A Call to Prayer & Fasting

During the season of Lent, we are called to examine ourselves and to strengthen our relationship with God through the practice of spiritual disciplines (think of them as spiritual habits). Among these disciplines is prayer and fasting.

 

In times of difficulty and stress when our attention is sometimes diverted away from God and we get focused on the problems we are facing, generations before us turned to prayer and fasting as a way to center back on God.

 

I think Mr. Wesley would be quite surprised to discover how few Methodist actually practice this discipline these days. In these challenging days that we are facing I want to encourage us all to enter into a time of prayer and fasting, staying grounded in the God we love.

 

To that end, I am calling for a period of prayer and fasting for our Duck Church family from now until Easter on April 12th.

 

Let me say a few things about fasting. First, fasting is not something we do in order to lose a few pounds (although, that might happen). Second, fasting is not about trying to get God's attention so He will listen to us. Rather, it is about getting our attention on God so we can listen to Him. Third, some folks have medical reasons why they can't fast from food. Perhaps you have to take medication with food, or some other reason. In that case, what about fasting from television? or the radio? or Facebook? or the internet?

 

Here's what I am proposing. Beginning now I want to invite us to refrain from one meal each day (your choice) and use that time to focus on reading God's Word and prayer. For those who can't fast from food, join the rest of us each day in the fast that you are keeping in your own way and do the same.

 

No doubt, these are challenging times that we have not seen the likes of in my generation. But here is what I know: God is greater! He is greater than ANY problem that we will ever face. We need to keep focused on Him in this crisis.

 

If you are in need...if you need someone to talk to, if you need someone to pick up medications or groceries for you, etc. let me know how we can help. We have folks lined up who want to help. We are family and we will get through this together.

 

Grace and truth,

 

Pastor Chris

pastor@duckchurch.org