Why Fast?
Fasting is the natural response of a follower of Jesus to a grievous sacred moment. It is not something we do to get something from God, but is a whole being response to God’s grief because:
A] our spirit is grieving over some area of brokenness in or around us and we voluntarily ‘grieve’ so our body joins in
and/or
B] we voluntarily afflict our bodies in order to help our spirit engage in what we see must grieve God as well.
We do not fast to make or manipulate God, or even to discipline ourselves. Christian, biblical, fasting is about responding to a grievous moment (such as COVID-19), in order to connect with GOd’s grief, and allow Him to bring whatever benefit or response He sees fit, whether to ourselves as individuals, our community, province or world.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is the suspension of all food, and sometimes beverage, for a designated time. It is not the suspension of other things like social media or certain foods. That is the practice of abstinence.
What you are being asked to do:
We are setting aside each Wednesday from now until this season of COVID-19 has passed us by. Consider what is a healthy timeframe for you to fast. The tradition of the early church was for a fast from evening meal to evening meal. However, fasting is not meant to harm the body. If fasting is new to you, consider missing one meal a day or a set period of time in the day. Take time, if possible, during this time of fasting to pray to God related to COVID-19 in our community, province, nation and world. (See ideas for prayer below)
Some ideas on what to pray for:
We believe there is a God who bends his ear to listen, and so we pray:
For the sick and infected: God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and spirits. Contain and reverse the rise of infections.
For our vulnerable populations: God, protect our elderly and those suffering from chronic disease.
For the young and the strong: God, give the necessary caution to keep them from unwittingly spreading this disease. Inspire them to help.
For our local, provincial, and federal governments: God, help our elected officials as they allocate the necessary resources for combating this pandemic and helping those in most need.
For our scientific community, leading the charge to understand the disease and communicate its gravity: God, give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice.
For the media: God, help them to communicate with appropriate seriousness without causing panic.
For consumers of media, looking to be well-informed: God, help us to find the most helpful local information to equip us to be good neighbours. Keep us from anxiety and panic, and enable us to implement the recommended strategies, even at a cost to ourselves.
For those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, and helpless: God, provide them every necessary support.
For the homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social distancing in the shelter system: Protect them from disease, and provide isolation shelters in every community.
For international travelers stuck in foreign countries: God, help them return home safely and quickly or the ability to remain safe where they are.
For Christian missionaries throughout the world, especially in areas with high rates of infection: God, provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them.
For workers in a variety of industries facing layoffs and financial hardship: God keep them from panic, and inspire your church to generously support them.
For families with young children at home for the foreseeable future: God, help mothers and fathers to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing of their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their networks of support.
For parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for their children: God, present them with creative solutions.
For those in need of regular therapies and treatments that must now be postponed: God, help them to stay patient and positive.
For business leaders making difficult decisions that affect the lives of their employees: God, give these women and men wisdom, and help them to lead self-sacrificially.
For pastors and church leaders faced with the challenges of social distancing: God, help them to creatively imagine how to pastor their congregants, teach how to make disciples so your church will love their communities and neighbours well.
For college and university students, whose courses of study are changing, whose placements are cancelled, whose graduation is uncertain: God, show them that while life is uncertain, their trust can be in you.
For Christians in every neighbourhood, community, and city: May your Holy Spirit inspire us to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim the gospel, that the name of Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world.
For the frontline healthcare workers, we thank you for their vocational call to serve us. We also pray:
God, keep them safe and healthy. Keep their families safe and healthy.
God, help them to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, as well as the changing protocols.
God, help them to stay clear-minded in the midst of the surrounding panic.
God, deliver them from anxiety for their own loved ones (aging parents, children, spouses, roommates).
God, give them compassion for every patient in their care.
God, provide for them financially, especially if they fall ill and are unable to work.
God, help Christians in healthcare to exhibit extraordinary peace, so that many would ask about the reason for their hope. Give them opportunities to proclaim the gospel.
God, we trust that our are good and do good. Teach us to be your faithful people in this time of global crisis. Help us to follow in the footsteps of our faithful shepherd, Jesus, who laid down his life for the sake of love. Glorify his name as you equip us with everything needed for doing your will. Amen.
Adapted from a blog by Jen Pollock Michel (Found in a Christianity Today article).
