FASTING AND PRAYING

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW that we can fast and pray for God's help in dire situations; DESIRE to fast and pray; and PLAN to fast and pray in times of need. 

FOCAL VERSES EZRA 8:21-13

KEEP IN MIND

"So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us" (Ezra 8:23).

AT-A-GLANCE 

1. Why Ezra Proclaimed a Fast (Ezra 8:21-22)

2. What Happened after the Fast (v. 23)

IN FOCUS 

Celeste recently graduated from college with a degree in social work. She was given a full-time position as an intern. Some of Celeste's work surroundings made her uneasy, causing her to consider her own safety. She didn't say anything, not wanting to cause alarm while new on her post. However, her appetite had been affected; she hadn't been eating. She found herself seeking God for answers. She heard a message concerning the purpose of fasting and decided to turn her recent eating habits into a fasting sacrifice for guidance and protection. 

In the weeks following Celeste's fasting, she became calm and confident of God's protection. Celeste continued to travel to her appointments faithfully. Her superiors acknowledged her dedication, and she was later reassigned to a paying position inside the main office. Celeste felt that God made away and because she honored Him with faith, fasting, and prayer.

Today's lesson discuss how fasting and praying can move God in dire situations. 

BACKGROUND

In today's passage. Ezra moves from a prophetic role to a leadership role. After he bragged about having God's protection, he led the people in prayer and fasting to ensure it in their return to their homeland. Typically, the Persians would have provided military escort for Ezra as they were carrying with them contributions made by the Persians. Apparently, however, the Persian king had been convinced of God's protection for the returning exiles. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. Who proclaimed (gave orders for) a fast (Ezra 8:21)?

2. What was the most important influence on the people's safe arrival after their 720-mile journey (v.23)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What types of fasts are acceptable by God? Make a list.

2. Why is it important to pray during a fast? List the reasons?

3. Was Celeste's fast (In Focus) acceptable since she was dieting anyway? Why or why not?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

As we go through life, we learn that we will face things where a solution is not readily apparent. Often, these answers are obtained through fasting and prayer. Once God begins to work in our lives, it's important that we share with others His many miracles and blessings. We should understand that others will gain faith in what God can do by our testimonies. How does the Holy Ghost help?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Set aside a few days for fasting and prayer over a situation in your own life that you know only God can deliver or supply the need. If you do not have a need at this time, consider a family member, friend, coworker, etc., for whom your testimony about God's guidance will provide support during their time of questioning or need. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way)

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On-Lesson