A Special Challenge: Join Us in A Fast for Our City and Community
This past Sunday, Pastor Brent challenged us all to join in a communal time of fasting for our cities and communities. This is a great challenge for you to consider being a part of whether you have never fasted before, or you practice this discipline on a regular basis. If you’d like to join with us in fasting for our community this week, read on to better understand what fasting is and how to do it…
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by God’s people for thousands of years. It isn’t about earning God’s favor or "starving" for attention; it is about positioning our hearts to speak with Him and also hear from Him more clearly.
What is Fasting?
At its simplest, fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for a spiritual purpose. When we fast, we say "no" to the physical cravings of our bodies to say a deeper "yes" to the hunger of our souls for God. It is an act of humility that reminds us of what Jesus taught in Matthew 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Why Do We Fast?
To Humble Ourselves: Fasting is a physical way to admit our total dependence on God (Psalm 35:13).
To Seek Direction: In the early church, believers fasted and prayed before making big decisions or sending out leaders (Acts 13:2-3).
To Intercede for Others: Fasting adds a "brokenness" and urgency to our prayers. As we feel the physical hunger, it serves as a prompt to pray for the needs of our neighbors.
To Break Chains: God promises that a true fast "loosens the chains of injustice" (Isaiah 58:6).
Our Focus: Praying for Our Community and City
This week, we aren't just fasting for our own personal needs. We are standing in the gap for our city. As you fast, use your hunger as a reminder to pray for:
Our Neighbors: For those struggling with fear, loneliness, or lack of hope.
Our Leaders: For wisdom for our city officials, teachers, and first responders.
The Gospel: That God would open doors for us to share His love in tangible ways.
This Week’s Challenge
We want to invite everyone to participate in a collective fast this week. Choose a level that is healthy and manageable for you:
Options
The Meal Fast: Skip one meal (like lunch) and spend that time in prayer for our city.
The 24-Hour Fast: Fast from dinner one night until dinner the next day.
The Daniel Fast: Eat only vegetables and water for a specific day or several days.
The Media Fast: If health prevents you from skipping food, fast from social media/TV and use that time for prayerful intercession.
A Note on Safety: Please consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or have a history of disordered eating. God looks at the heart, not just the stomach!
Practical Tips
Drink plenty of water.
Don't just stop eating—start praying. If you skip a meal but don't replace it with prayer, you’re just on a diet.
Keep it quiet. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:17-18, don't make a show of your fasting. Let it be a private moment between you and the Father.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for our city! God hears and sees our prayers, and together, through His strength, we believe God can push back the darkness.
Grace & Peace,
The Edinbrook Leadership