Guide to our Day of Fasting

Karis exists to be a gospel community on mission that is for the city and for the kingdom.  During each of our days of prayer and fasting we are focusing on a different aspect of that mission statement.  In February, our focus was the gospel – the good news about Christ’s person and work and how it speaks hope into every detail of our lives.  This time our focus is community – the blessing of sharing life with other followers of Jesus, helping and being helped in living out that gospel. 

Especially as we return to many of our normal gathering rhythms, we must remember our dependence on God and each other.  Karis, you need this community of brothers and sisters in Christ.  And this community needs you.  

Below are some suggestions on preparing for the day of prayer and fasting as well as a guide for the day.  Remember, these are just suggestions.  Don’t get hung up on any particular aspect of the day.  The important thing is that even if we’re separated physically, we’re seeking the Lord together as a church family.

In Preparation for the Day

• Join the Karis Prayer Collective group on Facebook.  The link will be posted there for the Zoom prayer gathering.

• Make a plan before you go to bed on Friday, April 2.

  • How will you fast the following day?  What meal(s) will you skip?  If skipping meals isn’t safe or best for you, what else can you fast from – social media, streaming, your phone, etc.?  Plan to set aside the time you would normally spend eating to spend with the Lord.  Aim for one or two dedicated blocks of time throughout the day.

  • If you’re married, talk with your spouse about your plans.  If you have kids, consider trading off during normal meal times to allow the other spouse space and time to spend with the Lord.

• Don’t load up on food the day before to “make up” for the food you’ll miss out on while fasting.  That’s actually worse for your body.  But do be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day of fasting!

A Guide for the Day

At the start of the day:

• Pray and set aside this day to the Lord.

• Remind yourself of the gospel, that you have been adopted into God’s family because of Jesus, and you have nothing to prove to God – even as you fast today.

Outside of meal times:

• As you go throughout the day and you feel the physical sensation of hunger, let that prompt you to pray.

• Pray for God to give you the same kind of spiritual hunger for him.

• Pray for God to do the same kind of work in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

During normal meal times:

• Instead of sitting down to eat physical food, grab your Bible and feast on God and his Word.

• Use the Field Guide for Private Worship to lead you through time with the Lord.

• Consider reading and praying through one or more of the following passages.  As you read, meditate on how God has called us to live in community, how we are to live out our identity as family to one another, and what kind of sacrifices he might be leading you to for the sake of community.

  • Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37

  • Rom. 12:3-5, 9-21

  • Eph. 4:1-16, 5:15-21

  • Phil. 2:1-11

  • Heb. 3:12-15, 10:19-25

• Spend intentional time praying through these areas.

  • Praise and adoration.

  • Confession of sin.

    • Where have you failed to love your neighbor as yourself?

    • In what ways are you withholding from your brothers and sisters instead of being open and honest and generous?

    • Have you grown complacent in being with your gospel family – not participating in Sunday and missional community gatherings?

    • What relationships need to be restored?

    • Who have you wronged and need to go to and ask for forgiveness?

  • Thanksgiving for the person and work of Christ and assurance of forgiveness.  Thanksgiving for the gospel family he has surrounded you with.

  • Prayer for our broader church family and specifically for your missional community.

    • For God to give us a great awareness of his presence.

    • For God to restore a great love and affection for each other.

    • For God to unite our hearts in the mission.

  • Prayer for those in your life who haven’t yet experienced the transforming power of the gospel. 

At the end of the day:

• Join us at 8:30 pm for a short corporate prayer meeting on Zoom!

  • See the link above to connect with the Karis Prayer Collective and find the link for the Zoom meeting, or use this Zoom meeting info:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83963415614?pwd=S1dsOXNybUFDUWExc2dSNUlaTVRBUT09

    Meeting ID: 839 6341 5614
    Passcode: PJE1aA

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Read our blog about why we fast and visit the Day of Fasting event page for details.