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Introduction: Why do we fast?

People have fasted through generations for various reasons. Sometimes people fast for health reasons, or in preparing for something. Other times people might fast because it is part of their spiritual practice. Our focus is on the latter. 

Fasting creates a space for us as we set aside food, our physical need for sustanance to make way and remind us that we have a deeper sustaining power in God. We turn our physical hunger into a deeper hunger for God. In Psalm 63:1, we see David crying out in the Wilderness of Judah "God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water." We withhold willingly something that we rely on so that we may remind ourselves our ultimate reliance is on God. 

This is not done as a means to impress others or gloat about spiritual superiority. No, in fact, Jesus taught against such things. In Matthew 6 when Jesus is teaching his followers how to pray, giving us what we call "The Lord's Prayer" he says "whenever you fast, don't be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward." Instead, do it to where it is not obvious, "...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you".

One of the other things this passage implies is that Jesus expected his followers to fast. The scripture quotes Jesus as saying "when you fast" not "if". The implication is that Jesus' followers will be fasting. 

What are some biblical foundations for fasting?

  • Seeking God's wisdom - Ezra 8:21-23 - Ezra and the people of God fasted for safe passage
  • Facing big decisions - Acts 13:2-3 - The early church fasted before sending out Paul and Barnabas.
  • Returning to God with whole hearted devotion - Joel 2:12-13 - Joel's call to fast and return to the Lord.
  • A Call to Action - Isaiah 58 - Isaiah cannot stand by and fast for piety sake when there are injustices being enacted. 

Tips for a successful 24-Hour fast

  • Prepare: 
    • Drink lots of water. This will keep you from getting dehydrated. It will also help you to not experience as much physical hunger. Many times we feel like we need to put something in our mouth or stomach, but oftentimes our bodies are telling us they need more water.
    • Your last meal should be small. You probably think you should load up on calories when you go into a fast so you won't be hungry. That can just make you tired and sluggish. Have a light meal before you cut out food for a day.
    • Start with prayer. Begin your time of praying asking God to help you with this journey.
  • During the fast: 
    • Begin and end at dinner. Eat dinner the night before your fast and then don't eat until dinner on the night of your fast. You are essentially missing breakfast and lunch.
    • Set your desires aside. Take this time to focus more on what God wants to do instead of what you want to do.
    • Turn pangs to prayers. You will more than likely have an appetite for food. When you do, let those reminders be a nudge to pray.
    • Journal. Write down what you feel the Lord is telling you during this time.
    • Listen. Much of prayer is not telling God things, but listening for where God is moving so we can be in tune with his heart and his mind.
  • A suggested rhythm:
    • Morning - Pray personally for God to search your heart. Read Psalm 63 or Joel 2.
    • Midday - Pray for our church's mission and building project. Read Acts 13:1-3.
    • Evening - Pray for unity in our church and bold witness in our community. Read Nehemiah 1:4-11.
  • Ending the fast
    • Break your fast with a small meal. Just like when you started, you don't overdo it once you finish your fast. Ease into a meal.
    • End with gratitude. Use the moments before you break your fast to thank God for his provision. 

What are some prayer prompts for our church?

  • Personal:
    • "Show me how I can personally join your mission."
    • "Reveal what in my life needs to be given up or repented from."
    • "Use me to make a difference in my sphere of influence."
    • "Impress on my heart who I can encourage or help today."
    • "Help me to see where I need to be obedient, generous, or sacrificial for your kingdom."
  • Church
    • "Father, give us clarity in serving our community."
    • "Lord, raise up people of peace who can be partners with us in mission."
    • "Lead us in steps for the future that are part of your plan and your will."
    • "Spirit, strengthen the bonds of unity within our church under the banner of Jesus."
    • "Grant us wisdom and provision for the building project. May the spaces we have be used to glorify you and minister to those around us."
    • "Guide the leaders of our church and continue to give them vision for days ahead."
  • Community and world
    • "Lord, let your gospel go forth from us to our neighbors and nation."
    • "Prepare hearts to hear the Good News as you prepare your workers to share it."
    • "Instill a heart of peace in places that are experiencing strife."
    • "Bring comfort to those who are experiencing suffering."
    • "Raise up your Church around to globe to be heralds of the kingdom as they answer the call to help those in need."

 

As we participate together in this journey of prayer and fasting, let me remind you that this is an act of worship, not a performance or begrudging chore. This is about drawing near to the heart of the one who holds all things in his hands. 

A day or two after the fast, take time to reflect and journal. What are the scriptures that stood out to you during this time? What did God bring to your mind? What encouragement did you find in Him? What were the hard points? How were they overcome?

Let us also be reminded that fasting is a taste of eternity. One day, hunger will be no more, thirsting will be no more. We will be filled with the presence of Christ forever. Until then, may this fast deepen our hunger for him and increase our faith as we draw near to him, looking for his guidance in our church.

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Rev. 7:16-17 (ESV)