Prayer & Fasting

As a church, we are taking on the challenge to fast and pray for our city, our country and our world, with a specific emphasis on the current challenge of the novel coronavirus. So with a desire to engage in this practice with understanding and conviction, we wanted to briefly answer the charge…

Why fast?

In the Scriptures and throughout the life of the church, fasting has been practiced with three main calls at its root:

Dependence – In the act of depriving ourselves of something basic and on which we depend for sustenance, we physically play out the all-encompassing reality of our utter and complete dependence upon God for providence and for life. This has been a valuable reminder throughout the life of the church, and remains deeply relevant today.

Intimacy – Rather than simply depriving ourselves as a reminder of our dependence, we also replace the time and moments in our day with prayer. When you would otherwise be preparing and eating a meal (or to really embrace the practice, whenever your stomach groans to remind you of your hunger and physical needs), take those moments to increase intimacy with God in prayer and thanksgiving, which leads to the final call of fasting. 

Intercession – In humbling ourselves before God and seeking His face in prayer, we enter into the tradition of our fathers and mothers in the faith and seek intercession for our families, our churches, our cities, and our world. At this time, we want to fast and pray boldly, interceding for our world and for those impacted by this virus, that the Lord may hear and show us His grace and His power anew in this time.

Helpful examples: Matthew 4:1-4, Acts 13:1-3, Ezra 8:21-23.

Guidelines for Fasting

-Pray and prepare your heart prior to beginning your fast.  Plan times you will be able to spend time in prayer during your fast and determine your goal for how long you will fast.

-Prior to fasting, eat fresh fruit and vegetables to prepare your body.

-During your fast, be sure to drink lots of water.  If you choose to fast only from food, be sure to include plenty of fruit or vegetable juices (it is recommended to stay away from orange or tomato juice during a fast).

-It will be normal for you to feel stomach pains from a lack of food.  These pains are wonderful reminders to us of our need for God to supply everything we need, and a reminder to seek Him in prayer during this fast. 

-If at any time you feel weak or begin to feel nauseous, be sure to end your fast and add food back to your regular diet immediately.  Fasting is to help us focus on God.  It should not cause us physical illness. Only fast as long as you are able to do in a healthy way. 

 -During your fast, plan to use the extra time you have not having to prepare meals to seek God in prayer, and feed on His Word.

Prayer Items

-Pray for everyone who has been impacted by the CoVid 19 virus.  Pray for God’s comfort and peace for those who are sick or have lost loved ones.

-Pray for protection for everyone around the world, especially those most vulnerable to this virus; the elderly and those with respiratory issues.

-Pray for wisdom for the doctors and Health officials to know how best to help people affected by this virus.

-Pray for the church around that world to know how best to serve and support the people in their communities around them. 

-Pray that through this difficult time, people will be drawn to seek God and His strength, comfort and peace.