Last 40 Days of 2014
The last 40 days of 2014 were days of prayer and fasting. For many of us, it was our first time engaging in such a focused effort. As we move into 2015 I invite you to reflect upon what the prayer and fasting experience taught you.
Here are some questions and thoughts for your consideration:
• Was I able to fulfill my commitment to 40 days of prayer and fasting? One of the first and most difficult steps in discipleship is self-denial (see Matthew 16:24). Fasting shows us that our desires do not have to master us; we can master them.
• When was fasting the most difficult? We all have moments of weakness. It helps to know when we are more susceptible to falling so that we can do all that we can to stand strong in the Lord.
• Was it difficult for me to pray for my church leaders? The ability to pray for another person is a mark of spiritual maturity and a measure of how you feel about others. If praying for certain people is difficult, that suggests that there is something wrong in your relationship with that person. If you find it difficult to pray for someone, ask yourself what you need to do to make that relationship better.
• How can I incorporate the disciplines of prayer and fasting in my life throughout the year? Prayer and fasting are tools in the Christian’s tool box that need to be used often. Think about people, circumstances, works, or plans that you want to focus on within the next three months. At least once every three months, try praying and fasting for a week about something that God has placed on your heart.
Thank you for your prayers the last 40 days of 2014. They have been a blessing to my family and me. We look forward to what the Lord will do in the lives of the members of the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ and how the work of God will make a difference in our community.
Here are some questions and thoughts for your consideration:
• Was I able to fulfill my commitment to 40 days of prayer and fasting? One of the first and most difficult steps in discipleship is self-denial (see Matthew 16:24). Fasting shows us that our desires do not have to master us; we can master them.
• When was fasting the most difficult? We all have moments of weakness. It helps to know when we are more susceptible to falling so that we can do all that we can to stand strong in the Lord.
• Was it difficult for me to pray for my church leaders? The ability to pray for another person is a mark of spiritual maturity and a measure of how you feel about others. If praying for certain people is difficult, that suggests that there is something wrong in your relationship with that person. If you find it difficult to pray for someone, ask yourself what you need to do to make that relationship better.
• How can I incorporate the disciplines of prayer and fasting in my life throughout the year? Prayer and fasting are tools in the Christian’s tool box that need to be used often. Think about people, circumstances, works, or plans that you want to focus on within the next three months. At least once every three months, try praying and fasting for a week about something that God has placed on your heart.
Thank you for your prayers the last 40 days of 2014. They have been a blessing to my family and me. We look forward to what the Lord will do in the lives of the members of the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ and how the work of God will make a difference in our community.
