Rooted Deep in Prayer: Prayer & Fasting
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
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
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
- Mourning and grief – Nehemiah 1:4
- Confession of sin – 1 Samuel 7:6; Nehemiah 9:1-2
- Desperate need – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
- A sign of humility – Psalm 35:13
- Ministry decisions – Acts 13:2-3; 14:23
- Sign of repentance – Jonah 3:4-10
- 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