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The Week of Prayer & Fasting is an annual week dedicated to seeking the Lord's presence and His good plans for us. We meet nightly in the sanctuary for prayer, worship, and to share what we sense the Lord is saying to our church. Join us for one or any night that works for you, even if you're new to Runnymede. All are welcome as we spend time together in the Spirit. We'd love to have you join us in person at the times listed below.

Dates/Times and Themes

Sun 2 7:00pm
Mon 3 7:00pm
Tue 4 7:00pm
Wed 5 7:00pm
Thu 6 7:00pm
Fri 7 7:00pm
Sat 8 7:00pm

What is Fasting?

What it means to fast:

  • Not eating - the New Testament word literally means, “without food” or “empty”
  • It is by choice – a voluntary period where you don’t eat (not the same as missing a meal!)
  • It is limited – for a set amount of time (length of Biblical fasts vary)
  • It is purposeful - to focus on God
  • Fasting is part of our wider worship experiences - always coupled with repentance and prayer

The central idea of Christian fasting is to train our whole selves to understand what Jesus affirmed from the Old Testament: “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). We remind our appetites that our true fulfilment is not a full stomach, but to be obedient to our Heavenly Father. Consider what Jesus said: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” John 4:34 (NLT)

“Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in him a source of sustenance beyond food.” -Dallas Willard

What fasting is not:

  • Fasting is not commanded in the NT – it is not a necessity, but is used as one means to grow in holiness
  • It isn’t a guarantee of getting an answer – it’s about changing us, not changing our circumstances
  • It is not meant to be public (Matthew 6:1) – focus on God, not our practices
  • It isn’t intended to give us spiritual superiority – we don’t compare how much we fast
  • Fasting is not an end in itself – not to be used as a diet tool

Fasting as worship:

  • Fasting from food is not necessarily for everyone
  • Consider your health when making choices about whether to fast and how long (1 or 2 meals, or a full day?)
  • Always drink plenty of water or juice whenever you are fasting
  • Consider fasting from television, computer, social media, or some other regular enjoyment
  • What occupies your time that you could offer up this week in order to read God's word, seek His presence, and pray to the Father?

 

Adapted from Kingsview Free Methodist Church, 2017

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Worship