Week 1: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer and Fasting

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:16-18

Key Verse:

Matthew 6:16
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

The basic meaning of fasting is abstinence from food for spiritual reasons. Never fast with the thought of obligating God. Just because we fast, we cannot obligate Him and turn Him into our servant. Fasting is not a means of obtaining direct blessings. The value of fasting is indirect and not direct. Spiritual fasting is prompted by the Holy Spirit and committed for a spiritual purpose. Jesus warns His disciples of the potential abuses of fasting in Matthew 6:16-18. Here, Jesus infers that we ought to fast secretly without putting on a spiritual elitist attitude while fasting.

Does this mean that we cannot let anyone know that we are fasting? If the purpose of telling is strictly for information rather than “showing off”, then it is appropriate. Simply, if the heart attitude is to flaunt spirituality, then it is wrong. Always fast with the right attitude of humility.

Prayer Points:

• Ask God to align your heart, your attitudes and your thoughts to Christ Jesus. May your every thought, word and deed be Christ-centered, pleasing to God and giving glory to His name.
• Ask God to help you overflow with joy and patience as you go about your daily routine and interact with people.