Lent Prayer & Fasting Guide
Lent is a time to evaluate yourself in light of God’s Word.
What is Lent all about?
The season of Lent is a time of spiritual preparation. It is a time where we are reacquainted with the frailty of our flesh and our great need for the salvation God offers to us in Jesus Christ.
In preparation for Good Friday and Easter, Lent is a time for God's people to fast from the busyness of the world, and feast on the Word of God and prayer. Lent is a time of self-denial, a time to give up something.
Lent is a time to evaluate yourself in light of God’s Word. It’s a time to abandon the sins you have grown accustomed to committing in your life. It’s a time to receive God’s forgiveness and strength to lead a Christian life. It’s a time to renew your desire to serve God, and to be the Christians that God has made you to be.
What does Lent have to do with me?
Lent is an amazing opportunity to commit to God in a new way. Some people choose to give something up (or ‘fast’) during Lent, others choose to try something new to enrich their devotional lives. Whatever God leads you to do, we want to provide some suggestions for how we could approach this season together as a church family.
This year, you can decide to give up chocolate; social media such as Facebook or Twitter (X); food such red meat or dairy products; drinks such coffee or tea with milk. You could also decide to turn away from sin, pick one sin or something you have struggled with, such as selfishness, telling lies, lust, anger, Unforgiveness etc. Focus on that thing. Give up that sin in your life!
You could also take time to fast and seek God in prayer. We have provided a guide for items to pray for so that we pray with “one voice” as a church. We would like God to send “rain on us”
Fasting is simply defined as going without food for a period of time, either entirely or partially. It is a spiritual discipline that has many benefits.
Fasting has many blessings associated with it:
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Fasting brings direction from God (Acts10:30, Acts13:2-3, Judges 20:26)
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Fasting brings the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14)
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Fasting brings answers to prayer (Esther 4:16, Nehemiah 1:4.
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Fasting brings action from God (2 Chronicles 20:20-21)
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Fasting brings a spiritual breakthrough Matthew17:21)
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Fasting deepens humility (Ezra 8:21, 1 Peter 5:6)
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Fasting is a spiritual catalyst in prayer. It enhances the potency of our prayers.
While fasting has many benefits we need to understand that it is not a way to earn God’s blessing, or to somehow “get” God to answer our prayers, we still need to be obedient, humble and surrender to God’s will and purposes in every situation.
What is the Guidance of the church for this season of Lent?
We live in a culture of fast food, instant gratification, and self-centeredness. One of the best ways to get our eyes off of ourselves and back onto the Lord is through fasting.
There are at least three types of individual fasts that that you could choose from;
1. Absolute Fast
An absolute fast is conducted by abstaining from all food and water for a certain period of time. This is also known as the “total fast” because an individual chooses to abstain from all foods and beverages.
There are several Biblical examples for the total fast. Moses and Elijah both abstained from food and water for forty days and forty nights. (Deuteronomy 9:9, 10:10, 18:25-29; 1 Kings 19:8). Although the Bible says they fasted for forty days, many people usually only totally abstain from food and water for three days.
2. Solid Food Fast
A solid food fast is where an individual may drink juice and water but chooses not to eat solid food. Drinking water while fasting for several days can actually be therapeutic for your body. In any case, you should not fast for more than a week unless you consult a doctor.
3. Partial Fast
To fast simply means to “abstain” from something. A partial fast is where you choose to abstain from certain foods and drinks instead of complete abstinence of food or drink.
The Bible tells us that Daniel abstained from bread, water, and wine for twenty-one days (Daniel 10:3). Others may choose to fast from television, computer, newspaper, and hobbies. This will help you free up some time to spend in prayer and reflection.
You should decide which fast is better for you. Due to health reasons not, everyone can do a total fast. If you have a health issue or are pregnant it is recommended you seek medical guidance on this. Sometimes work schedules and other duties may prevent an individual from a certain type of fast. You may want to begin with a partial fast and work your way to a total fast. Ultimately, you should pray and ask God what His will would be for your fast.
Just do it! Many people never fast because they are afraid to do it or because they have never done it before. Don’t let fear or inexperience stop you from experiencing one of God’s greatest blessings. Probably all of the great heroes of the faith spent many hours fasting and praying unto the Lord.
Blessings to you all during this special season!