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PRAYER & FASTING
THINGS TO CONSIDER...
Set aside time each day to connect with Jesus. We encourage you to journal throughout this time (Write down prayer request, wins, what is God speaking to you, etc.). Also, whether you are praying, fasting, or studying your bible, consider these questions:
1. What expectations do you have for doing this?
2. What are you learning about God?
3. What are you learning about yourself?
4. When God speaks to me, will I obey?
5. How can I share what God is doing in my life with others?
PRAYER
Prayer is a way for us to communicate with God. Communication happens both ways: we pray in faith that God listens to, and He responds (even when we don't feel like He does). Prayer doesn't always come naturally, even if you've been a Christian for years. But the best way to connect in a deeper relationship with God is through prayer--one conversation at a time.
Biblical Prayers:
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Numbers 6:24-26 (Aaron's Prayer for blessing)
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1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah's Prayer of praise)
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Psalm 25:1-6 (David's Prayer for guidance)
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Psalm 51:7-12 (David's Prayer of repentance)
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Matthew 6:9-11 ("The Lord's Prayer" given to the disciples)
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Matthew 9:37-38 (Jesus' Prayer for the lost)
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Ephesians 3:14-21 (Paul's Prayer for spiritual strength)
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Philippians 1:9-11 (Paul's Prayer for the church)
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Colossians 1:9-14 (Paul's Prayer of knowledge and thanksgiving)
Articles:
FASTING
Fasting is to voluntarily abstain from eating, drinking, or using personal privileges while spending that time to devote ourselves to God. It's not a diet method, but intentional time used to seek direction from God, repent, make request, or give thanks. Although biblical fasting is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast.
*Disclaimer: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, persons with current or previous medical conditions, or anyone with chronic illness should seek advice from a medical professional before fasting.
Fasting Suggestions:
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Normal Fast (No food, water only. Cf. Matthew 4:2-4, Luke 4:2)
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Absolute Fast (No food or water. Cf. Esther 4:15-16, Acts 9:9. Caution: Should not be undertaken over 3 days and only then if you have a clear directive from the Lord and are in good health)
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Partial Fast (This could mean fasting certain meals of the day or abstaining from certain kinds of foods; i.e.: No meat or sweets, soup only, fruit and vegetables only, etc. Cf. Daniel 10:2-3)
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Fasting and Abstinence (Although the word “fast” is used as abstaining from food in the Bible and does not refer to giving up other things, during a fast one can practice abstinence from other pleasures as well, such as entertainment, TV, hobbies, and sex. Cf. 1 Corinthians 7:3-6)
Articles:
Does Jesus Condemn all Public Fasts in Matthew 6
BIBLE STUDY
The Bible is the primary way that God speaks to us. Reading His Word helps us see more of who He is, what He's done, and how we're supposed to live in light of that. It's more than just reading to attain information, but intentionally expecting to hear from God for transformation.
Devotionals:
Articles:
Strategy for Great Quiet Times
APPS TO HELP YOU
Download any of these apps in the iOS App Store and on Google Play.
YouVersion
Read the Bible anywhere in over 2,000 translations. You can also study the hundreds of bible devotional plans.
Dwell
Listen to the Bible read in multiple voice options and background music.
Echo
Keep track of your prayers, set reminders to pray throughout the day, and share prayer requests with others.
Verses
Use Verses to memorize and meditate on Scripture more. You can also play quick memory games.
