Jesus Christ spoke about fasting saying “when you fast” (Mt. 6:16), not “if you fast.” He assumed that his

followers would fast.

Our pastors invite you to join them in a 40-day period of fasting and prayer (Sept 24-Covenant Renewal

Sunday, Nov 2) to seek a deeper level of consecration to the Lord’s work. The hope is that everyone will

observe an individual practice of fasting and prayer. During the 40 days, incorporate a rhythm of fasting that

suits you. It doesn’t have to be a complete fast from all food for 40 days (though that is common in parts of

the Christian community today). Choose certain days, certain meals, to abstain from food to spend time in

prayer during these 40 days.

While everyone needs to tailor a fast to their own medical condition, there is a variety of fasting practices in

the Bible that can suit anyone’s situation. Obviously, the practice of fasting can be incorporated in our lives

in a variety of ways:

• Judges 20:26 references a 1-day fast.

• Esther 4:16 speaks of a 3-day fast.

• After his Damascus Road experience, Paul observed a 3-day fast (Acts 9:9).

• In 1 Samuel 31:13, we read about a 7-day fast.

• In Daniel 1:12, we read how he fasted for 10 days. During the fast, Daniel ate only vegetables

and water.

• In Acts 27:33-34, Paul and the men aboard the ship fasted for 14 days.

• In Daniel 10:3, we discover what has come to be called a “Daniel Fast.” This was a fast from rich

food and included a simple diet of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and water.

• There is also the Wesley Fast. Early in Wesley’s ministry, he advocated fasting on both

Wednesdays and Fridays. He would not consecrate anyone to the Methodist ministry who was

unwilling to fast on these 2 days each week. This practice was based on early Christian history

(The Didache). But as time passed, Wesley fasted mostly from sundown on Thursday until 3 pm

on Fridays which was the Anglican norm.

Obviously both the Bible and Christian tradition endorse a variety of ways to fast. Everyone can pursue this

spiritual discipline in a way that suits their health and condition in life. Take your next step in observing the

spiritual discipline of fasting. It is always wise to consult your doctor before tailoring a personal practice of

fasting.

Pay attention to our social media during the 40-day fast. Both Pastor Jeff and Pastor Clark will be posting

teaching and encouraging videos to guide you during this time.