We are not sitting in the shadow of Pike's Peak, but we are where we can see the majesty of that mountain. The beauty of the Rockies is breathtaking...a different beauty than we enjoy daily in the Ozarks. Both are examples of God's creative power and both create a sense of awe in my heart.

This week, as we jump into our sermon series on Spiritual Disciplines, we will be focusing on prayer and fasting. I recently came across a old resource that I'm trying to get my hands upon (either a reprint or an electronic copy). The Didache, or The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations, is text that contains "ethical and liturgical instructions for the church." Apparently, the early church (or some members of it) began a pracitce of fasting every Wednesday and Friday. It is said that John Wesley would not ordain someone as minister if they did not fast at least twice a week.

I am hoping this weries will help us recognize the value of observing some specific practices to help us as we seek to know Jesus better.

 

Monday - Luke 18:1-8

Tuesday - Luke 11:1-13

Wednesday - James 5:13-18

Thursday - Isaiah 58:1-12

Friday - Daniel 9:3-19

Saturday - Acts 13:1-3

Sunday - Matthew 6:5-18

 

Prayer and fasting show up in Scripture (in both the Old and New Testaments) as "normal" practices for the followers of God. These are not tools or techniques to try to manipulate God, but they are "postures of dependence," confession, and self-denial that helps us draw close to God.