Skip to main content

Lent: Fasting & Prayer

The following comes from "Why Bother with Lent?" by Elliot Grudem & Bruce Benedict


Fasting and prayer are two traditional focuses of Lent.

Fasting, joined with fervent prayer and reading of Scriptures, is a spiritual discipline of humbling
ourselves in abstinence before God to turn away some tragedy, or for obtaining of some special
blessing. Fasting is traditionally the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or
both, for a limited time. Some people give up a certain behavior or habits during the season. We fast (not just during Lent) because Jesus told us to do so (Matt. 6:16, Mark 2:20). We fast because we continue to see the pattern of fasting practiced in the church (Acts 13, for example). We fast because it is one of the means God uses to break the power of sin in our lives, prepare us well for prayer, and humble us before him (for unlike God, we need food to live).

The act of self-denial can be a helpful tool in your Christian growth. There is nothing magic about it; however it can be a helpful reminder of your deep need for Jesus and the way that Jesus meets and satisfies your every need.

So as you pray, join the Psalmist in praying, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps. 139:23-24).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Responding to the Flooding, Christmas in July Food Drive, New Sermon Series (Pastoral Emphasis for 7/13)

Responding to the Flooding All of us are painfully aware of the devastating flooding that struck our nation recently. As of Friday evening, the confirmed death toll in Texas has risen to 129, with at least 150 individuals still missing across the state. Our hearts are heavy, and we grieve for the lives lost and the families enduring unimaginable pain. One of the first things people tend to do is look for someone to blame. Was it the fault of the warning system not being early enough? Was it the fault of the government (state and federal)? Was it the fault of God? If God is so good, why do we suffer with natural disasters like flooding that takes the lives of seemingly innocent people like young children? The reality is that the fault lies with us. Humanity decided to rebel against the Creator God, thereby, ushering in sin and the fall from God's perfect creation. Natural disasters happen because we live in a fallen world ravaged by sin. Natural disasters like these floods are trag...
Post a Comment
Read more

Congrats to High School Graduates, JA Lewis Scholarship Winners, VBS (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/8)

 🎓 Congratulations to Our High School Graduates!   (l to r: Zeb Merrill, Uriah Bracey, Kalyn Clark, Gabrielle Harris, Logan McDonald, Avery Carranza (missing)) We are so proud of each of our students who have completed this important chapter of their journey. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. As you step into this next phase of life, remember Proverbs 3:6 — “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 🏅 JA Lewis Scholarship Winners We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s JA Lewis Scholarship: 2nd Place ($500): Brooke Logan McDonald 1st Place ($1,000): Zebulin Merrill Congratulations to both recipients for their academic achievements and pursuit of excellence! 🎓 Honoring Our College Graduates We also celebrate our members who have earned college degrees this year: Undergraduate Degree Recipients – Your perseverance is commendable. We pray continued blessings on your future endeavors. 📚 Small ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Recently Came Forward, Series Break, Book Launch Party (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/10)

Recently Came Forward We’re excited to share that Kiara Avery has come forward as a Candidate for Baptism . We rejoice with her in this step of faith and look forward to celebrating her baptism soon! Series Break   We’ll be taking a short break from our Plumb Line sermon series next Sunday, as Anita and I will be away for Gabrielle’s college move-in weekend . Thank you for your prayers for us and for Gabrielle as she begins this exciting new chapter.   Book Launch Party   I’m thrilled to announce that we’re hosting a Book Launch Party for my new book on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM — and everyone is invited! This will be a special evening to celebrate together, hear more about the book, and enjoy fellowship. If you’ve reserved a copy, you can pick it up and pay at the launch party. We’ll also have additional copies available for purchase. Please register ahead of time so we can plan for seating, refreshments, and other details. Let’s make it a night of joy, conne...
Post a Comment
Read more