“We feed our Spirit and starve our Flesh by practicing habits laid down by Jesus. As we do this over time, we not only develop our own willpower muscles, but more importantly, we open our minds and bodies to a power that is outside of us—that of God’s Spirit.”
– John Mark Comer
Connect group:
● Choose ONE NIGHT a week to hold your connect group.
● Ask each member of your connect group to bring their Bible.
● If you want, you can also take communion together.
WELCOME Ice breaker:
Choose one of the following topics and talk about it:
a) Why would one FAST?
b) In what ways can one FAST?
Prayer: Open with prayer. WORD Read:
Our Core Text for Today: Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look sad like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that they may be seen by men to fast. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be seen by men, but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Daniel 10:3 I ate no delicacies, neither meat nor wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for three whole weeks.
Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Talk in your Connect Group about the following: How do we Fast? – Total Fast: Only liquids are consumed (Water, and sometimes juice or coffee). No solid foods for a specific time. From one day to 40 days.
– Daniel Fast: Only vegetables, fruits, and water are consumed. This fast can also be for a specific period. Usually, this fast lasts for 21 days.
– Partial Fast: Abstaining from food from Sunrise to Sunset. (e.g., 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
– Three-Day Fast: Total Fast for three days, only water. This fast is done to get a clear direction on where to move.
What to expect when we Fast? – Physical Symptoms: Hunger pangs, headaches, and sometimes dizziness (Due to Sugar and Caffeine Withdrawal)
– Increased Mental Clarity: Although the body experiences fatigue and withdrawal, the Spiritual experience is the opposite.
– Increased Sensitivity to the sacred Giving: Breakthroughs in prayer arise. Passion is rekindled.
Reread today’s texts and talk about them:
• What method of fasting works best for you? • What do you expect when you fast?
WORSHIP Make time to worship God today. Use the playlist on our Word and Life website under Connect Groups. Or bring your own worship songs.
WORKS Now enjoy Communion together as a Connect Group:
Love for God, Love for People
Now, as a Connection Group, spend just 5 minutes in silence, and each member should answer the questions below for themselves. Create a peaceful atmosphere and allow the Lord to speak to each one individually.