Many Christians are praying for our country, and even fasting. Here's some practical and spiritual advice from Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer.
I'd like to extract this portion of his article, from the section entitled "Dealing with the Responses of Friends and Loved Ones, as many people are intimidated from talking about fasting for fear of violating Jesus' teaching about fasting from the Sermon on the Mount.
Posted by joelfuhrmann at February 25, 2003 09:52 PM
Many people are reluctant to tell others that they are fasting so they will avoid the sin of the Pharisees: fasting just to gain recognition for themselves. I strongly believe that attitude is a result of a wrong interpretation of our Lord's teaching and that it is a trick of the enemy who does not want us to fast, nor to share with your loved ones, neighbors and friends the benefits of fasting.By isolating ourselves from the support of other Christians, we will be more susceptible to doubts and negative influences (both human and demonic). We need the prayer shield of our Christian friends and family members to help us continue when we feel alone and when the enemy tempts us to give up Our Lord as he did Jesus Christ. Eventually, people will notice you are not eating. However, I have found that unless you see them daily, they do not consider your skipped meal much of a concern. If you are asked, nonbelievers may be satisfied by such a brief answer as, "I have other plans for lunch today." Or Christians should be satisfied when you answer that you are fasting today.
I have undertook a personal fast within the last 2 months, every Tue and Thur starting 11pm the day before and ending 4pm of the fasting day. My fast consist of denying solid food of any source. However, during which time I maintain the intake of only fluids. I have done this, with the sole purpose of asking God to give clarity in my life. I pray for God's hand to convict my spirit for a level in knowing and undertanding his perfect will for my life. Desiring impowerment in the body and mind to bring my spirit unto subjection and obedience of his will.
What started out as a personal fast prayerfuly in nature, with supplications and petitions. I now ask other belivers to do the same.
Each one committing to their own specific fast but touching and agreeing while praying for the needs of eachother, asking for his will for all.
I have so many things I am struggling with and the only thing I felt personally I could do is to seek God's help earnestly. I wonder! Was I wrong in asking other Chritians to endeaver by example to do the same?
Sincerely
I have undertook a personal fast within the last 2 months, every Tue and Thur starting 11pm the day before and ending 4pm of the fasting day. My fast consist of denying solid food of any source. However, during which time I maintain the intake of only fluids. I have done this, with the sole purpose of asking God to give clarity in my life. I pray for God's hand to convict my spirit for a level in knowing and undertanding his perfect will for my life. Desiring impowerment in the body and mind to bring my spirit unto subjection and obedience of his will.
What started out as a personal fast prayerfuly in nature, with supplications and petitions. I now ask other belivers to do the same.
Each one committing to their own specific fast but touching and agreeing while praying for the needs of eachother, asking for his will for all.
I have so many things I am struggling with and the only thing I felt personally I could do is to seek God's help earnestly. I wonder! Was I wrong in asking other Chritians to endeaver by example to do the same?
Sincerely