Prayers and Fasting

Scripture teaches us the importance of spending time in the Word of God and in prayer.

During certain holy days in Lent such as Ash Wednesday or Good Friday, we are called to fast and pray, but what about other times of the year? What if your bishop or priest has asked you to pray and fast for discernment or due to the pandemic or political unrest? Perhaps, you may feel that God has called you to a special day or weekend of prayers and fasting.

If so, here are some keep points and resources to help you...

1. Determine what you are going to fast and commit this to the Lord. While most people fast from food, you may fast from other things that take up your time and attention. If you can't fast meals you may wish to fast from television, social media, video games, music, etc. When you are fasting, you are giving up something to spend that time with God. Fasting from food may be as simple as skipping one meal a day or giving up meat for an entire day. Fasting from food is not recommended for those under 14 years old. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, anorexic, bullemic, diabetic, or have any another medical condition, it is recommended to speak with your primary care provider before starting any food fast. If you have questions on fasting, there are several books available that are helpful.

2. Find an appropriate liturgy to use for your prayer time. The Sisters of Hope have our Prayer Office for General Fast Days in PDF format that you may find useful. If you are fasting on Holy Days, you may reference the liturgy in your book of common prayer or missal.

3. Make sure to allow plenty of time for silence, listening, and reflection between the Bible readings and prayers in the liturgy. You may wish to consider writing down what you hear God speaking to you to look back on.

4. Feel free to add additional anthems and Psalms as you feel called for further prayerful petition and intercession.

5. When praying the Additional Collects, use silence between each collect to add your own petitions as well as listening.

6. Whether you are praying and fasting as an individual or with your family, church, ministry, etc. remember, "Whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so 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." (Matthew 6: 16–18)

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Other resources for prayer and fasting:

• What Should You Do While Fasting? https://abide.co/prayer/p3cx9k

• 4 Reasons for Fasting https://youtu.be/TUwBQEdmew4

• Fasting Can Change You Forever https://youtu.be/n834QqLLYhQ

• Why Fasting Is Such a Powerful Form of Prayer https://youtu.be/hSmAbAJa7Bg

• "The Forgotten Power of Fasting" Sister Emmanuel Maillard https://youtu.be/AYyewBfCVI0

• A Guide to Prayer and Fasting by Dr. Richard Pratt https://anglicanchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Pratt_-_A_Guide_to_Prayer_and_Fasting.docx

• A Guide to Prayer and Fasting by The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach https://anglicanchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beach_-_A_Guide_to_Prayer_and_Fasting.doc

• Anglican Home Liturgy During Pandemic from American Anglican Council https://porterctaylordotcom.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/a-liturgy-during-a-pandemic-pct-final.pdf

• Christian Fasting - Disciplining the body, awakening the spirit by Sr Mary David Totah (book)

• Fasting for Breakthrough & Deliverance by John Eckhardt (book)

* If you have a particular prayer request, please feel free to contact the Sisters of Hope.

** Image courtesy of GregOlsen.com