Invitation into Prayer & Fasting

As we embark on a new season of leadership, ministry, and direction, the ministry leaders would like to invite you to join us for a period of Prayer & Fasting, seeking the Lord’s leading over our church, our families, and our community. It is also a timely preparation for Easter. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.

During this period of Prayer & Fasting, we’ll have a prayer wall at Seeds in the Booragoon campus where you can post your praise and prayer points. We will be highlighting some of these during our fasting weeks. Jesus said in Mark 11:17 “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Our 21 days of prayer and fasting will commence on Saturday 29 March and will conclude on Good Friday 18 April.

Guidelines for Fasting

• Fasting is not just about abstaining from food. It can include forgoing other things that you may find challenging to do without. For example, abstaining from social media, sugar, chocolate, alcohol, gaming, TV, entertainment, etc.
• Don’t fast when you’re rushed or seeking immediate results for a decision; remember, fasting is not an instant solution, but a period of growing in intimacy with the Lord.
• If you’re new to food fasting, start by skipping one meal. Use the time you would typically spend eating to connect with God.
• Gradually increase the duration of your fasts, but avoid extended fasting without proper guidance. Always consult your doctor before embarking on long periods of fasting.
• As you build up, consider commencing the fast after dinner, then break your fast at dinner the next day. This approach means you will miss only two meals instead of three. When breaking your fast, opt for small portions rather than a large meal. The longer the fast, the more gently you should reintroduce food.
• If you choose to fast regularly, allow your body time to adapt to new eating patterns, as you may feel more fatigued on fasting days.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
• Avoid fasting if you are unwell, traveling, pregnant, or nursing. Individuals with diabetes, gout, liver disease, kidney disease, ulcers, hypoglycemia, cancer, or blood disorders should also refrain from fasting.

What to do in the Time Set Apart for Fasting

• Present your desires to God. Seek His guidance on whether these desires align with His will, and His word for you and the church. Take a moment to be still and listen. Submit your desires and prayers to God.
• Dedicate some time to worship God for His faithfulness. Express your gratitude for the ways He has supported you. Psalm 103:1–5 serves as a wonderful foundation for your praise.
• Be attentive to what God may be communicating or revealing to you.
• Keep your Bible, notebook and/or journal close-by and use them during this time you have set apart.
• Always keep a bottle of water on-hand and stay hydrated.

Adapted from “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook” by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with one of our pastors.