You may be sitting at a computer in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Alabama, Michigan, Massachusetts, North Carolina, or somewhere else in the world. Like other friends and relatives, you wish you could do more to support Adam Root and his immediate family.
I know that many of you have been lifting up Adam in prayer. The reality is that is about all we can do. Yet, there is no need to feel badly about that. It is the best thing that we have to offer — our prayers.
If you care for Adam and his family, join us each Wednesday as we fast and pray for Adam's healing. Why Fasting?
It isn’t much to ask, is it? I am not an expert on all the spiritual aspects of fasting. But, a number of people have joined in, many for the first time in their lives. We have all survived (better than we thought we might!). We simply believe that giving up a few meals to spend time in prayer is the least we can do to support Adam and his family.
(Note: You can participate in a partial fast or an alternative fast if you have medical or health conditions that prevent you from going without food. Please consult your physician before fasting.)
(Note: You can participate in a partial fast or an alternative fast if you have medical or health conditions that prevent you from going without food. Please consult your physician before fasting.)
We believe that a unified day of prayer and fasting is a good way for our requests to be heard. The fasting portion is a sign of obedience to God, and the sacrifice of not eating indicates the seriousness of our requests.
Folks, it’s time to get serious. Will you join us on Wednesdays?
Life is short. Pray hard.
OK, you've said some prayers for Adam. Now, you may be thinking, "Why do I need to fast?" You are not alone. I thought that way for about 50 years. I used to say, "I might get headaches. I might get dizzy. I might not be able to concentrate on my work. Holy cow, I might get hungry!"
I can say that it is challenging, but not impossible. In my experience, I have found fasting to be much easier than I thought before actually trying it.
What is fasting?
Fasting is the act of abstaining from food. There are various types or ways to fast. You can simply not eat or drink anything but water. A popular type of fast used during World Vision's 30-Hour Famine is a juice fast.
It’s an opportunity for us to focus our thoughts, prayers and efforts on things most important to God. It’s a way to draw near to God. Practically speaking, it also provides some time for dedicated conversation with God. Instead of spending time eating, spend that time in prayer.
You will feel real hunger. When those pangs of hunger strike, send up a prayer. It may be one to thank God for all the wonderful provisions that we enjoy — that we don't have to experience hunger on a regular basis. Also, talk to God about Adam and his immediate family.
When you feel hunger, it is a reminder to stop and pray. Remember that this small sacrifice of not eating is an opportunity to more diligently pray for Adam's healing.
Fasting should be a personal choice. If, for any reason (medical or otherwise), someone cannot participate in a fast this Thursday, please give careful consideration to one of these alternatives:
• Partial Fast - skip a meal (or two)
• Abstaining from something - skip the coffee (not sure if that's possible!:-), soda, or other daily indulgence
• Avoid talking for a period time (skip the breakroom chat)
• Fasting from media (no TV, movies, videos, radio, music, etc.)
The point is to sacrifice something, and use the extra time to pray. Just imagine, people from all across the country, lifting up Adam in prayer.
Jesus fasted
Matthew 4:1-2
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Jesus fasted for 40 days. Surely we can make it through one day!
The early church fasted
Acts 13:1-3
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
We learn from the early church that fasting and prayer go together.
Do it so that nobody notices - keep it between God and you
Matthew 6:16-18 (Jesus speaking)
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Keep a smile on your face and go about your day as usual. When it comes time for lunch, for example, you might tell your co-workers that you have an important errand to do (you do). Go find a quiet place, such as a park, in your car (parked, not moving), or other place with no distractions (turn off cell phone). Spend that time reading some scripture, praying to God, and meditating. You will return to work more refreshed than by chowing down a sandwich and gulping down a Grande Frappacino.
Matthew 17:20-21
He (Jesus) replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
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