21 DAYS OF PRYAER AND FASTING
Pastor Josh Weisbrod – January 3, 2021
SUMMARY: Fasting is a spiritual discipline done by physical action with supernatural applications.
1. Fasting Places Christ at the Center
· Fasting is about placing a loving God at the center of our lives
· Ephesians 2:4-6; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 5:6
2. Fasting is Motivated by Desire
· Fasting is about ingesting the Word of God, the beauty of God, the presence of God, and the blessing of God. Fasting is passionate pursuit and spiritual indulgence.
· Psalm 63; Isaiah 58:2-10
3. Fasting Focuses on the Giver over the Gift
· When we fast, we submit our hunger for the creation to hunger for the Creator. We focus our hunger on the Giver and celebrate the gift He gives.
· Romans 1:25
4. Fasting Glorifies God
· God is the goal of fasting—not only the desire to be nearer to Him but also the longing to bring our whole lives in alignment with Him.
· When we fast, we encounter strength that comes from Him, we receive clarity and direction from the Holy Spirit, and we receive a weapon for spiritual warfare.
· Matthew 6:16-18; John 4:31-38; Acts 13:1-3; Matthew 4:1-11
5. Fasting is Feasting
· As we hunger for God at the center of our life, we will always experience and receive more of Him.
· As we feast on God, it opens up more breakthrough than we could imagine.
· Psalm 63
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever fasted before? What has been your experience of fasting?
2. Which of the following five components of fasting comes to the front of your mind as something you would like to have more of in your life?
a. Placing a loving God at the center of your life
b. Having a passion to pursue the presence of God
c. Focusing on the Giver over the gifts He gives
d. Having a desire to be closer to Him and bringing your life into alignment with Him
e. Feasting on God and opening up more breakthrough than you could imagine
3. What are some practical things you personally can do to prepare for the 21 days of prayer and fasting? (Examples: Decide what kind of fast you want to do, set a specific time to pray, plan your fast, etc.)
4. There is a chance that during the 21 days of prayer and fasting, you may “mess up” or “make a mistake”, on what you decided to do. Decide now, what you will do when/if you “mess up”. Will you go directly to God in prayer and ask for help, call a friend or someone in your small group for support and encouragement to keep going, etc.? Don’t allow a “mess up” or a “mistake” to derail your fast.
Full Podcast Episode: https://banner.church/podcast/2021/1/14/21-days-of-prayer-and-fasting-1321