Fasting
As a church community, we want to set aside this time to look at why we might fast, decide what to fast, and use the discipline of fasting to deepen our relationship with God, so that we can seek His Kingdom in the world around us. Lent is traditionally a time when Christians give something up in order to refocus on and reconnect with God.
Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus and Paul all fasted. In the Old Testament, everyone fasted together on the day of atonement (Lev. 23:27). The freedom we have in Jesus means that we don’t have to fast in a certain way or at a certain time. And, while fasting isn’t commanded by Jesus, in the sermon on the mount fasting is assumed as part of our lives with giving and praying (Matt. 6:16). Jesus also speaks of a time when he (the bridegroom) is no longer on earth, and therefore the wedding guests will fast (Matt. 9:15). Again, this is not a command, but shows Jesus’ expectation that his followers would fast.
Most importantly, fasting is for God. It is a form of worship, and God must be at the centre of it. We should be committed, through fasting, to glorifying God. Every other benefit flows from this. Fasting reveals the things that control us, it reminds us that God sustains us, helps us keep balance in our lives (by adjusting priorities), and can move us forward in prayer, wisdom and hearing from God. Fasting food can also increase concentration and have physical benefits, though not everyone can fast food for health reasons.
Join in
As with any Spiritual Discipline, it is always best to walk before running. For food, this would mean building up from short fasts (12 to 24 hours) to something longer (some people fast for 21 to a maximum of 40 days!). At Concord Church, we want to try and do a few things together particularly around Lent:
1 Fast something for lent
We’d encourage you to think about giving something up for the whole of Lent. This could be a classic like chocolate or sweets, social media, television, alcohol, meat, or caffeine.
2 Do a special fast
Secondly, we’d love for you to join us in a special fast on Mondays during Lent. We’d encourage fasting food (perhaps Monday lunch), but for some that’s not possible for various reasons, so consider what this could look like for you.
3 Pray Together
Join us to prayer walk around our local area. We will set off from Aerospace Bristol on Mondays at 12pm throughout Lent.
Resources to deepen your knowledge of fasting
Our Sister Church, St Nicholas is going through a sermon series on fasting. Have a listen here.
A Prayer
Father, I need you more than anything; sustain me I pray.
As I fast, renew my passion for you. May my fast draw me closer to you and teach me to rely on you. Keep me from boasting in my fast, teaching me humility and patience.
Through this fast, reveal what keeps me from fully pursuing Your Kingdom, and enable me by Your Spirit to live for Your Kingdom and Glory.
In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.