Fasting: An Invitation and Explanation

This past Sunday, I invited the church to a fast preceding the vote on the Church Facility Renewal on November 16 at 6pm. On the three days prior, November 14, 15, and 16, I invite you to fast in order to seek God's will and blessings of unity and effectiveness as we undergo this church-wide project. After the November 16th meeting , we'll have a light meal together as a church. Those who have been fasting are invited to break their fast at that time.

Fasting has not been a major part of Richview Church's worship patterns over the past several years, so understandably, you may have questions about it. In 2021, I preached on fasting. You may want to watch the whole thing (click here), or perhaps just the practical tips at the end (click here).

But here are a few things I'd want to call attention to:

Fasting is joyfully and voluntarily chosen, not a spiritual obligation. Fasting is simply a way of agreeing with and living out this verse: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) We don't have true life by merely eating food, and church plans don't truly succeed by merely planning and resourcing. We are dependent entirely on God's blessing and sovereignty. In fasting and prayer, we appeal to God for His power and favour in our church. This Facility Renewal provides such an opportunity for us to be united and seek God's will together.

Fasting is personal and secret, not an opportunity to broadcast our spiritual devotion. People outside of your home should be generally unaware that you're fasting. Yes, I'm calling for a church-wide time of prayer and fasting, but I will not be asking people if they are choosing to participate. This is between you and God. For instance, on November 15, we are providing food to the morning volunteers of the Grocery Giveaway. Someone might decide that they should eat that morning in order to be strong enough to do the work of packing the bags. I hope there will be no judgment whatsoever if people eat at that time or not. Whether you fast or don't, do so quietly.

Fasting can look different for different people. You may choose to fast from food for the three days, or simply skip a meal each day, or just fast for one day. You might also choose to fast from other activities, like screen time for instance. For some of us, limiting (or eliminating!) cellphone use would be much more sacrificial than skipping a meal! However you choose to fast, the point is to spend extra time hungering for God and seeking His blessing for you, your loved ones, your church family, and our impact in the community.

However you choose to participate, my hope is that you would pray with us as we prepare to undergo a generational change in our church facility. We don't want this to be a merely external change, but for God's power and glory to be revealed more fully through us as we strive together.