January 21- Prayer and Fasting
First(s) of the Year
What is biblical fasting?
It’s not about
It’s not a
It can easily become about
It can easily become a “
When hungry, allow the hunger to draw your
When hungry allow the hunger to
Why do people fast?
Bill Bright, Cru’s co-founder (Campus Crusade for Christ), was faithful in his fasting. He believed it played a key role in what God did through him and through his ministry. He listed several benefits from fasting:
Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God.(Psalm 35:13, Ezra 8:21).
Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed life.
Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually and physically refreshed. (https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/personal-guide-to-fasting.htm)
Do Christians need to fast today?
What do we mean by “
We don’t
While Jesus never
How do I fast?
Determine your
Determine what
partial fast (“Daniel Fast”)
skip one meal
skip two meals (sun up to sun down)
24 hours
2-3 days
whole week or more
AN INVITATION-
I want to invite you to join us as a church to fast for 21 days, beginning the first Sunday of February. Here’s the plan:
On Wednesday’s we will fast from breakfast and lunch (“sun up to sun down”)
If you choose to fast less (one meal) choose breakfast or lunch
You may also choose to fast longer (all three meals or multiple days).
Be sure to drink plenty of water or include fruit juices. Avoid coffee/tea/soda with caffeine.
Fasting, in the Bible, was solely focused on going without food. However, if you have health concerns (e.g., pregnant, diabetes, etc.) and are not comfortable with eliminating food, choose something else from with to “fast”(TV, Facebook, cellphone, etc.) However, when you choose something other than food, be sure that it is something for which you truly hunger.
Anne Marie Winz says that when she fasts, she focuses on a passage of Scripture and journals her thoughts. She also shares,
“I invite the Holy Spirit to do what He has promised to do:
Lead me into
Convict me of my
Give me
BILL BRIGHT-
*A Sample Schedule for a day of fasting (you can modify this if you are only doing a partial fast)
“For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
Begin your day in praise and worship.
Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees.
Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country and beyond.
Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
Noon
Return to prayer and God’s Word.
Take a short prayer walk.
Spend time in intercessory prayer for leaders in your community and nation, for the world’s unreached millions, for your family or for special needs.
Evening
Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”
If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.
When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God.”*
Further resources on fasting:
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/biblical-fasting.html
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/fasting-what-is-it-good-for.html