Steve Petch Sunday 27 th January 2013

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Monday 28 th Jan – Fri 8 th March 2013 Final prayer mtg: Sat 9 th, 8.30 – 9.30am ‘New Life’ Sunday: 10 th March, 10.30am Multisite starts on Sunday 17 th March: 10am Chichester; 11am Bognor Regis

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Steve Petch Sunday 27 th January 2013 What’s the deal with fasting?

Isn’t fasting a bit weird?

What Jesus said… “WHEN you give …” (Matt 6 v 2) “WHEN you pray …” (Matt 6 v 5) “WHEN you fast …” (Matt 6 v 16) What’s the deal with fasting?

1.What is fasting? 2.What should we fast from? 3.How long should we fast for and how often? 4.Why should we do it? 5.What should our attitude be? What’s the deal with fasting?

1. What is fasting? Abstaining from food (and maybe drink) as an act of devotion to God It can be personal or corporate (joint) What’s the deal with fasting?

2. What should we fast from? Food (obviously) Occasionally people fasted from food and water Daniel did a partial fast What’s the deal with fasting?

3. How long should we fast for and how often? 24 hours 3 days 21 days 40 days Twice a week Weekly Often Annually Never What’s the deal with fasting?

Are you confused yet? There is no rule to be followed! IT’S A MATTER OF THE HEART What’s the deal with fasting?

4. Why should we fast? Fasting is not: Trying to lose weight Trying to make God happy with us Trying to change God’s mind What’s the deal with fasting?

4. Why should we fast? Repentance Mourning (for sin) Humility To give weight to our prayers What’s the deal with fasting? Fasting is not about us changing God, it’s about God changing us

5. What should our attitude be? Repentance for our own sin Mourning our nation’s sin Humbling ourselves before God Seeking God to change our hearts Trusting God to answer our prayers What’s the deal with fasting?

What is God calling you to do? What’s the deal with fasting?

Steve Petch Sunday 27 th January 2013 What’s the deal with fasting?