It's almost 'go' time for our 21 days of prayer and fasting. This post will deal with some commonly asked questions that will be helpful as you make your roadmap for the next 3 weeks.
What is the value of a partial food fast? Is there any biblical precedent for this?
Deciding to limit certain food types over a period of time can feel a bit different than a complete food fast for sure. In Daniel 10:2-3 we see an example of a partial food fast. "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks." In this context, Daniel is abstaining from certain foods, as he was presented with a word from God that was disturbing but called for a deeper more intentional time of devotion and connection with God. Typically over a 3 week period, most people choose this route. What's important is to allow the food your abstainig from to compel you to an increased prayer, intention and devotion to God. Oftentimes in partial food fasts we discover an "idol" we may have not considered. What I mean by that is, that sometimes we find pleasure or satisfaction from a specific food choice. "Comfort food" comes in many different types. We may find ourselves self-medicating with food, for instance it may be alcohol, junk food, candy or fast food. Foods we turn to when we are stressed out or disturbed. Our re-alignment in these cases is to imitate Jesus' words "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God". It's in these instances that we set aside time to pray, meditate, and re-align our avenue to comfort.
When I decide on activities to re-claim my time, what should I do instead?
Just as with our food fast, one important aspect is the we replace our regular routines with something else. What could that be?
A dedicated time to pray and meditate on God's word. Perhaps even memorizing sections of scripture.
Spend more time in God's word. Perhaps even gathering with others to read God's word aloud.
Depending on how you are re-claiming your time, perhaps re-alignment may look like being more diligent about getting enough rest at night.
If you are abstaining from social media or just "scrolling" in general, perhaps take some dedicated time each day to write notes of gratitude that you deliver to brothers and sisters.
Make a list of ways you can serve your neighbor, brother or sister. Maybe in your extra time you can do a chore, run an errand, prepare a meal or help with some physical need.
Pray to use your open time to study the bible and help someone learn about Jesus and following Him.
What if I try to do too much and fall on my face? OR What if I find that what I chose isn't challenging at all?
Please always reserve the right to re-evaluate. Having a perfect performance isn't the goal, but being diligent and intentional is required. If you need to make changes, go for it, but be aware of challenging your own levels of discomfort or discipline. This season isn't easy, nor is it intended to be. Paul said it well when he said, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." Boredom may be an uncomfortable guest at the beginning of this season. Don't yield back to your old ways, rather lean in.
I'm bored all the time now. What do I do with that?
We may find many of our worst characteristics become like spoiled children, screaming and demanding our attention. Our addiction to stimulation whether by food, drink, screen time or mindless activities will not go away without a fight. Be creative and diligent. Build new habits of prayer, study, gratitude and service. Is this easy? No way! You may find much of how you spend your time is about you and what you want and how you want it. In this case, our study of Isaiah 58 can be especially challenging and helpful.
I don't want to just do a thing that is simply checking off boxes, so what do I do?
"Box checking" is not the problem ever. This is actually an "us" problem. Sometimes having a list designed with intentionality and clarity is exactly what we need. The problem occurs when we become lazy, not doing the tough job of remembering (continually) the purpose, or the 'why'. So yes, don't mindlessly do anything whether you have a check box or not, but be diligent to remind yourself regularly of the why. If you're having a tough time with that, feel free to take a look at our previous resources as well as just sitting down with brothers and sisters to get some help too.
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