Opening prayer and transition

Prayer for healing of minds, emotions, and bodies in Jesus’ name.
Blessing over the people and light-hearted comment about “sinners/singers” saved by grace.
Transition to the morning teaching and reference to the notes on fasting and prayer.

Purpose of the teaching

Many new people in the church do not fully understand prayer and fasting.
Long-time members also need renewed direction, inspiration, and encouragement from Scripture for an effective and profitable fast.
Pastor’s personal struggle with coughing and mic; testimony of praying over the upcoming fast and the church.
Realization: the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, cares more about the people and their fasting than the pastor does.
Emphasis that believers must hear the Shepherd’s voice; call to open hearts and spirits to the Word and notes.

What fasting is (definition and biblical basis)

Fasting described as a spiritual discipline taught in the Bible, not an afterthought or optional for Christians.
Reference to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) and the three practices: praying, giving, fasting (“when you pray… when you give… when you fast,” not “if”).
Reading/summary of Matthew 6:16–18:
- Do not fast to impress others; keep normal appearance; the Father sees in secret and rewards openly.
Clarification: corporate fast cannot be fully secret, but the heart motive still must be God-centered, not people-centered.
Cultural critique: problem of overeating and food addictions; fasting is needed, not optional.

Why fast? Main reasons 1. Health and personal reset

Fasting brings health benefits; warning about “digging graves with forks and spoons.”
Pastor’s personal testimony: fasting at the beginning of the year as a “reset” that affects months afterward and increases awareness of what is eaten.

2. Fasting gives more time for prayer

Time normally used for preparing, eating, and cleaning up can be redirected to prayer.
Acknowledgment of family responsibilities; encouragement to use available time for prayer.
Biblical link between fasting and prayer: example from Acts 13 (worshiping, fasting, Holy Spirit speaks, Paul/Barnabas set apart).
Explanation of the church’s prayer schedule for the fasting week (Monday–Friday, 6:30–8:30 with personal prayer, worship, exhortation, and corporate prayer each night, plus guest ministers and special focuses).

3. Fasting shows the depth of desire in prayer

Fasting demonstrates how serious and desperate a person is about a prayer need.
Challenge to those struggling with addictions, family issues, or sin to get desperate enough to say no to food.