Lent Daily Devotion
WHY SHOULD I FAST?
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls.
- Prayer and fasting internalizes the burden, deepening our ownership of a need.
- Prayer and fasting insists that we quiet our hearts and wait, slowing us down to receive from God.
- Prayer and fasting infuses the vision, enabling us to see what God wants to do.
- Prayer and fasting initiates the vision’s fulfillment, acting as a catalyst for us to act.
WHAT KIND OF FAST SHOULD I DO?
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Many people take part in the Daniel Fast (vegetables and water). Before you fast, decide the following up front:
- How long you will fast – one meal, one day, one week, several weeks (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts).
- The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).
- What physical or social activities you will restrict.
- How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE I’M FASTING?
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
- Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you.
- Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness.
- Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you.
- Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master.
- Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others.
- Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart.
- Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.
- Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
- Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast
*All information adapted from the writings of Bill Bright and John Maxwell.
A great way to structure your time with God is by using the Lord’s Prayer as your guide
- WORSHIP: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name”
Begin by giving God honor and praise for who he is and what he’s done. A great way to do this is by reading a Psalm or listing to a worship song.
- SURRENDER: “Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
The best way to discover God’s will is through the scriptures. It’s through the reading of God’s Word that we hear his voice, discover his plans, and grow into the image of Christ.
Read from the scriptures.
Reflect on what God is saying to you through his Word.
Respond to what God is saying or asking you to do.
- NEEDS: “Give us this day our daily bread”
Ask God to meet the needs you have and pray for the needs of others.
- REPENTANCE: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”
Ask God to forgive any sinful thoughts, words, or deeds you have committed against him or anyone else. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, angered you, or mistreated you.
- POWER: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen”
Sign up for Serve Week
Invite for Easter
Copy this Easter invite and share it with your friends on social media.
Let us know the people you are praying for and reaching out to this Lent season. We would love to join with you in praying for them.