FastingSample

So after (the prophets and teachers at Antioch) had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on (Barnabas and Saul) and sent them off (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for (the disciples) in each (of the new churches at Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch), and with prayer and fasting, committed (the elders and the disciples) to the Lord (Acts 14:23).

These verses highlight the importance of fasting, praying and ‘the laying on of hands’ when disciples are commissioned into new ministries.

Jesus prayed all night before appointing his apostles.

If we do not pray all night before we appoint someone, we will certainly pray all night after we have appointed them! Oh, the mess and difficulty that some churches get into because completely inappropriate people are put in positions of authority and influence!

But when we, the community of disciples, seek God with fasting and prayer before making appointments, and then fast and pray for the appointed people when they are commissioned into ministry through the laying on of hands, then the church will be strengthened, our Father in the heavens will be honoured and the kingdom will come with power.

These are the four New Testament fasts:

The story of Anna demonstrates the power of fasting and intercession to lay a foundation for a very great work of God.

Jesus demonstrated the vital importance of fasting, prayer and scripture in resisting temptation and pursuing the highest call of God for our lives.

The prophets and teachers at Antioch show the crucial place of fasting, prayer and worship when seeking God for the mission of the church.

Paul and Barnabas demonstrate the vital importance of fasting and prayer when choosing, appointing and commissioning elders to lead God’s church.

Point for reflection

• A story from the Scriptures themselves:
  Paul writes to Timothy; ‘Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.’
  1 Timothy 4:14
  
  This verse tells us that there was a special occasion when the elders gathered around Timothy and laid their hands on him, (we should imagine some form of prayer ministry at the centre of the church worship), and were led by the Spirit to prophesy over him.

Tips on fasting

• Before you begin you never know what will happen during the fast. There are times when the Spirit comes with power, the Scriptures speak to you clearly and powerfully and the presence of God is tangible. And there are other times when it seems the very opposite happens.
• As you practice fasting over the weeks, months and years you will have times when you experience all of these things happening.
• But whatever happens, we persevere, we believe the Father’s promises, we keep seeking the kingdom.