1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1 – 3, New International Version)
Theme: The Local Church
Context:
Thanks for all your helpful comments during our review of prayer! Today, we turn to the Discipline of Fasting. The attitude of local churches towards this discipline varies significantly. We recognize and respect that not all local churches view this discipline as a priority. However, in our 40-day journey we consider fasting a valuable Discipline. We will again begin by considering some questions about the role of fasting in your local church.
Please note that tomorrow, we will continue our tradition of engaging jointly in a day of fasting.
Questions:
- Does your local church teach biblical principles about fasting?
- If fasting is encouraged, is corporate fasting ever organized?
- If fasting is not encouraged, is there an explanation for why it isn’t?
- Are the leaders of your church committed to fasting in their personal lives?
Your Feedback:
As mentioned in the context we are respectful of different views and our aim is not to criticize churches. Instead of commenting on a particular church, we would love to hear your personal views on local churches fasting together. All views are truly welcomed.
March 17, 2022 at 9:22 am
My husband and I have been going to a Methodist Church and they have discussed fasting in passing as we were encouraged to give up something for Lent and using the absence of that thing to redirect focus on God. I can’t say I recall a message on fasting but as I continue to see these questions about “my church” that I can’t answer I see how my infrequent visit contributes to that lack of knowing who they are and believe.
March 18, 2022 at 4:39 am
I don’t know the practices of other churches, but I know there are many members of my local church who fasts (and pray).
I think I would use “suggests” instead of “encourage” with regard to my local church. However, when talked about, suggestions are given, I think, in hopes of getting more people to participate. For example, a majority of the congregants are elderly, and Pastor will mention that while some people can fast all day without food, it’s okay for those who feel the need to consume something for health reasons, to do so. I get the impression he doesn’t want anybody to not fast because they think they have to abstain hundred percent, and end up feeling sick.