New Year's Fast - Day 1

On January 1st I invited the church to join me for a New Year’s fast. Though I am taking part in what is known as a “Daniel Fast,” I invited members to fast in a way they feel led. However, if health issues keep them from fasting, I invited each person to add a special moment of prayer or spiritual discipline to their daily routine. The purpose of this fast is to begin the year by listening to God in a new and more intimate way.
 
2016 was a very intense, busy and satisfying year. As the year came to a close, however, I started to sense a feeling of spiritual unease. This feeling wasn’t one of doubt or sadness, it was a feeling like God is trying to reveal something or move in a very particular way. Unable to fully discern what this message or call fully meant, I decided I needed to listen in a new and more intimate way – so I decided on this fast.
 
My hopes for this New Year's fast are three-fold. First, I hope to discern the message God is trying to send me and Central Christian Church. Second, I hope to develop a more centered spiritual practice in my life. Third, I hope to be more spiritually connected to the world around me.
 
I have invited the church to join me in this fast (or added spiritual discipline) because I believe the start to the New Year is a perfect time for us to listen to God more intimately. Who knows where the spirit will lead us if we are all truly seeking God’s guidance? Additionally, by doing this together, I believe this shared spiritual practice can bring us together as a community in a unique and deep way.
 
Starting today, I invite you to join me in this fast. Feel free to share your insights or thoughts with me personally, with the world via our social media outlets, or with our church community on Sundays. On Sunday, January 22nd, we will come together at coffee hour after worship to say a prayer of thanksgiving and break our fast together.
 
I look forward to this journey and will be holding our community in prayer.

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