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JANUARY 12-26, 2014

feasting in the presence of god

#WordCommPrayerAndFasting

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4

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Contents

Meaning of Our Weeks of Prayer and Fasting 1God’s Invitation to Fast and Pray 2

What Is Your Desire? 4A Prayer of Cleansing 4

Guidelines for Fasting from Food 5What to Do In the Time Set Apart for Fasting 6

Guide to Contemplative Bible Reading 6Passages 7

Prayer List 8Closing Prayer 8

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the Meaning of our Weeks of Prayer and Fasting

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6)

This passage comes right in the middle of Jesus’ teaching on prayer and giving. In this sermon, Jesus uses phrases like: “When you give” (v. 2), “When you pray” (v.5), and “When you fast” (v. 16). Jesus assumes that his audience will give, will pray, will fast. Fasting is not an option. It is not an oddity. Fasting, according to Jesus, is a given.In fact, fasting is mentioned more times in the Bible than baptism! In scriptures we observe the people of God fasting for a variety of reasons:

•Theywerefacingacrisis. •TheywereseekingGod’sprotectionanddeliverance. •Theyhadbeencalledtorepentanceandrenewal. •TheywereaskingGodforguidance. •Theywerehumblingthemselvesinworship.

The danger in the discipline

But there is an inherent danger in fasting. It is the same danger that is found in the practice of any spiritual discipline. We can turn fasting into an end in itself, rather than a means to an end. It can become merely an external practice without an internal passion. It can be reduced to a habit without heart.

We see an example of this in Luke 18:12, where Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee who bragged to God in prayer that he fasted twice a week. Pharisees habitually fasted twice a week, usually on the second and fifth days of the week. These two days happened to be the major days for the Jewish market. That meant the city was packed with farmers, merchants, and shoppers. Therefore, these days of public fasting would have the largest audiences. Jesus condemned the practice of fasting when it was done in such a way as to receive public adulation.

We have an ability to take that which is sacred, holy, and meant to draw us closer to the Father, and turn it into a merely mechanical, religious drill that we use to impress others with our spirituality. What was intend-ed to draw us to God now actually distances us from God because we have perverted it. And God notices. He prompted the prophet Zechariah to ask the people and the priests of Israel, “During those 70 years of exile, when you fasted and mourned in the summer and at the festival in early autumn, was it really for me that you were fasting?” (Zechariah 7:5)

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A TIME OF FEASTING

Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus.Fasting is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit.Fasting is not doing without, it is about looking within.Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude and cry of the soul.

When John Wesley spoke of fasting, he said “First, let it be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.”

When we decide to set aside time to fast, here is what I think would please the heart of God. Let’s talk about this time of spiritual discipline not as a day of fasting, but a day of feasting. Feasting on Jesus.

There is an orphanage in India where the staff and the children all fast every Friday. And you know what they call it? They call it their day of feasting on Jesus. And do you know what they do during their day of feasting? They pray for the American church. Now, that is humbling.

~ an excerpt from an article by Lance Witt, Saddleback Church

God’s Invitation to Fast and PrayGod’s invitation In Joel 2:12-17 (NLT), it says:

That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before. Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people – the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession

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become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” From this passage we learn six important things about fasting:

1. Fasting starts with the spiritual leaders. Joel starts off his urgent call to fast by saying, “Hear this, you leaders of the people” (Joel 1:2).

2. Fasting is often associated with a sense of spiritual desperation. Joel 2:12 says, “Turn to me now,while there is time”. Notice the sense of urgency and desperation.

3. Fasting is a call to return to God. Israel’s first need, like that of the prodigal son, was just to come home to the Father. God doesn’t talk about their need for better plans, programs, or strategies. He simply says, “You have been unfaithful to me. Come home.”

4. Fasting is not about the externals. In Joel 2:12 God says, “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” It is entirely possible to go without food and not have a true fast.

5. Fasting is the response of a broken heart. Why does Joel say, “Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning” in verse 2:12) Because repentance is the appropriate response when you have strayed. And, God is responsive. He is “merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (2:13). Somehow, God is drawn to the empty, broken, needy, and weak. As Jim Cymbala says, “God is attracted to weakness.”

6. Fasting is the humble response to immense responsibility. Joel calls a solemn assembly. In verse 15 he says, “Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting.” He urges everyone to get there–the elders, the children, the babies; he even says to get the bride and groom off their honeymoon! Why? Because God’s name and reputation were at stake (v. 17). The people of Israel were being urged to enter a time of fasting, with the direct result that they wouldpreserve God’s reputation and glorify his name. That is an immense responsibility!

I urge you to respond to God’s call to fast.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe him,

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and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? (Isaiah 58:6-7)

What is your desire?God is the initiator of Christian fasts, so begin by expecting that God will act on your behalf. Every endeavor necessitates desire. It is the one thing that fuels the heart to enter into a deeper relationship with God. While some fasts do become habits, the primary purpose of Christian fasting is not to change habits, confront ad-dictions, or even to lose weight. A Christian fast comes from the desire to draw near to God, pure and simple. While fasting, we may be called to pray about the place in our life of the thing we are fasting from, and God may change our desires and give us insight into ways we can live a life more centered in a relationship withJesus. Nurturing that central relationship is the main point of Christian fasting.

Jesus is calling his followers to find ways to step aside from the values of our culture and draw near to him.

Fasting, both alone and in community, offers a way to make that step. Fasting clears our minds, opens our hearts, and enables us to see Jesus more vividly. God’s voice and God’s call are more understandable and unhindered. We pray in new ways and with renewed power.

Begin this week of fasting by imagining Jesus asking you these questions:

•Whatdoyouwant? •Whatdoyouseek? •TellHimaboutyourhopes,desires,orexpectations.

A Prayer of Cleansing Cleansing Clean out, O God, the inner stream of my life: all the duplicity, all the avarice, all the falsity.

Search out, O Lord, the hidden motives of my life: all the conceit, all the anger, all the fear.

Root out, divine Master, the destructive actions of my life:

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all the manipulation, all the scheming, all the guile.

May the operations of faith, hope and love increase in everything I am and in everything I do. Amen.

Guidelines for Fasting from Food Don’t fast when you are sick, traveling, pregnant or nursing. People with diabetes, gout, liver disease, kidney disease, ulcers, hypoglycemia, cancer, and blood diseases should not fast.Don’t fast if you are in a hurry and are fasting for immediate results regarding some decision. Fasting is not magic.Listen for a nudging from God to fast.Stay hydrated. Always drink plenty of water and fluids. If you are new to fasting, begin by fasting for one meal a day. Spend time with God that you would nor-mally be eating. (you may fast for 3 days or for 7 days) Begin a fast after supper. Fast until supper the next day. This way you miss two, rather than three meals.Don’t break your fast with a huge meal. Eat small portions of food. The longer the fast, the more you need to break the fast gently.

Fasting May Include:

- Abstaining from food, drink, shopping, etc. to intentionally be focused on God- Abstaining from media: TV, social networking on the internet, music, e-mail, cell phones, and computer games to allow space for listening to the voice of Jesus- Abstaining from habits or comforts: like reading and sports in order to give God undivided attention

Fruits of fasting:- Praying for needs in the body of Christ.- Identifying and fellowshipping with Jesus by choosing to follow his sacrificial example.- Freeing up more time for prayer.- Repenting of self-indulgent, addictive or compulsive behaviors.- Letting these small deprivations remind you of Jesus’ great sacrifice on your behalf.- Seeking strength from God for obedient love and service

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What to do in the time set apart for Fasting• Choose your quiet place for prayer or any place where you will not be disturbed. (Matt. 6:6)

• Bring your Bible, your journal, and a glass of water during your fast.

• Relax and place yourself in the presence of God. Do not rush this time of prayer and fasting. Allow your heart to wait patiently in your listening and conversing with God. Offer yourself and your time to God by repeating Samuel’s words “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” or simply say, “Here I am.”

• Spend some time worshipping God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for where He has come through for you. Psalm 103:1-5 also provides a starting point for praise.

• Bring your desires to God. Ask him if this desire is in line with His will and word for you and the church. Be still and listen. Offer your desires and prayers to God. Journal your time with Him.

A Guide to Contemplative Bible ReadingLetting God Speak Through Scripture

Contemplative Bible Reading or Lectio Divina has four parts to it. You can prepare yourself by quieting and settling into a prayerful posture. Breathing slowly will help you to relax. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading and enlightenment and then follow these steps: (We will use these four steps as a guide for our reflection times during this week of prayer and fasting)

1. READ – Read the chosen passage slowly several times, aloud if desired, allowing the words and phrases to linger within you as you read. The process is rather like eating a good meal. Enjoy the flavor of words, as you would savor the taste of food. As you read, listen for the word or phrase that speaks to you (the word may not even seem to have any ‘spiritual’ significance, but listen to that word that comes to you from the text without judging it)

What is the Spirit drawing your attention to?

2. REFLECT – Stay with words or phrases that catch your attention. Repeat them, turn them around in your mind, and chew them, if you will. Just as food we eat begins to be digested and absorbed into our body, taking energy and nourishment to every cell in every place, so meditation allows the scripture to be absorbed into all corners of our life and being. Make connections between the word or phrase that speak to you and your life.

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What is God saying to you by means of this word or phrase?

3. RESPOND – Allow your prayers – of confession, thanksgiving, petition, worship – to form out of your meditation.

What is God leading you to pray?

4. REST – Finally, rest in the presence of God, like a son or daughter just sitting securely beside their father. Wait quietly and simply be present to God for 10 to 15 minutes or however long it takes.

How is God revealing himself to you?

Various thoughts will intrude into the quiet space. Allow them to be, and rather than focusing your attention on them, return your attention to God. At the end of this time in the quiet, give a simple prayer of thanks. After a few more minutes, take time to journal your time with the Lord.

PassagesWeek 1

January 12Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18

January 13Romans 8:28-39

January 14Psalm 13

January 15Proverbs 22:1-6

January 16Psalm 119:105-112

January 17Jeremiah 31:31-34

January 181 Corinthians 10:1-13

Week 2

January 19Deut. 10:12-17

January 20Ephesians 3:14-21

January 21James 2:1-9

January 22Exodus 14:26-15

January 23Mark 2:23-28

January 242 Timothy 3:10-17

January 25Romans 8:31-39

January 26Hebrews 13:1-6

Week 1

January 12Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18

January 13Romans 8:28-39

January 14Psalm 13

January 15Proverbs 22:1-6

January 16Psalm 119:105-112

January 17Jeremiah 31:31-34

January 181 Corinthians 10:1-13

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Prayer List1. Country-President Aquino and other leaders – honesty and competence-Righteousness, justice, peace and economic prosperity-Protection from calamities

2. Church-Love, purity and graciousness of members-Pastoral Staff, Office Staff, ministry workers and volunteers-Protection and guidance for missionaries and their families

3. Family-Restoration of relationships-Salvation for family members

4. Finances-Freedom from debt-Financial blessings-Financial generosity

5. Other Personal Prayer Items

CLosInG PRAYeR

Lord Jesus Christ, pierce my soul with thy love so that I may always long for thee alone,

who art the bread of angels and the fulfillment of the soul’s deepest desires.

May my heart always hunger and feed upon thee,so that my soul may be filled with the sweetness

of thy presence. May my soul thirst for Thee,who art the source of life, wisdom, knowledge,light and all the riches of God our Father. May Ialways seek and find thee, think upon thee anddo all things for the honour and the glory of thyname. Be always my only hope, my peace, my

refuge and my help in whom my heart is rootedso that I may never be separated from thee.

(from ‘The Complete Book of Christian Prayer)

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CLosInG PRAYeR

Lord Jesus Christ, pierce my soul with thy love so that I may always long for thee alone,

who art the bread of angels and the fulfillment of the soul’s deepest desires.

May my heart always hunger and feed upon thee,so that my soul may be filled with the sweetness

of thy presence. May my soul thirst for Thee,who art the source of life, wisdom, knowledge,light and all the riches of God our Father. May Ialways seek and find thee, think upon thee anddo all things for the honour and the glory of thyname. Be always my only hope, my peace, my

refuge and my help in whom my heart is rootedso that I may never be separated from thee.

(from ‘The Complete Book of Christian Prayer)

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