1. Fasting in the Bible Weeping: Israelites (Benjamites), Nehemiah (Jerusalem), Esther (Decree) Pleading: David (for child), Daniel (Jerusalem), Ezra (Journey) Confession: Israelites (Baal), Ahab (Naboth), Jeremiah, Ninevites (Jonah), Joel Worship: Jesus (temptation), Antioch (worship), Paul & Barnabas (church)

2. 4:1 Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 4:2 After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 6:16 "When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6:17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 6:18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 9:15: How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. Jesus on Fasting in Matthew 4, 6 & 9

3. Fasting: Not my will, but yours Focusing on the Kingdom of God leads to a sense of God's presence and strength, repentance and humility, worship and guidance, intercession. This focus on the kingdom of God may lead me: * to a focus on my spiritual needs which will lead me to put to one side my physical needs (and stop eating). * to a focus on the needs of others which will lead me to put to one side my own needs (and stop eating). * to free up time preparing and eating meals in order to do this. The act of fasting will also lead to self control and physical health Kingdom focus: Loose chains of injustice; Set oppressed free; share food with hungry; shelter alien; clothe naked; Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

4. Fasting in Joel 2:12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Fasting: Not my will, but yours Come let us sing - Dear Lord and Father