Why fast?

I love the New Year! The feelings of excitement, change hovering in the air, expectancy, faith... As we plunge headlong into the new Year, our home church is beginning the year with a time of prayer and fasting, which is simply a WONDERFUL time to start the New Year. I always look forward to it.

(I've dug out some old photos this past week that I'll share.... this is a favorite from our wedding.)

Simply put, a fast is giving up something dear to you and spending that unused time/energy focusing on God and in prayer. Our American culture loves food, in fact, we live in an area where it is particularly celebrated. There is food at every occasion and for every occasion and occasions where food is the main event. Obviously, giving up some sort of food, a meal, sweets, etc. COSTS us as a culture. We like food! There are all kinds of different fasts mentioned in the Bible and the important thing here is not which exact dietary fast you participate in but the spending of extra time seeking God's will. In essence saying, "God, I desire you more than __________ (chocolate, sugar, caffeine, that big Italian dinner...)."