Beloved,
As we reflect on the powerful journey from the Crucifixion to the Ascension and Pentecost, we are reminded of the deep spiritual practices of the early Church.
These were not simply events in history—but divine blueprints for our present-day walk with God.
[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. Acts 13-3]
Focus on God Above All
Fasting is the deliberate act of setting aside food or other comforts to seek God wholeheartedly. It shows seriousness and hunger for His will above physical needs. This keeps our spirit sensitive to His leading.
Worship and Minister to God
The word translated as “worshipping” (or “ministering to the Lord”) in Greek is leitourgountōn, which originally meant serving in a priestly or temple role. Isn’t it awesome that God has made us priests of the temple that He abides in.
A Spiritual Service
It means the disciples were offering spiritual service—prayer, worship, praise, and devotion—not for people, but directed to God.
Prepare for God’s Direction
Frequent times of prayer and fasting in our lives lead to godliness, holiness and direction.
The Lord can lead us better when we build on these divine practices that the early church was birthed from.
To serve the Lord with prayer and fasting means dedicating time to worship, seek, and hear from God in a focused way, putting aside distractions, expressing dependence on Him, and being ready for His leading.
May You Pray:
Holy Spirit who lives in me, fulfil Your holy ways in me.
Holy Spirit who lives in me, teach me the holy ways to live.
Holy Spirit who lives in me, teach me to minister to the Lord as the early church did.
Holy Spirit who lives in me, draw me close to Christ the King. Amen.
Bless the Lord. Keep going. Build your relationship with the Lord more each day, the rock on which we stand.
[strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’ So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:22–23]