Fasting & Praying GuideSample

We will attempt to draw out important biblical teachings to edify our souls as we fast from food and feast on God. The goal of this is to experience for ourselves what it means to live not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).

Our prayer for you as you work through this guide is the same as Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:16–21).

Isaiah 58 challenges us to ensure our missional actions align with God’s holistic vision.

Fasting is not about pietistic religious activity; it’s about loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves. If we’re fasting without reflecting God’s love and justice, He rejects our fast.

As you fast, ask yourself: Are my actions reflecting who He is?