Acts 12:24-13:3 (ESV)

But the word of God increased and multiplied.

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Why are they fasting? Is fasting the key to what happens next?

The Bible doesn’t say. All we can tell is that fasting was important to these prophets and teachers and that the Lord acted powerfully in response to this fast.

Nowadays Christians rarely fast, though Jesus assumed that we would.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting doesn’t make you a super-hero; it’s simply a bigger commitment than just praying. For example, fasting takes longer. Praying for an hour is significant, but fasting for an hour isn’t even fasting. That’s just not eating long enough that it’s safe to go swimming.

Every Wednesday, I join a group to pray for an hour. That actually took some getting used to; it’s not easy to stay focused for that long. But, over time, this weekly tradition has proved its worth.

We need to take our going before the Lord to the next level. He honored Daniel’s fast. He honored Jesus’ fast. He honored this fast at Antioch.

There’s something to this. I know people who have had major prayers answered after praying and fasting.

You don’t have to fast for forty days like Jesus did, but you should fast some.

A simple day fast (skipping breakfast and lunch) can be useful, but that’s a lot to ask on short notice. A planned day of prayer and fasting is more like it.

Seek the Lord’s will on this. Consider a Saturday of prayer and fasting for your whole church, followed by a fellowship meal. Or maybe God wants you to do something else.

Find out.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies