Today we start a week of prayer & fasting as part of consecrating our 2013 to the Lord. I’ll be posting a few notes along the way to encourage and focus us:
In Matthew ch 9:14 we read how John’s disciples ask Jesus why his disciples don’t fast, but they and the Pharisees fast often. The first reason Jesus gives for “why do disciples fast” is:
Matt 9: 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Disciples fast because they miss the bridegroom – they fast for relationship. Jesus says that His disciples will fast when He has been resurrected and ascended, and when they long for His return in glory. They don’t fast for just “something”, but for “someone”. They fast to remember Him. They fast to know Him more. They fast to make themselves known to Him. They fast with hope and expectation of His presence and that He will come again.
Today in fasting & prayer, don’t just seek His “hands” but seek His face”. Don’t just fast for something, but for Someone. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that declares that we long for the Bridegroom to return in His full glory. In Him alone you will be fully satisfied…
Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
More Resources to help you in your fast:
