This is the fourth and final installment in a series about the guidelines for prayer and fasting.
As you have read in the three previous posts, the practice of fasting in the Christian’s life is, simply put, a time when the believer gives up something in order to concentrate and be reminded of our utter dependence on God for our every need. Doing this allows our hearts and minds to reflect on the foundational truth that nothing in this world ought to be more important to us than the Lord Himself.
We want to pray to the Lord in faith, trusting in the words of Psalm 10:17: “O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.”
How do we do this practically?
When most think of fasting, the first thing that comes to mind is abstaining from food. While this certainly is a common way to fast, it is not the only way fasting can be practiced. We can ask oneself this: what is it in my daily routine that consumes the majority of my attention or is important to me? The answer could be food, TV, coffee, a game, a hobby, or any number of things. When we fast, we abstain from partaking in that particular thing for a set time, and in the time when we would normally do that, we replace it with spending that time with the Lord in the Scriptures and prayer.
Why are we doing this?
We are taking this week to fast and pray in preparation for Easter, the salvation of many, and on behalf of our city, nation, and the world during this pandemic.
What are we praying for?
For the Gospel to go forth in Portland, our nation, and around the world this Easter.
Our friends, family, and neighbors would join us and be changed by the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not willing that any should perish. His greatest desire is for all to come to repentance.
God, in His mercy, would stop this pandemic and save lives - not only in our city and nation, but around the world, particularly in places that are unequipped medically to deal with the virus.
When is this taking place?
The fast will be from April 6 though April 11. On Saturday we will gather together to pray online on Zoom from 2-3 p.m. PST as we finish up our fast. Sojourn Church is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 548 260 8424
Password: 932022
Throughout the Scriptures from Old to New Testament, we see God’s people fasting and humbling themselves before Him, and we see the deliverance and provision of His people. We pray and trust that as we practice fasting this week, we also will come before God with refreshed perspectives and a deeper intimacy with Him. Blessings.
