I was just reading what happened when some people in a church prayed and fasted.  In short, history took an amazing turn.  Something about prayer and fasting opened them up to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit calling Barnabas and Saul into a particular type of work.  The church responded faithfully, and within a few years, the good news of God had spread through what is today Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece.  (See Acts 13:1-3 and the stories that follow).

I don’t know what will happen as a result of our prayer and fasting, but hearing from the Lord would be tremendous!  If you would like to join together in fasting, some of us will be fasting and praying Monday through Wednesday this week. Fellowship deepens when we do these sorts of things together.  Below are a few suggestions for how to approach this time of prayer and fasting.

How to approach the Fast.

In a word – prayerfully.  Let the fast prompt you to pray.  When you want to do whatever you are fasting from, pray instead.  In others words, if you are fasting from food, every time you want to eat, pray.

What to pray for?  Here are a few suggestions.

1)  Pray for God’s Kingdom to Advance on the First Coast.

2)  I’m requesting prayer for baptisms

3)  and multiplication in our church.

4)  Pray for Young Life.  Nicholl is on the board in St. Johns Count, and a friend of mine, Jim Weldon, is beginning work as Area Director.

5) Pray for Young Lives.  Moms and babies are going to camp this week and will hear the gospel.  Pray for Lee and Emma who will be helping with childcare.  Pray for Jordan and Rose as they lead.

6) Pray for World Relief.  Holly and Philip are connecting with a family and learning a lot in a hurry about the challenges of working with refugees and helping agencies.

About the Fast:

1) Several people have already decided to participate.  I encourage you to be in touch with one another and encourage one another.

2) There will be different approaches.  I know some are planning on having a food fast for three days. Some are cutting back on certain things – like coffee or media. Some will be extending their fast well beyond.  Choose what works for you.

3) Lastly, if you are looking for ideas, here’s what I’ll be doing.

Monday – a media fast.  No Facebook, news, or TV.

Tuesday – a bitterness fast.  No cream or sweetner in my coffee.  Nothing sweet to the taste.

Wednesday – a food fast.  I’ll probably drink unsweetened tea and water through the day.

Ending the Fast.

A number of us plan to break the fast together at the Huddle gathering on Wednesday.  Even if you are not are part of that huddle – if you’d like you can join in.

I encourage you to take part as you can.  I’m looking forward to seeing what God will do.