In both the Old and New Testaments, we see examples of abstaining from food or drink for a period of time for the purpose of prayer. Today, abstaining from food, phones, or screens for a season doesn’t earn God’s favor as we pray. Rather, fasting helps focus our minds and reminds our hearts that more than whatever we are missing, we need God to work in our situation. Our longings for whatever we have surrendered also act as a natural reminder that we must pray. Ultimately, we pray and fast because we believe that spiritual progress or fruit is not possible apart from his work. Let us ask God for help, for apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)
As we think about this, we invite you to join us for our next monthly day of fasting on Saturday, November 19th, as we seek God’s provision for Antioch. This fast could be from food, phone, or screens and can be for a portion or all of the day. The next morning (Sunday, November 20th), come to Antioch at 9:15 for a time of worship, prayer, and communion before our main service in our Meeting Room.