Rooted Deep in Prayer: Prayer & Fasting

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Matthew 6:16-18

We are invited to connect with God more intensely through fasting and prayer.

I. We should __________, Matthew 6:16a.

A. What is fasting?  Ex.34:28; Dan. 1:8, 12, 16; Mat.4:2

Simply put, fasting is “exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual.”  ~ Bill Bright, Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer

II. We should fast with the right __________, Matthew 6:16-18a.

A. What type of fasts are unacceptable to God?

B. What type of fasts are acceptable to God?

See 2 Chronicles 20:3-4; Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 9:3

C. Seven Biblical Reasons for Fasts

1. Mourning and grief – Nehemiah 1:4
2. Confession of sin – 1 Samuel 7:6;  Nehemiah 9:1-2
3. Desperate need – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
4. A sign of humility – Psalm 35:13
5. Ministry decisions – Acts 13:2-3; 14:23
6. Sign of repentance – Jonah 3:4-10
7. Worship – Nehemiah 9:1-3; Luke 2:37

III. We will be ______________ by God for prayer and fasting, Matthew 6:18.

A. Have you ever tried fasting and prayer?

B. Prayer emphasis week: July 14-21, this week!  Fast on Wednesday at lunch.

“Fasting is one of the best friends we can  introduce to our prayer life.” ~ Don Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, p. 162