Isaiah 58:3-9 (KJV)
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure. And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate. And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen. A day for a man to afflict his soul?Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush. And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.
CG Discussion Points
- Why and when should we fast and pray? How can you be intentional and practical to set the stage for prayer & fasting (e.g. duration, what kind of fasting)? What are the things that we should / (should not) be doing during the period of prayer & fasting? (Isa 58:3-9)
- What are the purposes of fasting in the sight of God as shown in the main passage? Discuss how fasting and praying can help us loose the bond of wickedness plotted against us and make a spiritual breakthrough to tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit especially when ministering to people. (Isa 58:6-7; Est 4:15-16; Est 5:7-8; Mat 17:15-21)
- Are there any habitual sins that you struggle to break from the yoke of bondage? Do you have any heavy burden in your life that you need to seek the face of God through the prayer of consecration and fasting?(Isa 10:27; Rom 6:22; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Chr 20:1-4)