Soul Care - Prayer & Fasting
by Mary Elsbury
This past summer, I was one of 70 women across the country that created 82 Prayer Bibles for families of those that died in the July 4th flooding in Texas. None of us knew the individuals that died or were impacted by the devastation, but we knew that God’s Word could offer hope. Each Bible was marked with 10 topics, like strength, grief, God Hears, and hope. Each topic had 10-15 Scriptures highlighted and prayers written for the recipient. That’s 100 to 150 prayers per Bible! One of my Bibles went to an 8-year-old girl who had both parents and two younger brothers washed away in the flood. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever undertaken.
God’s Word is always true. Using Scripture as a guide, we lay aside our own thoughts and open ourselves to wisdom found in the Bible. It is filled with prayers, crying out to God when all seems lost. As Richard Foster wrote in Celebration of Discipline, “To pray is to change.”
The book of Psalms is filled with prayers that voice our needs, fears, sorrows, joys, anger, loneliness, and dryness. We read what Jesus prayed for His disciples – and for us. You find the words of Moses, Joshua, Mary, Daniel, and Paul that provide a framework for intercession for people and nations. It is a great way to memorize passages on prayer. Using specific Scriptures gives us a structure that keeps us on the right path during a difficult season. When we are at a loss for words, the Bible is a ready resource to lead us back to God.
I was encouraged long ago to journal. Those journals show me where I have been and how God is always leading me to someplace better than I ever hoped or imagined. Writing down prayers for a specific season of life or for friends, allows me to see how and when God answers. Sometimes it is quick and other times it takes years. When I got divorced, I was bitter and angry. My prayer was to “see that he gets his just reward” - not a real Christian attitude! Over time, it wasn’t him that needed changing – it was me. My heart had to mellow, and I can see now that many blessings have come my way that could not have happened otherwise.
There have been times in my life that I have felt a real burden for someone or myself. My normal prayers needed a “boost.” That’s where fasting comes in. Fasting is a denial of normal necessities (like food) in order to focus solely on God. It is not a way to manipulate God into granting what we need, rather, fasting brings us face to face with surrendering our control and being one on one with God.
Fasting is hard. Going voluntarily without food is countercultural. There are fast food places everywhere. Coffee shops are on every corner. We hold meetings over lunch or to build up relationships. Food is ever present. We eat to stay comfortable. Fasting sounds much easier in concept than it proves to be in practice. It can be surprising how on-edge we feel when we miss a meal!
If we are to learn the lost art of fasting, it will not come with our ear to the ground of society, but with Bibles open. Then, the concern will not be whether we fast, but when. Jesus assumes His followers will fast and even promises it will happen. He doesn’t say “if,” but “when you fast” (Matthew 6:16). And He doesn’t say his followers might fast, but “they will” (Matthew 9:15).
While fasting sounds simple, it’s not. There are so many distractions. Start slowly. Maybe fast one meal a week and gradually build up to a day-long fast. Try different forms of fasting. Maybe you are obsessed with technology (your phone, social media, television, etc.). Turn it off for a day, or a week. You might find that you don’t miss it. Have a plan in mind for your fast. Spend time in worship. Open your Bible and let God’s Word lead you. Write down your prayers and offer them to God.
I often hear that people have trouble praying, let alone fasting. Praying allows you to come to the throne of grace and mercy. It helps me declare that I am dependent on God alone and shifts my focus to Him. When fasting is added, there is greater strength to fight the enemy.
I’m asking God to meet you, right where you are, right now. I’m praying for you.
If anyone is interested in how to put together a Prayer Bible, please contact me at melsb49173@aol.com.
