Weekly Overview. Welcome To Bible Study The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears 5/18/2016

Transcription

1 Welcome To Bible Study The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears Weekly Overview Schedule Week 1 Whole Group (I) Week 2 Whole Group Week 3 Small Group Week 4 Whole Group (II) Week 5 Small Group Week 6 Whole Group (III) Week 7 Small Group Week 8 Whole Group (IV) Week 9 Small Group Week 10 Whole Group Wrap up, Reflection and Prayer 1

2 Tonight s Class Session 8: Praying Is Like Planting Video BIBLICAL FASTING And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29) 2

3 Biblical Fasting is not A Christian diet An opportunity to obtain merit with God or get rid of sin Abstaining from TV or some other activity Biblical Fasting is Deliberately abstaining from food for a specific period of time for the purpose of communication and a deeper relationship with the Lord. A private discipline. Fasting can also be public. 3

4 Why Fast? Why Fast? To seek the Lord (Matthew 6:33) To draw closer to the Lord (Mark 2:18 22) To weaken the flesh and strengthen the Spirit (1 Cor. 10:1 13; Phil. 3:18 21) 4

5 Why Fast? For divine direction and purpose in life (Acts 9:1 9, 19 20) For clarity when we feel trapped or under attack (2 Chronicles 20:1 15) For power (Matthew 17:14 21) When Should I Fast? 5

6 Fast when Facing crisis or trouble in your life (Esther 4:16) You want focus, clarity or understanding of God s vision for you (Daniel 9:3; 10:1 12) You need self examination and consecration (Jeremiah 36:1 7) Fast when You are pursuing a new direction in life (Judges 20:18 28) You want to target someone that knows right from wrong but is living an exceedingly wicked life (1 Kings 21:27 29) You need health and healing (1 Samuel 30:11 13) 6

7 Types of Biblical Fasting Types of Fasts Absolute Fast Normal Fast Partial Fast Rotational Fast 7

8 Kinds of Biblical Fasts Fasting is one of the most powerful tools for discernment. Kinds of Fasts The Disciple s Fast (Matthew 17:20 21) The Ezra Fast (Ezra: 8:21 23) The Samuel Fast (1 Samuel 7:1 8) The Elijah Fast (1 Kings 19:2 18) The Widow s Fast (1 Kings 17:12) The Saint Paul Fast (Acts 9:9 19) 8

9 Kinds of Fasts The Daniel Fast (Daniel 1:12 20) The John the Baptist Fast (Matthew 3:4; Luke 1:15) The Esther Fast (Esther 4:16) How Long Should I Fast? There is not a set length that makes Christian fasting acceptable. However, there are some general tips that may help you decide on a duration that will work well for you. 9

10 The Length of Fasts in the Bible One Day Fast Lev. 23:27; Judges 20:26; Jeremiah 6:36 Three Days 1 Samuel 30:12; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9 Seven Days 1 Samuel 31:13 Ten Days Daniel 1:12 20 The Length of Fasts in the Bible Twenty One Days Daniel 10:2,3 Forty Days Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8; Matthew 4; Luke 4 Many Years! Luke 2:37 10

11 Preparing To Fast You must prepare yourself spiritually and physically when preparing to fast. Preparing Spiritually to Fast Before you begin a fast, ask yourself: What are my motives for fasting? What results are you looking for? What are the specific needs that you re fasting for? Am I determined on this fast to minister to the Lord? Prior to beginning a fast, ask God for forgiveness of your sins. Forgive others who may have offended you. 11

12 Preparing Physically to Fast Consult your physician prior to fasting. Condition your body by gradually beginning to cut back. Getting Started 12

13 Getting Started Start slow. Begin with a committed heart. Pray daily for your specific goal. Read your bible as you fast. Sustaining the Fast Romans 12:1 13

14 Sustaining the Fast Continually pray that you surrender your life to God. Spend time listening to the voice of Jesus and reading scripture. Listen to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Drink lots of water. A Final Word On Fasting Fasting Foundations 14

15 When you fast and pray, you will draw closer to the Lord! Fasting is Emptying Tasting Waiting Coming Drinking Resting Next Week May 24 Session 9 Small Group Circles 15

16 Preparation for Next Week Small Groups Be prepared to discuss your Personal Reflections p of workbook. Read Part 4 of book Chapters Be prepared to discuss these chapters. Share your prayer maps. Report. Refine. Reflect. Pray. GET READY FOR THE FINAL SESSION OF CORPORATE REFLECTION AND PRAYER. Next Face to Face Session 10 May 31 The Last Class 16