Let's Pray for the Nation

NECF 40-days Fast and Pray has started today. This is a yearly event where all churches in Malaysia will fast and pray for the nation for 40days(22 July - 30 August 2005. This year's theme is 'Turn to our Father in Heaven'.

Foreword: Persistent intercession brings breakthrough. Jesus spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) God will have us continue in prayer, not to weary us, but to exercise us; therefore we must fight against impatience so that a long delay does not cause us to quit praying.

Why fast?

Fasting brings a sacrificial dimension to prayer. Biblical fasting is most often the abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose; and there are various ways to fast. Some people also fast a non-food item. Combining prayer, fasting and social justice can move you beyond concerns and concepts and into God-directed action that is meaningful and helpful to those in your community and the world needing social justice today.

• A practical food fast refers to giving up either a meal or two or a type of food (like meat) over a period of time.
• A full food fast refers to giving up all food except water and/or juices over a period of time.
• An absolute food fast is refraining from both food and drink, but should only be done for three days.
• Non-food fasts include giving up something (for example Television) that interferes with your spiritual life.

Anyone with medical conditions or on medications should consult their physician before a food fast; and anyone attempting a full or absolute fast should consult their physician.

Decide what type of fast would be best for you. If this is new to you, begin with a partial fast.

Partial Fast Options

• Give up one meal a day
• Give up two meals on two days (for e.g. Wednesday and Friday)
• Give up two meals a day (breakfast and lunch)
• Give up meat or some other food

Full Fast Options

• Give up food, drinking only wather and juices for 24 hours
• Give up all solid foods, drinking only water and juices (do this under a physician's care)

Non-Food Fast

• Give up something that distracts you from prayer and spiritual pursuits
  
  

For more information, visit www.necf.org.my