Friday 10 March 2023

Believers' Prayer Meeting with The Saint | R 15 W 6 D 5.


Welcome to The Upper Room. So glad you came.

We continue with our meditations in The Book of Daniel. We are on verses 2 and 3 of Chapter 10, The Daniel Fast. It reads,

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."

We continue with our meditations and discussion on "A Fasted Life" as compared with "Intermittent Fasting," as we dissect Isaiah 58. Still on verse 5. It reads,

"Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?"

It is in this wise we enter into the world of Acts 13:1-3. It reads,

"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."

"They ministered to the Lord and fasted." They did not fast because they had a special need. They fasted as an act of worship, a spiritual exercise, and discipline. It was a set time to minister to the Lord, worship, pray, share the word, listen to words of prophecy, encourage one another, etc. They added fasting to it.

We too can do the same. My old church does the first three days of every month fasting. My present church, in Nigeria, does it every Wednesday fasting. Individuals have their own set times to fast. I used to do a once-a-week fast. Some do it twice a week. 

There truly is no law around it. Just as there are truly no laws around physical exercise. Everyone, primarily, needs to know it is essential. Then find the combination that suits their lifestyle. I have found that it is best to stick to my exercise routine, frequency, and timing. That is what keeps me consistent.

The same thing applies to me when it comes to spiritual exercises and discipline. Take for instance when I came to faith the general talk was on morning quiet times. Unfortunately, I am not a morning person. I am an owl. Early mornings are drudgery for me.

Though it works for others, it was not the best time for me, but I did not know better. So, what was called quiet time was a struggle with sleep for me. I was trying to fit into another person's armor. Thank God for knowledge and understanding. 

Yes, fasting is an essential and critical spiritual exercise and discipline. It not be done like any other person's. You can find one that fits your lifestyle. It is not about the form, but all about meeting the intent, power, and purpose.

Hoping this helps.

The Saint.

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