Fasting- Biblical basis and practical application

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Scott1

Puritanboard Commissioner
Fasting is one of the disciplines of the Christian life.

Here are some recently published reasons for doing it, and practical ways it can be accomplished.

Feel free to add any additional Scriptural insights or practical insights.



Why

1. Prayer and fasting are biblical practices commended for all God’s children. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “When you pray” and “when you fast” not “if” (Matt. 6:5-18).
2. Corporate seasons and days of prayer and fasting for special purposes are biblical and historical (Joel 2:15-16, Isaiah 58, PCA Book of Church Order 62).
3. Purposeful prayer and fasting reminds us that we have a need more basic than food, the need for God Himself (Ezra 8:21).
4. The officers hope this special day for our congregation will stir a deep hunger for God and His blessings, direction, and provision for Peace.
5. Prayer and fasting humble us by acknowledging God as we abstain from self-indulgence.




How

1. Fasting can involve one meal or three meals during the day, denying yourself solids or just meat. You should drink water.
2. Fasting may not be possible for some due to physical condition or medications. Rather than a dietary fast, choose something else to abstain from (tv, radio, internet, coffee, etc.).
3. The sanctuary will be open from 7:00AM – 6:00PM for anyone who would like to use it as a place of prayer.
4. Three special prayer gatherings led by one of the staff members will be held at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM in the sanctuary, for no longer than thirty minutes each.
5. Jesus warns that prayer and fasting should not be done to be seen by others. Hence, no need to send an interoffice memo about what you are doing.
6. Pray as you have time for the following:
1. God to give us a passion for His presence
2. God to increase us in love for others
3. God to sanctify us with His truth
4. God to multiply us with new disciples of Christ
5. God to provide for us through heartfelt generosity.
6. God to give us a clear sense of purpose and direction as a congregation
 
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