In today’s culture, fasting is often used to lose weight, lower the risk of various diseases,
and improve one’s overall health—all good things. However, as followers of Jesus, we
choose to fast for spiritual purposes. There are numerous catalysts for prayer and fasting.
Perhaps it is a desperate or grievous need we are facing or a sin pattern we long to be
free from. Maybe we are just finding our souls hungry and thirsty for more of Jesus. Or
we are crying out to God on behalf of those we love who are far from him. Whatever the
reason, the focus is less about results and more about deeper communion with Jesus.
Simply put, fasting and prayer is a Christian’s whole body and natural response to the
desire to genuinely follow Jesus.
This week, our community is intentionally setting aside time to grow in the spiritual
practices of prayer and fasting. We are focusing on two main components during this
week. First, we will cultivate a deeper understanding of prayer and fasting together.
Second, both personally and in community, we will apply that understanding through
the spiritual practice of prayer and fasting.