WEEK OF PRAYER AND FASTING

For the preparation of our hearts for the upcoming revival, here at Union Pentecostal Church this week has been set aside as a week of prayer and fasting. In times of peril or spiritual need, leaders in the Bible called the people to such times of concerted seeking God. We are asking that people devote at least thirty minutes each day this week to seek God for revival and that people take one day this week to fast. Both prayer and fasting have been made complicated subjects. In danger of being too simplistic let me describe prayer as "talking to God about it," and fasting as "instead of taking time with things you normally desire, taking that time to seek God." It's probably true that we Christians spend more time talking about prayer than actually praying. This week, let's not just talk, teach, preach, request prayer. Let's pray! Fasting is normally the abstinence from food. In the Bible a normal fast is not eating any food, though water is still drunk, from morning until evening of one day. These normal fasts were often, personally, extended over several days. A partial fast was adopting a special diet of abstaining from certain foods. An absolute fast was one of not eating any food or drinking any liquids including water. We are asking folks to fast a normal fast for a day unless they are led of the Lord otherwise. Since a fast is simply saying, "No" to one's usual desires in order to spend time saying, "Yes" to spiritual desires, one could also fast things other than food. One may choose to fast recreational electronics for the week. One may fast social media or television or radio. Whatever one chooses, fasting isn't about austerity of the body, or, on the other hand, health treatment of the body (and isn't just a way to lose weight). It isn't a way to show great will-power. It is taking the time you usually spend indulging natural and even carnal desires and directing your attention and affection towards God. The time spent eating is to be spent praying and reading the Word. Was there ever a time in Scripture when God didn't respond to sincere prayer and fasting? No. Never! This fact raises a needed ingredient for our prayer and fasting-faith. We should believe that God is going to respond. "You shall seek for me and shall find me." -God