Horizon Church August Bible Reading Plan: Consecration - 14 Days of Prayer & FastingSample

What is Fasting? | Ps Tim Biasetto

Fasting is a powerful Christian discipline in which a person abstains from some, or all, food for a period of time while intentionally making space to hunger and thirst after God in prayer and contemplation.

Spiritual disciplinesare not the end in and of themselves, they are a means to an end. The end is increased intimacy and communion with God.

Spiritual disciplines help us create the spaces in which His presence brings about transformation in our lives.

Fasting is powerful because it creates a heightened state of awareness to God’s presence in our daily life. It also helps you realise that you are not at the mercy of your natural urges, but you have the capacity for self-control.

During a time of fasting, we become acutely aware of our physical body's wants and desires. Fasting is a conscious decision to deny our flesh and instead choose to focus on our spiritual hunger. We turn to prayer rather than open the fridge, we remind ourselves of His presence rather than distract ourselves with a meal. Each hunger pain is a reminder and an opportunity to turn again to Jesus and receive from Him.

Fasting is not a hunger strike in which we make demands of God, or a form of penance for our sins, or a means to gain favour in His eyes. It is an opportunity to humble ourselves, prioritise His presence and consciously walk in step with the Spirit each day.

Jesus is our example in all things, He exhibits what perfect human unity and communion with God looks like. In Matthew 4, prior to Jesus' test from the enemy, we see the Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness. The Spirit knew Jesus needed to be spiritually sharp, strong and sure of who He was in God if He was to pass the test which man has failed since Adam. By the time the devil comes to tempt Jesus 40 days later, Jesus was ready. While He may have been physically hungry, He was spiritually sharp, strong and sure of His identity in God. He walks perfectly in the will of God and the enemy fails to subjugate Him.

Fasting, when partnered with prayer and contemplation, will sharpen and strengthen you spiritually. It will prepare you for what is to come and it will bring you closer to the one who loves you and desires to walk intimately with you in your life.

There are a few ways you can approach fasting and there are many fasts referred to in the Bible that can be used as guides. While a fast is generally abstaining from food, a fast can extend to other areas of your life such as social media, TV, etc.

Our team have put together some helpful information and guidance about fasting which you can find at hz.church/prayerandfasting

We strongly advise that you consult your doctor before embarking on a food fast, and seek medical advice if you have any concerns while fasting.

I’m excited to see all that God does in you and through you as you engage in this exciting time of prayer and fasting.

Prayer Focus:

• Spend time in worship, focusing your attention on Jesus and committing the next 14 days to Him
• Ask God for direction and clarity in how you will participate
• Seek His will and purpose for your fast