Last week I asked the church to consider a fast on Monday for a member of the congregation

that is very ill.  Many of you did fast in some manner or another and I am sure God

will react (or may have already reacted to our faithfulness).  Some of you may have fasted

as I did taking only fruit juice until after 6:00 PM.  Others fasted by giving up something

special on that day and it is not important how we fasted but that many people as a group

demonstrated self-discipline and a desire for God to intervene in behalf of this lady.

It was a blessing to me to see so many people of all ages take part in this action.

Fasting is an age old practice and has been used by many for thousands of years

in prayer.  It is not that God takes joy in our denying ourselves something.  Nor does

God enjoy us being hungry, not at all.  I believe that fasting is not for God nearly as

much as it is for us.  It helps us focus and place our attentions on the one who

can heal all diseases and meet all needs.  Fasting leads us toward God.