Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting - QUESTIONS and INSTRUCTIONS:

What is a FAST?

The word “fast” comes from the Greek (nēsteia – nay-STI-ah) which literally means to be “unsatisfied or empty”. It is the concept of intentionally depriving oneself, most commonly from food and drink, in order to be unsatisfied or empty of the things of the physical life so that one may be filled or satisfied with that of the Spiritual.

Why should we fast?

Fasting, both in the Old and New Testaments were designed to draw our attention away from ourselves and self provision and place our attention upon God and His provision. Fasting is a process of intentionally seeking God and His will, desiring most of all, clarity, conviction and courage to follow through with that revealed will.

How should we fast?

This year, we are fasting from “time thieves”. For the next 40 days, each participant will ask the Lord to reveal to them a “time thief” that Satan is using to steal away our most prized possession and redeem that time back to intentional prayer, meditation, and study. This ‘fast’ will last for 40 days, from July 30 – September 8 when we conclude this intentional fasting during our river baptism service.

Some may choose to fast from food as well at some point during these next 40 days. For health reason etc, not everyone can physically fast from food; however, everyone can fast from something. If you are not physically able to fast from food, consider fasting from television or some other activity during the day and dedicate that time and energy to seeking the Lord on behalf your family. The object of the fast is not nearly as important as the heart and mind behind the fast. Important things to keep in mind during a fast are as follows:

If you agree to fast, take it seriously, do not fast like the hypocrite who simply wants to be recognized by men for spiritual service

When you fast, make sure to present yourself “ready for the day”, cleaned up and presentable so that others are unaware of your fasting

Matthew 6:1,16-18 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

What are we specifically fasting and praying for?

First Baptist Church Fair Oaks Ranch is fasting this year to intentionally focus on the Ten Spiritual Disciplines (DISCIPLINE) and how they can help us “build up our most holy faith” (Jude 20). Each discipline will be focused on for four days to help further expand the explanation and development of that habit. Consider some of the application section to help grow these disciplines in your own life.

Specific Instructions:

o Identify a daily time thief that consumes at least 15 minutes of your day. Ideas are social media, internet searching, TV / Movies, etc.

o Redeem that time and use it specifically for intentional prayer for the members of your personal and church families.

o Read the scripture provided for your day to help stimulate your family worship, prayers, study and meditation.

o Although we are not legalistic and occasionally ‘misses’ are understandable; take your commitment to fast and redeem the time seriously and walk by faith that God will hear and answer your prayers.