Lean & Depend
THE DISCIPLINE OF FASTING
Connection
Make sure to spend some time catching up with one another and share your highs and lows of the week.
Worship
Song Suggestion: God I Look to You
Bible
Motivation for Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18 emphasises the importance of motivation in fasting. Reflect on a time when you did something primarily to gain approval from others. How did it make you feel afterwards? In what ways can we shift our motivation in fasting (and other spiritual practices) to seek God’s approval rather than human reward? When have you known the affirmation of God and how did that make you feel?
Practical Approaches to Fasting
Considering the practical steps Ben outlined (Focus, Abstain, Seek, Taste), how might you start incorporating fasting into your spiritual routine? What specific actions can you take to ensure your fasting focuses on deepening your relationship with God and feasting on his presence rather than merely abstaining from food?
Fasting as Feasting on God's Presence
Reflect on the idea of fasting as a means to "feast on God's presence." How can fasting become a joyful and fulfilling practice rather than a burdensome one? Share ways you can turn moments of physical hunger into opportunities to experience God’s presence more deeply.
If you have time...
Share Personal Experiences: Have any of you practised fasting before? If so, what was your experience, and what did you learn about your relationship with God through it?
Plan Your Next Fast: As a life group, discuss potential ways to start or share fasting practice. Consider selecting a day and time to fast together as a life group.
Prayer
Pray together that our motivation in all things would be the affirmation of the Father, that we would be a people who feast on the presence of God and that we would be joyful as we commit to fasting together.