the vision
We’re asking God to bring about the deep fellowship between
Himself and us and between each other, which John calls ‘oneness’.
Oneness is the profoundly satisfying fellowship and unity
the Lord has in mind for us, His children.
It’s the very thing the world longs for
but has not yet tasted.
what is fasting?
A biblical fast involves not eating food for a period of time.
It is a way of dedicating time to God to seek Him but it is also a way of taking authority over what the New Testament describes as ‘the flesh’.
The flesh is what the body and ‘the self’ wants, which we often
allow to dominate over what the Spirit wants.
the conflict between the flesh and the spirit
The Holy Spirit – who lives inside believers – leads, encourages, empowers and teaches
you about God’s ways that lead to overflowing life, but the challenge is how the ‘flesh’
cries out for quick answers and immediate gratification.
The flesh does not like to be kept
waiting and is hostile to God (Romans 8:7).
It wants to please itself while the Spirit wants to live for and please God.
This is how the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict.
When the flesh is in charge it prioritises selfishness and self-centredness,
which is in opposition to the beauty of oneness,
which requires selflessness.
Oneness is the deeply satisfying fellowship and
unity the Lord has in mind for us, His children.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27:
“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.”
Fasting is a way of ruling over the flesh and
ensuring it’s not the other way around.
When you fast, your spirit and its connection with God is
strengthened, your ‘appetite’ for the things of God increases.
It is a powerful spiritual tool for breakthrough and
to tell the Lord you mean business.
practically...
In IMPRINT church some people will choose to fast from solids:
● until 5pm each day (Mon-Sat, with a rest day on Sundays)
● for 12 hours every day
● every other day
● one meal a day
SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE:
If you are under medical supervision for a physical or any mental health condition,
please consult a medical professional beforehand.
Some may be advised for health reasons to fast in another way
(like entertainment) other than abstaining from food.
If you are considering a full 3 week fast without any food,
you must also seek medical advice on how to reintroduce solids safely.
It is important to remember,
this fast is not a competition for God’s attention,
but just a sweet opportunity to set aside time to forge
a deeper relationship with Him through surrender to His Spirit’s work in us
to enable us to be One with Him and each other at a deeper and deeper level.