There by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. (Ezra 8:21 NIV)
Day 1 of 14 - Prayer and fasting for safe passage through numerous challenges this summer.
Each summer provides unique challenges for the faculty, staff, and administration of Emmanuel College as we pass from one academic year to another. This summer is particularly challenging; therefore, I'm asking our prayer partners to use the next 14 days as a special time of prayer and fasting. Each day, the prayer blog will feature critical needs. See below for guidance about fasting.
Today's meditation:
- Fasting is a humbling experience which is where we need to be - often.
Pray today:
- For many to join us in a special focus of fasting and prayer, for us to rely upon the Lord and follow him obediently.
- For decisions being made now and during the summer to be guided by the Holy Spirit, for wisdom and understanding to prevail.
- May who we are, what we have, and what we do be committed to the Lord for his service.
Pray First in every circumstance, challenge, and choice. Always Pray First!
Guidance about Fasting
What is fasting?
Fasting is the discipline of going without food for the primary
purpose of spending focused time with God. The type of fasting you choose is up
to you. You can fast a meal or a day of meals. You can fast certain foods, for
example, abstaining from sweets or meat. The important thing is to change what
you normally do and offer it to God, spending time in prayer and in God’s Word.
How do I begin?
Confess your sins to God. Forgive those who have offended you.
Ask forgiveness from those you may have offended. And don’t forget to give
thanks and celebrate that God is good.
What do I pray about?
Focus on why you are fasting. You may have
personal reasons for fasting, but the special focus of this fast is to pray for
Emmanuel College. A list of specific prayer points will be communicated through
the Prayer Blog during the 14 days of prayer and fasting. In addition, pray for
faculty, staff, and administration, for the board of trustees, for students,
for the upcoming academic year, for the elimination of our debt, and for
financial resources to expand our mission.
What are concerns about fasting?
Use common sense when fasting. If you’re an athlete expending
many calories in high intensity exercise and competition, it’s probably not a
good idea to fast on those days. If you have an outside job that requires
strenuous manual labor, it’s probably not a good idea to fast. Instead, find a
day or a meal when you are less active and make your fast then. If you are a
small person and weigh less than 100 pounds, you should probably not fast a day
or even a meal, but instead, fast certain kinds of food or simply eat less.
What to Expect
When you fast, expect discomfort. But let the hunger pains or
other discomforts remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice and pain which he endured for
us. Let your need for food remind you of the many needs of others and the needs
of this college, none of which are pleasant or comfortable. Fasting brings
about miraculous results. When you fast, you are following Jesus’ example and
the example of Christians through the centuries. When you fast, pray or read
the Bible or listen to Christian music or some combination of these. Get away
from the normal routines and distractions as much as possible and keep your
heart and mind on calling upon the Lord. This season of fasting and prayer ends
Sunday evening, June 18.
