An Introduction to Fasting

January 7 - 13 2024

Conversation Starter

Leader- Clarify that when we talk about the practice of fasting, we will be referring to going without food.
What do you know about fasting as a spiritual practice? Have you ever fasted?

Previous Week Review

Use this time to catch up after the holidays. Ask, what brought you joy, rest or encouragement over the holidays? What was challenging? 

Group Readings and Discussion

We are beginning a new series on spiritual fasting. If you did not talk about the conversation starter questions earlier, do so now.

Read the following scriptures together, have each person in your community read one of the passages. Pause after each passage to discuss for 2-3 minutes. What does each passage teach us about fasting? Do your best to allow different people to share the readings and discussion.

Matthew 4:1-4-Jesus fasts
Matthew 6:16-When you Fast…
Matthew 9:14-15-When Jesus is not physically with us.
Ezra 8:21-23-For protection
Joel 2:12-Return to the Lord
Acts 14:23-Choosing church leaders
1 Samuel 7:5-6-Repenting as a nation
1 Samuel 31:11-13-In mourning
2 Chronicles 20:1-4-When afraid
Nehemiah 1:1-4-When facing opposition
Esther 4:15-16-When taking a risk            

Group discussion:

Discuss what you learned from the passages. What were the reasons for fasting in scripture?

Group prayer: spend time praying as a group.

Handout: Introduction to Fasting

January 7 - 13, 2024

Practice this week:

Passages to read this week:

Matthew 4:1-4-Jesus fasts
Matthew 6:16-When you Fast…
Matthew 9:14-15-When Jesus is not physically with us.
Ezra 8:21-23-For protection
Joel 2:12-Return to the Lord
Acts 14:23-Choosing church leaders
1 Samuel 7:5-6-Repenting as a nation
1 Samuel 31:11-13-In mourning
2 Chronicles 20:1-4-When afraid
Nehemiah 1:1-4-When facing opposition
Esther 4:15-16-When taking a risk

Application: Choose at least one of the following activities to do before your next community gathering.

·      Read the scriptures, journal/pray about what God may be speaking to you. What is happening in your life or world that may be a reason to fast and pray?

·      Choose one of the passages to read and meditate on each day.

·      Talk to other people about their experiences with fasting.

·      Think about your weekly schedule and identify a day that may work best for fasting.

Preparation for next week

Come to the community next week ready to share something from your practice this week.