Prayer for the bread

One day, when I was deeply concerned about the welfare of one close to me, I found encouragement in part of the Old Testament story of Samuel, a wise leader of the Israelites. As I read how Samuel interceded for God’s people as they faced trouble, I strengthened my resolve to pray for the one I loved.

The Israelites faced the threat of the Philistines, who had previously defeated them when God’s people didn’t trust in Him (see 1 Samuel 4). After repenting of their sins, they heard that the Philistines were about to attack. This time, however, they asked Samuel to continue praying for them (7:8), and the Lord answered clearly by throwing their enemy into confusion (v. 10). Though the Philistines may have been mightier than the Israelites, the Lord was the strongest of them all.

When we ache over the challenges facing those we love, and fear the situation won’t change, we may be tempted to believe that the Lord will not act. But we should never underestimate the power of prayer, for our loving God hears our pleas. We don’t know how He will move in response to our petitions, but we know that as our Father He longs for us to embrace His love and to trust in His faithfulness.

Do you have someone you can pray for today?

odb.org

2014 is here. I’m starting the new year with hope, determination, focus and self discipline. Today is the day of newness.

I share what I share today not to toot my horn. Not to be “seen before men.” I share to inspire and motivate which has always been my goal here at gatherforbread.com. I share in hopes of inspiring you to make a change, do something you’ve never done before and mostly to reach out to God with all that you have.

I’ve had it set in mind for the last few months that I would begin the new year with a 21 day fast. I don’t share this here for you to think I’m strange, for you to respect me in some new light or for any other reason other that accountability.

I want to do this right. I want to do it well. One of the best ways for us to meet our goals is to write them down. It’s proven. So I share with you today because I want this in writing and I want to be held accountable. No, you won’t see me if I make a bad choice and go against my plan. But just knowing that I shared this with you will keep my determination going and my mind focused. If time permits I’d also like to give an update weekly on how it’s going.

Why am I fasting?

A. The bible teaches us to fast and pray. It’s not a thing of the past. It’s a thing of the present.

B. Deepen my relationship with God. In doing so, I hope to:

Have renewed vision for the future.
See where God is leading me in 2014.
Increase prayer time. Pray specifically for break through in a few key areas in my life.
Spend time in individual bible study. (I just bought my first concordance.)

Benefits of fasting:

1.It breaks bad habits. I’ve gotten very lax in my ‘diet’ over the last few months. This is a great way to boost me back to healthy eating again.

2. Health benefits.It rids your body of chemicals, toxins and sugars. This is a great thing.

3. Less hungering after food, more hungering after God and his truths.

4. It refocuses our priorities, which should always start with Jesus Christ.

I have done fasts in the past and they have drawn me closer to the heart of God. I hear Him more.The closeness that you encounter with God is real but it comes with a price.

I’ve found that when I fast I yearn for his encouragement to get me through.

I cling to Him in my weakest moments and He shows me his goodness.

I cry out to Him when it’s tougher than I imagined. And he never fails me or forsakes me.

I was privileged to take a class on fasting this past year at church and it was based on this book. It’s an excellent resource on fasting.

How does my fast look?

It consists of:

NO desserts

NO soda

NO sweetened drinks

Days 1-3: Vegetables and Fruits only

Days 4-7: Add in whole grains, (no leavened breads) oils, nuts, all natural nut butters

Days 8-14: Add in dairy

Days 15-21: Add in meat

If you would like to join me on this 21 day fast I would absolutely love to have some partners. We could pray and encourage one another along the way. Leave a comment in the comment section or send me a private message. What a better way to start the new year!

Isaiah 58:6-7

Paraphrased in the Message bible:

This is the kind of fast day I’m after:

to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once.Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage.Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

Are you looking for break through today? This new year? Don’t forget fasting! Be determined!

Love and blessings,

Melanie

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gatherforbread.com

2014 is here. I’m starting the new year with hope, determination, focus and self discipline. Today is the day of newness.

Why am I fasting?

A. The bible teaches us to fast and pray. It’s not a thing of the past. It’s a thing of the present.

B. Deepen my relationship with God. In doing so, I hope to:

Have renewed vision for the future.
See where God is leading me in 2014.
Increase prayer time. Pray specifically for break through in a few key areas in my life.
Spend time in individual bible study. (I just bought my first concordance.)