Nov 4, 2018

Bible verse for meditation:

NRSV
2 While 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.”
3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

ESV
2 While 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.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

What does this scripture mean to you?
Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past?
How does this scripture make you feel?

Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning.

Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation:

Fasting is something that is used in some faith communities and not in others. In these moments consider how fasting is represented in the scriptures. How is it represented in your life?

The Scriptures show the effects of fasting. The Apostles were guided at times by fasting like in this scripture. They received guidance for their missionary efforts. That is something we can do as well as we attempt to share the word of God and bring people to Christ. At other times Jesus recommended fasting as a means of strengthening the power of the Apostles like when the failed to cast out the devil he stated “this kind cometh not out but by prayer and fasting.” It appears that Jesus was teaching them that they would be more able to draw on the power of God by fasting. In episode 75 we talked about how the temptation of Jesus occurred during his fast. Fasting in and of itself introduces physical challenges. It is hard to overcome our appetites. In fact this kind of control over our desires can be applied to many areas of our lives. When we feel strong urges we can learn that we can control them. Fasting gives us a laboratory for learning to overcome our physical urges.

Fasting can train us to rely on God and draw near him to overcome the things of this world.

Spend some moments in reflection on this.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation:

Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:

Final Question: Have you applied fasting in your spiritual routine?

Since each person has unique physical needs and challenges I would suggest asking your doctor before you fast since it can be very harmful for some people for example people with diabetes.

However if you are healthy enough for fasting there are various ways to perform a fast. I would recommend that you start with with short fasts. Perhaps a meal or two. At the beginning of your fast you can have a deep and personal prayer with God explaining what you hope to experience with this fast and your dedicated purpose. When you feel your body’s strong urge to eat and at other times. When you break you fast offer a prayer and talk to God about how it went again dedicating the fast to a specific goal and consider if you have been blessed by the fast. If you are healthy enough for fasting it can be a powerful way to connect with God.

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