Fasting

“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” - Esther 4:16 ESV

Fasting has become a popular way for people to shed weight. I think it has gained popularity under the title intermittent fasting. The sole focus of this popular fasting is physical health. There is an intent to detoxify the body by the restriction of food 

By contrast, Esther wasn’t concerned with physical health change when she suggested fasting for the Jews and herself. She was after a spiritual peace and clarity. Fasting is more than giving up food, it is combined with prayer. It's a denial of self and petition to God for favor. 

In this case, there was unity in the act of fasting. All of the Jews were to fast and by that nature pray. This mass self-renunciation and submission to God is powerful. There is something special about a group surrender in obedience and petition to the Lord. 

In just a few weeks we will be inviting the church to unite together in a fast. During that fast we will hold our annual overnight prayer vigil. The purpose of our fast and prayer is to prepare our church for Easter. Specifically, we want to prepare our hearts to welcome the guests who will join us this Easter. We want them to experience a level of hospitality that can only be a reflection of our Lord. A hospitality that is compelling and will result in an urge to return the following Sunday. I hope you will join us in this time of fasting and prayer. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt