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A Call to Fast and Pray


I mentioned at our VISION 2020 meeting that we are calling the church at River Oaks to a time of fasting and praying in February. We are asking each of you to set aside February 9-16 as a season of fasting and prayer. While we are all called to pray at all times, this is a special season of joining in prayer for specific things we all need, as well as things we pray for in our city/county/region.

Isaiah 58:6-12 gives us a clear picture of God's plans for a fast. In those verses, he indicates that His fast is for:
  • Loosening the Bonds of Wickedness
  • Undoing the bands of the yoke
  • Letting the oppressed go free
  • Breaking every yoke
  • Give to those in need of food
  • Help the homeless
  • Not hiding from "your own flesh" - or refusing to see the needs of those around you.
The passage goes on to tell us what we can expect when we fast in that way:
  • Your light will break out like the dawn
  • Your recovery will speedily spring forth
  • Your righteousness will go before you
  • The Glory of God will be your rear guard
  • We will call, and God will answer and remove the yoke from our midst and the "pointing finger" and wicked speaking.
  • Your light will rise in the darkness
  • Your gloom will become like midday
  • The Lord will guide you
  • He will satisfy you in scorched places
  • He will give strength to your bones
  • You will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water does not fail
  • You will restore ancient ruins, raise up the age-old foundations.
  • You will be the repairer of the breach and the restorer of streets! 
We will be looking at that list in a bit more detail on Sunday, the 9th, but if you spend time reading through the list, I think you'll have to agree that good things come when we fast the way God calls us to fast.

This coming Sunday, I will be giving you some materials to help prepare for the fast. In the meantime, please consider meditating on Isaiah 58:6-12 while asking God to begin speaking to you about your journey of fasting as we join in fasting together.

Our overall desire is to connect with God as individuals and as a church family. We want to hear what He is saying to us as we join Him in His purposes. We want Him to refocus our hearts on His plans as we grow together with Him and reach out to those in need around us.

Peace,
Pastor Kevin

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