7 Days of Prayer & Fasting

September 26th, 2023
by Clint Craig

Prayer is our first response, so we are asking everyone to come together for 7 intentional days of Prayer and Fasting. We are embarking on a very significant moment in our journey as a church and we know that we need God’s guidance, God’s wisdom, and God’s power if we are to be who God wants us to be and do what He wants us to do.

We say it around LifeSwitch all the time, prayer is powerful and effective. When we work, we work. Yet when we pray, God works. One of the most powerful things we can do as we pray is to fast. This isn’t as common and well-practiced by many people, yet it is a spiritual discipline that Jesus spoke of and modelled. One that has been practiced by Christians for over 2,000 years. Fasting is one of the many ways we seek to align our hearts with the heart of God. You see, prayer connects us with God, while fasting disconnects us from the world, or the desires of our flesh. That’s why it’s important for the two to go together.

You might be asking - what is fasting exactly? Is it just a holy weight loss program or is there more to it than that? How do I know if I’m doing it right?

So here is a bit of information to help you learn more about fasting, how to start a fast, and the importance of it in your Christian life. (Spoiler alert: It’s not about weight loss).

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Matthew 6:16-18.

The Benefits of Fasting

Fasting is an integral part of developing our relationship with Christ. It is a time where we quiet ourselves from the distractions around us, so that we can hear from God more clearly. Fasting is not about losing weight, it’s about enabling ourselves to hear from Him.

What you let go of dictates what you pick up...

Fasting is less about what you’re losing, and more about what you’re gaining. Abstaining from food, drink, media, social media, or anything else that normally feeds you is no easy task! Those who fast often acknowledge the physical, mental, and emotional toll that it takes on the human body, as you are denying yourself of personal cravings. This self-denial is important in bringing focus to your heart and mind, so that you can connect with God without interference. What you stand to gain will far outweigh what you decide to give up.

How to succeed in your Fast

When the Holy Spirit calls us to fast, He will strengthen us and give us the ability to carry it out. We’ve whipped up a few key tips that can help you throughout the entire process. So, whatever the reason God has led you to fast, you’ll stay right on track.

1. COME WITH YOUR HEART TURNED TOWARDS GOD

We must come into this time with a humble heart, acknowledging that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we approach God this way, our hearts are open to the word that God will release towards us.

2. BE INTENTIONAL IN HOW YOU USE THE TIME FASTING OFFERS

When we fast, we create extra time in our days. As we give up something, we create space to do something else. This space should be filled with seeking God. Use the time to pray, to listen, to dive into scripture.

3. EXPECT TEMPTATION

Don't feel bad if you feel tempted to break your fast, you should expect it. The key is having a plan for when temptation strikes. Temptation in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. in fact, if there was no temptation, we wouldn’t need to depend on God. So, see temptation as an opportunity to grow your dependance, rather than failure.