What to pray?

Jonathan Leeman in an excellent article on praying for your local church, suggests 18 things to pray for;

1. That we would have unity amid diversity—loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel.

2. That a culture of discipling would form in which making disciples is viewed as an ordinary part of the Christian life.

3. That faithful elders would use Scripture to train members to do the work of ministry.

4. That a hunger for studying the gospel would form among members so that they can guide and guard one another in it.

5. That transparent, meaningful relationships would become normal and remaining anonymous strange.

6. The preaching of God’s Word—that it would be biblically careful and Holy Spirit imbued.

7. That elders would remain above reproach, kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness.

8. That the church’s songs would teach members to biblically confess, lament, and praise.

9. That the church’s prayers would be infused with biblical ambitions, honesty, and humility.

10. That adult members would work to disciple teenagers (and children) and not just leave it to programming.

11. That the church’s primary teachers grow in dedication to God’s Word even when no one’s watching.

12. That it would grow in being distinct from the world in love and holiness, even as it engages outsiders.

13. That members would share the gospel this week—and see more conversions!

14. That members would be prepared for persecution, remembering to love, not curse, their persecutors.

15. That hopes for political change would be outstretched by the hope of heaven.

16. That giving would be faithful, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial.

17. That more members would use their careers to take the gospel to places it’s never been.

18. That members would be good and do good in their workplaces this week.

What about fasting?

Fasting is the willing abstinence of food (or other things) for a planned period of time. Fasting doesn’t change God but it does change us! Theologian Andrew Murray: “Fasting helps to express, to deepen, to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything…to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God”.

Fasting is hard! It sounds so simple (and in many ways it is) but, for all sorts of reasons, it can be difficult. Some tips:

• Start small. Start with one meal; maybe fast one meal a day for a week or for one day. Be realistic to begin with. It is far better to start small and grow in your fasting than aim big and miss it.
• Plan what you’ll do instead of eating. Fasting isn’t just about self-deprivation, it’s about setting aside time to seek God. Without a purpose and a plan, it’s not fasting; it’s just going hungry.
• Be wise. Don’t fast from food if you have medical conditions or other people (e.g. babies!) are relying on you.
• Fast from something other than food. Martin Lloyd-Jones: “Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.”
• If you are fasting from food, finish well! Especially if you are fasting for any length of time, finish by celebrating with a light, healthy meal, not a large unhealthy spread! 
• Ask the Lord to help you continue to grow spiritually beyond the fast.