Week 1: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer and Fasting
Scripture Reading: Judges 20:26-28
Key Verse: Judges 20:26Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.
Fasting is not found in the Pentateuch but often in the historical books of the bible. Probably the first recorded fast is in Judges 20:26, about 1400 B.C. In this story, the Israelites were so enraged by what had occurred at Gibeah that they gathered in unity as one man to deliver justice. Despite the atrocities of their sinful ways, Yahweh still orchestrated their battle and brought justice against Benjamin when Israel chose to seek Him by fasting and presenting offerings.
Fasting is an earnest seeking of God’s face. It is a complete surrender of our will and strength to God alone who delivers. Surrender all your plans and weaknesses to the Lord today in prayer and fasting!
Prayer Points
- Ask God to reveal to you the fast He desires for you. Record down the type of fast and the duration you are committing to.
- Ask God for grace to help you through this fasting period and to be increasingly surrendered to His will.
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