CONFERENCE EVENTS

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PRAYER FOR YOUR CHURCH

Behind-the-Scenes Workers 

 

Lord, I lift up the people who work behind the scenes at our church. Thank You for every nursery worker, parking lot attendant, office volunteer, building janitor, etc. who has devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Bless them for the obedience and generosity they have displayed—may You receive praise as a result! Keep them in an attitude of humility that comes from wisdom and wholehearted service to You rather than to be noticed by others. (1 Cor. 16:15; 2 Cor. 9:12-13; Jas. 3:13; Eph. 6:7)

 
Home arrow July 2006 arrow A Time to Fast
A Time to Fast PDF Print E-mail

By Bishop G. A. Thompson

A sacred assembly is a united gathering of people for the purpose of:

  • Humility (2 Chron. 7:14; 1 Pet. 5:5)
  • Prayer (2 Chron. 7:14; Jn. 3:8)
  • Repentance (2 Chron. 7:14; Joel 2:12-13; Jn. 3:8)
  • Seeking God’s Forgiveness and Favor (2 Chron. 7:14; Is. 55:6-7)
  • Consecration (Joel 2:16)

A period of fasting and prayer is often helpful in preparation for and during sacred assembly.

Why Is Fasting Suggested?
Fasting, together with humility and contrition, works on your own spirit to help you become more sensitive to the Lord’s voice and leading (Isaiah 58). Fasting does not change God; fasting changes you.

Food Fasting Options
All food fasts fall into one of three categories:

  • The Normal Fast: going without any food (solid or liquid); drinking water only (Mt. 4:2)
  • The Partial Fast: going without certain foods; usually taking only liquid nourishment or sometimes employing a diet of plain foods such as oatmeal, no meats, no sweets (Dan. 10:1-3)
  • The Absolute Fast: going without any food (solid or liquid) or water (Est. 4:16)


Fasting Tips
General guidelines for all food fasts include:

  • Drink plenty of water—avoid coffee, tea and “so-called” soft-drinks (sodas). If you do not have a water filter you can purchase distilled water by the gallon. Squeeze a little lemon into it if you desire to help cut through toxins and help your body to eliminate them.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid or at least limit television during this time.
  • Read your Bible and meditate on its truth.
  • Focus your prayer—direct it toward the specific reasons sacred assembly has been called.
  • For a partial fast: Eat naturally—you should seek to eat your food in its most natural state. Avoid processed, fried, salty and snack foods. Raw fruits and vegetables or steamed vegetables are suggested. Drink natural 100% fruit or vegetable juices.
  • For an absolute fast: Remember—no one should attempt an absolute fast beyond three days!

--Bishop G.A. Thompson is a member of The Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, Inc. This article is adapted from information given during a call to sacred assembly for the Boston area in 2006.
 
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