As promised in worship this morning, here's the first of a week of daily posts to prepare us for our week-long fast April 3-9. We prepared these comments for an article on fasting a couple of years ago, and they will give us a good review or introduction to fasting:  In the daily pace of modern society it is easy to lose our focus on God. That's why as Christians, it is critical that we fast from time to time to help bring us a truer sense of God's desire for our lives. Through fasting and prayer, our communication and communion with the Lord moves to a dynamic and higher level.
 
Throughout the Bible we see that it was assumed that God’s people would fast. This is the reason religious leaders challenged Jesus about why His disciples didn't participate. He replied that people shouldn't fast in the presence of the Bridegroom, but they would when He was taken away (see Matthew 9:14-15).

Why prayer and fasting?  In the Bible, we observe the people of God fasting for a variety of reasons:  1)  They faced a crisis;  2) They sought God's protection and deliverance; 3) They had been called to repentance and renewal; 4) They asked God for guidance; 5) They humbled themselves in worship.

When John Wesley spoke of fasting, he said "First, let it be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him.  Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father who is in heaven."  When we decide to set aside time to fast, we want to please the heart of God.  We want to have a day(s) of feasting – feasting on Jesus!  

On our day(s) of fasting, let's remember to feast!  Let's remember that fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus.  Let's remember that fasting is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit.  Let's remember that fasting is not about doing without, it's about looking within.  Let's remember that fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude and cry of the soul. 

Tomorrow and the rest of the week, we'll look at some spiritual and practical aspects of fasting and preparing for a week-long fast!