Details about the church-wide fast January 6-8

“Fasting does not change God’s hearing so much as it changes our praying.” – Donald Whitney 

Grace Family,

This year has been a phenomenal year at Grace. We’ve seen lives transformed for Christ as the Holy Spirit has moved. Several years ago, as a step of obedience, we began fasting at the beginning of each year to seek God’s hand… and many of you are the result! Fasting may be a new and unfamiliar concept for many of you. Don’t worry; I was in the same boat several years ago, but after seeing God’s response to His people praying and fasting, I’ll never go back! Several have asked me, “What do I do?” “Do I not eat at all?” “Do I have to fast from food?” … and these are GREAT questions.

If you are new to the spiritual discipline of fasting, you won’t regret setting aside the time to seek God in this special way. Many at Grace will do a water fast for these 3 days (no food and water only). Others will do other forms of fasting (partial fast, Daniel fast, entertainment fast, etc.). However you choose to participate, we must do this in unity. God’s blessing rests in places of oneness and unity with His people. You can learn more about fasting in the Fasting document on our website.

During these three days of fasting, here are the areas I am asking the church to focus on during their times of seeking God. I’ll send emails each day explaining a little more about each one.

Day 1 – Preparation

Day 2 – Presence

Day 3 – Power

Going Deeper

This weekend will also kick off our series “Spiritual Gym,” during which we’ll dive into the spiritual disciplines of grace.  For those of you wanting to dig deeper and read more, here are some suggested books:

• God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallace: This book will explain fasting clearly and will help you keep your focus correct as you fast.
• Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer: This book explains how we are transformed by God’s grace at work in our lives.
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster: This book will walk through the spiritual disciplines and how God uses the disciplines to position us for grace to transform us. Here is the order of what disciplines we’ll be teaching each week.

If you plan to join us, would you fill out the form below and let me know what you are praying for so we can join you?