at thirty—nine.
Despite his early demise, he was determined and dedicated to do the will of
the ONE who sent, called and commissioned him.

Let us pray for a similar determination, to do the will of the ONE, who con-
tinues to calls kings and commoners.

We pray that God would open our ears that we might hear that call, and
encourage our hearts that we might do that which we have been called to
do. Let us witness, work, pray, protest, minister, and march until all God’s

11
 children can walk in freedom.

Assignment: Dr. King’s vision was not simply for himself and his contemporaries, but for
future generations. Do something kind for a young person to whom you are
not related.

DAY 17—Tuesday, January 21

Extravagant Generosity
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Mark 12: 41—44
Assignment: “Extravagance” often carries a negative connotation, however, God demon-
strates extravagant love toward us on a daily basis. Go above and beyond by
doing something “extravagant” to bless someone this week.

DAY 18—Wednesday, January 22

Extravagant Generosity
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Matthew 14: 13—21
Meditation: In today’s passage, Jesus performed a miracle by feeding thousands with
only two fish and five loaves of bread. The food Jesus used was a gift from
someone in the crowd, and while it was a small amount, it was more than
enough. When we are generous and place our resources in the hands of
God, he can do more with it than we could ever imagine.

DAY 19—Thursday, January 23

Intentional Faith Development
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Luke 11: 1—12
Meditation: Of all that the disciples could have asked of Jesus, their request was, “Lord,

As followers of Jesus, we grow closer to God through the spiritual disciplines of

prayer, fasting, Bible—study, public & private worship, stewardship, service and
fellowship. These practices are to be incorporated in our daily lives. How inten-
tional are we in practicing the spiritual disciplines? In what areas can we improve?
12
 teach us how to pray.” Jesus helped to develop their faith by teaching them
how to talk with God.

Assignment: Take time to read the Lord’s prayer, pausing between each verse, reflecting
on the themes of God’s sovereignty, God’s provision, God’s protection, and
God’s promise.

DAY 20—Friday, January 24

Intentional Faith Development
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: John 4: 7—26
Meditation: Jesus engages in a conversation with a Samaritan woman who, even though
she is hurting and marginalized, has a deep understanding of her family’s
faith traditions. It is through a conversation regarding these traditions that
she has a life—transforming experience with the Divine. As we near the end
of our fast, take time to reflect upon some faith traditions that have been
shared within your family, and what faith traditions are you sharing with the
next generation. What traditions needs to be changed or reimagined?

Assignment: Spend time talking with someone regarding your Daniel Fast. What have you
learned? Where have you seen God?

DAY 21—Saturday, January 25

Intentional Faith Development
Pray: Join us for our 7 a.m. prayer conference call
Read: Luke 4: 16—21

Medication: The Bible tells us that it was Jesus’ custom to spend time in corporate wor-
ship. As imperfect and flawed as his faith community was, Jesus understood
the importance of being a part of that community and participating in it. As
we come to the close of this twenty—one day period, of fasting and prayer,
how will we continue, incorporate the practices of fasting, prayer, Bible—
Study and worship?

Assignment: Revisit the list of goals, (personal, family, community) which were com-
pleted at the beginning of the fast. What are the next faithful steps in order
to reach these goals? Write them down.

13
 The Daniel Fast Ends on Sunday, January 26 at 12:01 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
PRAYER
Here we are God, at the end of our twenty—one day journey,
and we are GRATEFUL!

We are grateful for the road we have traveled, and for the power and pres-
ence of Your Holy Spirit that has been with us each and every step of the
way. We are grateful for the grace You have given.
Even when we fell short, when we messed up,
when we threw in the towel, You did not give up on us.

We are grateful for the good and great things You have in store for each of
us. Help us to know that this is not an end, but rather a beginning.
A beginning of a renewed relationship with You,
and a new level of service and faith.

Thank You for bringing us to this point and place.

However never allow us to content and complacent.
Encourage and equip us for new journeys, and new opportunities for worship,
witnessing, and ministry. In Jesus’ Name—AMEN

14
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR THOSE WITH LIMITATIONS

As we have shared fasting is a spiritual discipline which bring us closer to God and closer
to God’s will for our lives. However, there are those for whom fasting from foods, even
certain types of foods, (as with the Daniel Fast), can create or aggravate other medical con-
ditions.

 For anyone with medical conditions, contact your physician regarding the Daniel Fast.

 For parents of small children: While fasting as a family can be spiritually beneficial,
young children (under the age of 12), should not be forced to participate. Families
may however may sit down together and come up with alternatives to a complete
Daniel Fast including;

- Giving up fast food.

- Giving up a favorite snack or treat.
- Giving up television during certain times of the day, or certain days of the week.

15
 Our Leadership
Right Rev. John White, Presiding Prelate
Rev. H. Michael Lemmon , Presiding Elder
Rev. Mashod A. Evans, Sr., Senior Pastor

Our Mission
The mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual,
physical and emotional needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.

Our Contact Information

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
900 John A. Woods Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: (734) 663—3800
E-Mail: office@bethelameannarbor.org

Opportunities for Worship

Sunday 9 a.m.—Church School
Sunday 10 a.m.—Morning Worship
Wednesday @ Noon —Bible Study

16