First Tuesday - Prayer and Fasting

The first Tuesday of each month has been set aside to observe a time of prayer and fasting. If you choose to participate on the first Tuesday (or any other time during the month), you may find the following helpful.

February 2012

Read and Pray through Isaiah 58
Examine your heart and motivation for praying and fasting. Are they pleasing to God? (Isaiah 58:4)
With a spirit of humility, ask God to expose pride in your life and in your church.
Make a list of and pray for those you know who have not come to accept Christ.
Pray for and be available for your loved ones who are going through difficult spiritual, emotional or physical times.

Source: Salt & Light - Prayer & Fasting Guide by Dana Olson, Harvest Publications, 2007 by Baptist General Conference.

Biblical Purposes for Fasting:

To strengthen prayer.
To seek God's guidance.
To express grief.
To seek deliverance or protection.
To express repentance and the return to God.
To humble oneself before God.
To express concern for the work of God.
To minister to the needs of others.
To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God.
To express love and worship to God.

Source: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald S. Whitney, NavPress, 1991 (chapter 9)

Four Ways to Fulfill Your Commitment to Fast

Fast for a complete day.
Fast the daylight hours.
Eat only a light, early breakfast.
A single-meal fast.

Source: Salt & Light - Prayer & Fasting Guide by Dana Olson, Harvest Publications, 2007 by Baptist General Conference.