PRAYER FASTING Joel 1 14 Sanctify a fast

PRAYER & FASTING Joel 1: 14 “Sanctify a fast”

WHAT IS FASTING?

I. The Meaning of Fasting 1. Going without food– for a time of spiritual seeking after God a. Not mere dieting b. Not done for health reasons 2. It is a time to bring our hearts, and our lives, into such a burning focus—where we seek the heart and face of God

II. The Motivation of Fasting SOME THINGS TO AVOID 1. AVOID EXHIBITIONISM 2. AVOID BEING A LEGALIST ABOUT 3. AVOID RITUALISM 4. AVOID ASCETICISM 5. AVOID EGOTISM

WHAT IS THE PUROSE OF FASTING? IN A WORD: IT is to bring us to God—TO seek the face of God.

III. THE MINISTRY OF FASTING 1. FASTING WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR PRAYER LIFE 2. IT SUBDUES SELF 3. IT HOLDS BACK THE JUDGMENT OF GOD 4. IT WILL STOP AND SUBDUE ENEMIES 5. IT BRINGS WISDOM AND GUIDANCE 6. IT WILL SHATTER STRONGHOLDS

IV. THE METHODS OF FASTING I’ve Talked To You About: THE MEANING and MOTIVE I’ve Talked To You About What Fasting Does: THE MANIFESTATIONS and the POWER of fasting— THE MINISTRY OF FASTING. Let me talk to you, just for a few moments, about: THE MANNER—THE METHODS OF FASTING

MANNER OR METHODS The Bible tells us very little as to how to fast. If the Bible told us exactly—precisely how to fast, we’d become legalistic about it. Therefore, choose a fast that seems right for you—one between you and God. 1. Be sure of your motivation a. Don’t fast to be seen of men b. Let your fast be as unto the Lord and let by the Lord 2. First Prayerfully Choose Your Fast a. Neither Christ not the apostles had rules for fasting b. You can go without food longer than w/o water 3. Avoid Extremism