Embracing a Season of Prayer and Fasting

Starting this Wednesday, 5th March, we are embarking on a special season of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter. This sacred time allows us to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. During this period, Sundays will be considered "feast days", and we'll continue with our regular practice of sharing meals together those days.

Why Fast?

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced for centuries. By choosing to abstain from certain foods or activities, we make space in our lives to focus more intently on our relationship with God. Fasting helps us to:

Humble Ourselves: It is an act of humility and surrender, acknowledging that we depend on God for our strength and sustenance.

Seek God's Guidance: During this time, we seek God's direction and wisdom for our lives and our community.

Grow Spiritually: Fasting deepens our faith and allows us to grow spiritually as we spend more time in prayer and reflection.

Strengthen Our Prayer Life: It helps us to pray more fervently and to align our will with God's will.

Why at This Time?

As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us. This season of prayer and fasting is a way for us to honour His sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the celebration of His resurrection. It is a time for us to reflect on the significance of His death and resurrection and to renew our commitment to following Him.

The tradition of this season dates back to the early Christian church when new converts would prepare for baptism through a period of instruction, prayer, and fasting. These baptisms would often take place during the Easter Vigil, symbolising the new life that comes through Christ's resurrection. By participating in this season, we are following in this ancient practice of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Easter.

Why 40 Days?

The 40-day period of fasting is inspired by the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). During this time, Jesus resisted temptation and prepared Himself for the mission ahead. By observing a 40-day fast, we are following in His footsteps and dedicating ourselves to spiritual growth and preparation.

A Word of Caution

As we enter this time of fasting, it is important to remember that fasting is also a personal journey and not everyone may be called to fast in the same way. As theologian Beth Felker Jones wisely advises:

"But, if giving something up will be, for you, a performance or a temptation to works righteousness or a self-improvement program or a bit of self-flagellation or a trigger for the ways you fight disordered eating and a disordered view of your good, blessed, beloved body? Well then, please don’t give something up."

We invite each member of our Capes family to participate in this season of prayer and fasting in whatever way you feel led. Whether you choose to fast from certain foods or on particular days or particular meals, the important thing is to focus on deepening your relationship with God.

As we journey through these 40 days together, let us support and encourage one another. May this time of prayer and fasting be a powerful and transformative experience for us all.