Prayer and Fasting: Preparation and Discernment.

The outline is in two parts: I) Preparation for Prayer and Fasting, and II) Discernment.
The time-periods are suggestions only. Do what seems appropriate in your congregation.

1. Gathering (10 minutes)

   Song: I bind my heart this tide: Hymnal: A Worship Book #411
   Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-3
   Prayer

2. Sharing (in small groups, or as one group, depending on size/preference; 20-30 minutes)

   What previous experiences have group members had with fasting? Discuss:
    context/purpose for previous fasts (an individual or group experience?)
    length of fast
    impact that the fast had on you physically/spiritually
   

   As you anticipate the fast you are about to undertake, what are your fears and hopes?

3. Biblical Fasts (in small groups or as one group, depending on size/preference; 30 minutes)

   Read: Jonah 3, Esther 4, Matthew 4:1-11

   Answer/discuss the following questions related to one or more of the biblical passages listed above. If you work as one large group, you may wish to choose one of the passages only. If you divide into groups, different groups can work with different passages, then share findings with the large group.

   1. Who fasted?
   2. Why and how did they fast?
   3. What was the result of the fast on the individuals and/or the surrounding society?

      Read Isaiah 58:1-12

   4. What additional learnings and warnings about fasting are contained in this passage?

4. Briefly share insights from the previous exercise with the entire group (15 minutes).

5. Final Questions (30-45 minutes)

   What is there about the current context that leads you to prayer and fasting as a small group or congregation? Identify the primary factors. How are they similar or different from the factors which led to the biblical fasts?

   Identify one of the above biblical passages as a focus for your meditation and reflection during your fast.

   Identify a question that you would like to reflect on during your time of prayer and fasting. (You may wish to choose a question individually, as a group, or both. The several questions below are for your consideration only. Follow the leading of God's Spirit as you identify your question.)

   1. What does God ask of Christians if/when their nations are at war?
   2. In what ways is my life/our congregational life offering an alternative to the violence that is consuming our world?
   3. What specific actions is God is calling me/our congregation to do in response to the clear preparations for war?
   4. What spiritual resources or strength do we need to confront the gathering powers of violence and war?
   5. In the face of military power, what power do love, acts of mercy, and truth have?

6. Closing (5 minutes)

   Prayer
   Song: I bind my heart this tide Hymnal: A Worship Book #411

If you began your fast on Saturday, November 9, you may wish to end your fast together as a congregation on Sunday with a soup and bread meal. You may want to do this before your time of discernment. Alternatively, you may choose to meet together for a time of discernment first, then break the fast by eating together.

Choose one listener/recorder for each group if you divide into small groups, or several listeners for the whole group if you stay together. Ask them to summarize the responses to the questions below, and to note common themes or particular calls to action that arise from the time of fasting.

1. Gathering

   Song: I bind my heart this tide: Hymnal: A Worship Book #411
   Prayer

2. Sharing (in small groups, or as one group, depending on size/preference)

   What did we hear God saying to us during our time of fasting?
    as individuals
    as a group/congregation
    as a denomination
   

   This is primarily a time to listen. You may want to ask questions of clarification, but be sure each person is given opportunity to share what they sensed God saying to them during their time of prayer and fasting. Listeners should note both the common themes, as well as solitary voices.

3. Group Discernment

   As the small groups report in via the listeners, once again listen for common themes or for voices which resonate with the larger group.

   Spend some time in silence after each group reports...and after all groups have reported.

   Invite individuals to share one or more of the following if they choose to do so. Individuals may wish to affirm one or more of the commitments which came from the small group discussions.

    commitments or actions which individuals are ready to take
    commitments or actions which the congregation or groups within the congregation should consider taking
    commitments or actions which the denomination should consider taking

   Take some time to see if consensus for group, congregational, or denominational action emerges. Remember, however, that fasting and prayer is not a formula or equation that will lead us automatically to "answers" or "commitments".

   Individuals and groups should not be under pressure to produce "results" in the form of a long list of commitments or actions that they will take. Fasting and prayer is an important way to help empty ourselves of distractions and tune our ears to the voice of God. Some may gain a clear sense of God's leading during this time; others may not.

   As individuals, groups, and congregations find clarity about how God is leading them to act, it is important to follow this leading. For those who do not gain a clear sense of God's call to them, it is important to keep listening. Fasting is important preparation for hearing God's voice.

   Visit the Mennonite Church Peace and Justice website and record your commitments on the Peace Pledge form by checking one or more of the boxes, or by writing in your personal/group commitment. Send your response to Kathy Harshbarger as indicated.

4. Closing

   Prayer