More bits & pieces on fasting

Here are some quick points about fasting in a God-honoring, life-giving way:

• When we fast, we humbly give up something. Giving up food (or an alternative if food is not possible for health or other reasons) is a way of humbling ourselves before God.
• Fasting can be a symbolic act of recommitment expressing "I believe & trust you, God."
• Fasting is a way of asking for help when we feel hard-pressed.
• Fasting can be a form of communal preparation.
• Fasting is a means of participating in suffering. "If Christ suffered all that for me, I can suffer in this small way."
  
• Fasting is not a way that we earn God's favor or manipulate His will.
• Fasting does not have to be done "just right." The why's are more important than the how's. Don't be intimidated if you're a fasting rookie.
  
• Fasting is worthless if it doesn't deepen our actions of missions and/or spiritual development.
  
• When we fast, we feast on the Word of God. A portion of the time that would've normally been spent eating, is spent reading & meditating on Scripture. For the UABC Day of Prayer & Fasting tomorrow, Proverbs 29:18 & Joel 2:12-15 are good ones to start with.
• When we fast, we draw near to Our God in prayer. Most of the time that would've normally been spent eating, is spent praying--talking with and listening for God. Below is a prayer prompt based on the common elements of some fasting prayers in the Bible:

PRAISE Most High & Faithful God, you are more powerful than anyone else, you are holy to highest level, and you enjoy being gracious & helpful to any who call on your name. …

CONFESSION We have to admit that we haven’t always been faithful to you. We’ve trusted in our own abilities, we’ve failed to honor you by living rightly, and we’ve often neglected your call to be gracious & helpful to others. …

RECALL ACTS/PROMISES Still, you have a history of delivering your people from distress. You led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. You helped the Jews from exile back home. You sent your Son, Jesus, to deliver all of us from sin into full and eternal life. …

LAMENT/COMPLAINT Surely, you know that things are not all well for us. Some of our misfortunes are our own doing; some are a result of the times in which we live. …

REQUEST/CALL TO ACTION So we’re humbly asking you to reveal yourself and do something powerful with us for the sake of your name. We’re not asking this because we deserve it, but because we’re confident in your grace. We are forever yours. May your favor rest upon us. …

Will post an edited video of the sermon on fasting...if it works out like I think...