Answers to Questions about the June 13th All Church Prayer Fast
Why fast?
Jesus made it clear that believers should fast.
Matthew 6: 16 – 18 And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Fasting, like Prayer, is an act of worship (Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 21 and Westminster Larger Catechism Question 108).
Joel 2: 12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
Scripture gives examples of God’s people being called to prayer and fasting for important needs and of God meeting those needs, such as in Esther 4:16, 2 Chron. 20:3, Ezra Ch. 8 and Acts 13:1-4.
Ezra 8: 21, 23 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods… 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
Acts 13: 1-4 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
How should I fast on June 13th?
We are encouraging every person in our congregation to fast on June 13th.
This could be a fast from food. (If you have a medical issue such as diabetes, anemia or weakness please seek guidance from a health care profession prior to any fast from food.) However there are other ways to fast besides foregoing food. You could fast from television, social media or video games, etc. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to pay more attention to God can be considered a fast.
What should I pray about on June 13th?
Please pray about these four areas:
Pray for the Orangeburg Mission Trip (led by Lee Larrew) and the Church Plant June 18th – 23rd
That every Orangeburg Team member would listen to God.
For ongoing discipleship with men and women within the church. Pray for true conversions. Pray for the fruit of repentance.
The Church Plant is holding worship services now. Pray that God will be glorified and the Gospel will be proclaimed in these services.
Pray for the Spain Mission Trip (led by Pastor Howard) July 1th – 9th
Wisdom in preparing the program the team will run with the local church.
That the team will grow in unity and each member will discover his/her unique gifts.
Pray for the Workcamp Mission Trip (led by Pastor John) July 15th – July 22nd
For Effective ministry with our residents
Deep spiritual challenge for our group
Safe travel and safety on the worksites.
Pray for Vacation Bible School (led by Barbara Walsh) July 24th – 28th
That God would provide plenty of capable volunteers
That our week will be Christ centered and successful
That God will truly use this week to grow his kingdom
