2012 Fasting Days for Midland Free

• May 1
• June 5
• July 3
• August 7
• September 4
• October 2
• November 6
• December 4

Monthly Prayer
The first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, Room 301, a monthly prayer time to focus on the Day of Prayer and Fasting. Also opportunities to share what God has done, time for specific pray for healing, guidance and other needs. 

Malay Prayer
12:10 -12:50 pm on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the south atrium at Midland Free. 1:30-2:00 pm on the second and third Thursdays at home of John and Peggy Wharton, 302 Morning Meadow Way, Midland.

Prayer for Japan
Fridays at 4:00 pm at The Journeys Coffee House, 201 E. Main Street, Midland.

Children’s Ministries Prayer
First and third Monday of each month, 6:30-7:30 pm, Conference Room B.

Seeking Names of Midland Free Family Members Serving in the Military

We would like to pray for the military personnel and their families who are members and attenders of Midland Free. Please submit the information using the online form below and we will lift the family and military personnel in prayer. Contact:  Jody Best, 989.631.4411, Ext. 1001 or jodybest@mefchurch.org.

Examples in Scripture

• King David fasted and prayed for the life of his child in 2 Samuel 12:13-22
• Ezra fasted and petitioned God in Ezra 8:23
• Nehemiah mourned and fasted in Nehemiah 1:4
• Esther called on the Jews of Susa to fast [no food or drink] for 3 days in Esther 4:3,16
• David practiced fasting in Psalm 35:13; 69:10; 109:24.
• Isaiah discusses fasting and results in 58:3-6.
• Jeremiah encourages fasting with reading and obeying Scripture Jeremiah 36:6-9.
• Daniel pleads with God while fasting in Daniel 9:3.
• Joel speaks of declaring holy fasts and sacred assemblies in Joel 1:14 and 2: 12,15.
• Jonah speaks of Ninevites believing and fasting in Jonah 3:5.
• Zechariah addresses the purpose of fasting in Zechariah 7:3,5 and 8:19.
• Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights and was hungry in Matthew 4:2.
• Jesus gives guidelines for fasting: don’t look somber, oil hair, wash face, fast in secret Mt 9:14-15.
• Jesus states His disciples will not fast until He is gone from them in Mark 2:18-20, Luke 5:33-35.
• Pharisee of Jesus parable justifies himself by saying he fasts and tithes in Luke 18:12.
• Holy Spirit leads Antioch church to send Paul and Barnabas while worshipping and fasting in Acts 14:23.

Spiritual Lessons from the Scriptures

• Fasting is a very biblical idea, commonplace among Jews and early Christians.
• Fasting is called for:
    To avert individual or national crisis.
    To experience the power of God in ministry
    To seek Revival individually and corporately.
    To seek political/governmental change
    To express sorrow or mourning
    To repent of sin as an individual, a city or a nation.
    To grieve a personal loss, especially a loved one.
    To increase ones desire/appetite for God
    To prepare for a divine assignment.
    To seek intimacy with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
• Fasting is closely connected to prayer, whether intercessory or contemplative.
• Fasting involves eliminating or curtailing food, drink and choice things of life for spiritual purposes.
• Fasting is an expectation of a disciple of Jesus.
• Fasting is to be done in a private way, not public.
• Fasting is a source of joy and exhilaration, resonating and fascinating our spirit.

Types of Fasts

The Fast - In Scripture a normal fast is abstaining from all foods both solid and liquid except water for the purposes stated above. In Matthew 4 when Jesus was finishing up His 40 day fast, he was not thirsty but hungry.

Total Fast - There are times when someone calls a total fast, meaning no food or drink for short period of time. In Esther 4:16 Esther asks them to abstain from food and drink for 3 days and nights. Midland Free does not encourage total fasts.

Please make sure you are able to fast.  If you have questions ask your physician and check out various websites on fasting.

“Daniel” Fast - This fast comes from Daniel 10 where Daniel fasted from meat, choice foods and lotions for three weeks to seek the Lord’s response. Daniel’s normal diet is described in Daniel 1:12 where he asks for nothing but vegetables and water. A Daniel Fast is eating vegetables and fruits.

“Lifestyle” - This is fasting on a weekly/regular basis. Midland Free asks everyone to fast on the first Tuesday of every month. We ask you to eat supper on Monday evening and instead of eating Tuesday breakfast and lunch to pray for the various needs of the church and community.

Resources

• Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
• Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory

Websites for More Information

Richard Foster 
http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/foster_3114.htm

Daniel fast 
http://daniel-fast.com

Campus Crusade of Christ
http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/index.htm