Fasting Prayer

"When you fast, do not look gloomy, like the hypocrites." - Matthew 6:16

Fasting and prayer is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. While the two often go hand in hand, fasting need not always be from food - what matters is the heart that seeks the Lord with renewed dependence.

The Old Testament prescribed fasting only for the Day of Atonement. Beyond that, fasting was a personal or communal response to crisis, conviction, or longing - King Jehoshaphat called a fast as Israel faced attack (2 Chronicles 20:3); the men of Nineveh fasted in response to Jonah's preaching.

The New Testament continues this practice. Anna "worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast. Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness. The Word does not command believers to fast - but it presents it as something deeply expected of those who walk with God.

On the first Saturday of every month, our parish gathers at the Parsonage from 10:30 AM for a morning of fasting, worship, and intercession. Come and seek the Lord with us.