Prayer and Fasting

As we have been seeking direction for Bend City, Scott and I have decided to do some fasting in January and will likely ask the rest of the body to fast at some point in February. Since there may be some that are not familiar with the idea and practice of fasting, I thought it would be helpful to write briefly about it and why we are deciding to do it.

First off, I think it is helpful to note that fasting is not commanded in the New Testament. There are many direct commands throughout the gospels and letters of the New Testament, but fasting is not one of them. With this said, although it is not commanded, fasting is spoken of often. At one point, when Jesus is asked why disciples do not fast, he plainly tells them that his disciples will fast when he leaves the earth. Jesus was sure that his disciples would fast.

Matthew 9:14-15

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees
fast, but your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding
guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Other times fasting is mentioned in the New Testament are Matthew 6:16, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23, and 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Purpose of Fasting

When Jesus was on the earth, his disciples did not fast. When Jesus returns and we are with him, we will not fast. This gives us insight on the purpose of fasting. Fasting exists because we are not yet with Jesus. Fasting should come from a longing to be closer and have deeper relationship with God while we are not physically with Him. There are very practical ways that fasting creates deeper relationship with God. Once a God-given pleasure such as food or marital relations is voluntarily removed for a time, it is constant reminder of the giver of all gifts and a reminder of the necessity of the giver. Also, if fasting is combined with seeking God in prayer, the hunger caused by fasting can remind the faster to seek God in prayer. This is obviously not meant to be an exhaustive explanation of fasting, but a general overview.

What Fasting Is Not

There are 3 main pitfalls that I can see regarding fasting that bear mentioning.

1. Fasting is not a means to earn acceptance from God

Luke 18 tells of a Pharisee that was excited because of all that God had allowed him to do and was basing his acceptance from God on his works. One of which was fasting twice a week. Jesus explains in Luke 18:14 that this Pharisee, despite his twice a week fasting, was not justified before God

2. Fasting should not be done to distinguish yourself as a good Christian to others

Matthew 6:16-18
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

3. Fasting is not an arm twisting of God for Him to answer your prayer

This is probably the most subtle of issues that can arise. The chain of events can go like this. We have a prayer need. We’ve decided to not only pray, but to pray and fast to seek God’s guidance. When the answer does not come as expected, we feel cheated because we were really devoted to God and he didn’t fulfill his end of the bargain.

Fasting must be done in an attitude of humility as we seek guidance and direction from an all-knowing, all-wise God. God, in His wisdom, may choose to withhold what we think we need or answer in an unexpected way.

Why Call Bend City to Fast

As we are entering our second year as a local church, there are 2 issues that we see needing direction and wisdom from the Lord. Among other needs, these are going to be the 2 needs we focus on during our time of prayer and fasting.

1. Direction of Discipleship- Jesus commanded the church to make disciples and to teach the disciples. This is a given. What is not a given is how this is done. We feel God will give us specific direction and wisdom to teach and train the disciples, raise up leaders from among the body, and create an atmosphere for making disciples that make disciples.

2. Ministry to the City- We are expectant that God will make more clear where we are to focus our efforts in being a light to the city of West Bend. More specifically, where can God’s people be empowered by God’s spirit to do acts of service to the world around us.

Fasting- The Practice

Some will argue that fasting must be done in such and such a way. If you feel called to fast from a certain food or only eat certain foods or fast from entertainment, etc., that is excellent and you should be obedient to your Godly conviction. From Scripture, I do not see a certain prescribed method of fasting, and thus, believe there is some freedom on the matter. Scott and I will be fasting from certain foods similar to what Daniel had done in Daniel 10. Other methods of fasting that can be done are eating only bread and water, drinking only juice, abstaining from TV and internet, or abstaining from other forms of entertainment. Remember, the goal is closeness with God, not how much can I resist proving I am Godly.

Looking forward to seeking God with you for His glory.