What is Fasting?Fasting is the practice of giving up something in our lives in order to pursue God during that time. Most often, in Scripture, we see the practice of fasting as abstaining from food and praying during those meal times. However, Scripture is also clear that there are many other things from which we can fast. Essentially, fasting is redirecting our attention from other activities and patterns so that we can engage in prayer and pursuit of God - and to develop a hunger for God and His will for our lives.
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If you have never fasted before here are some things to keep in mind:
- It is ok if you forget one day or mess up. It is the thought, desire, and effort. If you forget to fast do not beat yourself up, when you remember later that day or the next simply pray and make a commitment to continue with your fast. The enemy will try to make you feel guilty, but there is no guilt in Christ. We are freed, redeemed, and empowered.
- When you are fasting, it is important to realize that you are engaging in Spiritual Warfare. The enemy will tempt you, cling to the Cross and the promises of God.
- During your time of fasting, whenever you would normally be doing what you have given up you instead spend that time in prayer and reading scripture. I would encourage you to read the Book of John, Mark, or Matthew.
- Your time of fasting in prayer and reading scripture may not be as long as the item or task you have given up. This is ok, the fact is that you are seeking the Lord.
Why do I feel so vulnerable while fasting?Fasting can be a vulnerable time in your faith, in which the enemy - Satan - will try to persuade you that what you are doing is silly, harmful, or not effective. Remember that the fast is a sign of your commitment to engaging with God, and that pursuing growth in your faith is important.
Lean into Scripture, and seek the support & prayer of other believers. Find comfort that the same God who created all things & overcame the grave, is the same God who empowers you in your pursuit today. |
What do I do while I am fasting?Just like any other new experience, fasting can feel very awkward or strange if we aren't quite sure what we should be doing in our time of engaging with God.
Along with the tips and tricks listed, consider what things you want to see as growth in your life. Is there a sin you have been struggling to overcome? An unhealthy pattern in your life you want to break? A new and healthy habit you want to begin? Prayer and discernment during your fasting period is often a powerful experience with God that can reveal God's help in these areas. |
Below are some issues you can be praying about during your time of fasting.
I would also suggest that you add the names of one or two people that you would like to see experience the Lord's presence in powerful ways. Pray for them during this time of Lent.
- For all Christians to Speak God's message with boldness and courage (Acts 4:29)
- For God's miraculous activity in our mids ( Acts 4:30; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Cor. 2:4-5)
- For clarity in the church for identifying and commissioning those whom God calls and gifts to be evangelists and missionaries (Acts 13:3)
- For God to call and gift people at NWC to serve as evangelists/missionaries (Matt. 9:38)
- For doors of opportunity to open for sharing God's message with the unsaved, both locally and globally (Col. 4:3)
- For help for evangelists, that their message would be clear (Col. 4:4), god-given, and fearlessly delivered.
- For provision, protection, and favour for those who serve evangelists and missionaries (2 Thess. 3:2)
- For rapid expansion and acceptance of the gospel message (2Thess. 3:1)
- For God to draw more and more people to him (John 6:44)
- For the Holy Spirit to bring a sense of conviction, unsettledness, and dissatisfaction upon the unsaved in the church and community; AND confidence that the gospel message is true (John 16:8)
- For dependence before the Lord for Neglecting the person and work of the Holy Spirit, while simultaneously being overly confident in our own abilities (Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30)