OUR VISION: To see the Methodist Movement alive, vibrant, growing and yearning to spread the good news of Christ Jesus throughout the whole world through word, deed and sign!
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Prayer
and Fasting
Since
the 1991 World Methodist Conference in Singapore, Methodists around the
world have been encouraged by World Methodist Evangelism to participate
in the same weekly fast which John Wesley observed most of his life. Now,
the Wesleyan Patter for Prayer and Fasting has been incorporated into the World
Methodist Evangelism Emphasis and Wesleyan/Methodist people
around the world are being encourage to participate, especially during
Lent 2005 and Lent 2006!
In a world of computers, fax machines and supersonic travel, the church is tempted to overlook the simple act of praying for one another, the church and the world. The church cannot afford to neglect the power of prayer and fasting. Therefore, Methodist/Wesleyan people all over the world are invited to accept this challenge to prayer and fasting.
What
is the "Wesleyan Pattern for Prayer and Fasting?"
Each Thursday evening, after the evening meal, until mid-afternoon on each
Friday, Methodist people are invited to follow Wesley's example of fasting
and prayer. During this time he did not take solid food but fasted and focused
much of his time in prayer.
What
is a fast?
Normally persons do not use solid food, but continue with liquids during such
a short but regular fast.
What is the connection between prayer
and fasting?
Fasting is not a diet; it is a discipline that enables one to focus his or
her prayers.
When
does this prayer and fasting take place?
It is hope that many will regularly follow the pattern, but it is urged for
the people to particularly follow the pattern of prayer and fasting each week
between Easter and Pentecost.
Who
is invited to participate in the "Wesleyan Pattern of Prayer and
Fasting?"
John Wesley expected the "preachers" to participate, and he wanted
all of the Methodist leaders and people to follow this discipline.
Why
this pattern?
Methodist people are invited to discover the power in this regular pattern
and discipline that John Wesley followed for a half a
century. For Wesley, the more important reason for fasting was that fasting
is a help to prayer.
What are
the Prayer and Fasting Bookmarks?
The
Prayer and Fasting Bookmarks are durable printed cards in either English
or Spanish that are to be distributed to church members as reminders
of the fast. They contain information about the Wesleyan Pattern of Prayer
and Fasting and a Thursday evening prayer, a Friday morning prayer,
a mealtime prayer, and a breaking-the-fast prayer.
Where can
I get Prayer and Fasting Bookmarks?
Order
Prayer and Fasting Bookmarks in English or
Spanish by clicking here. They are free of charge in reasonable quantities. You will be charged a small fee for shipping and handling. Or you may download printable pdf formats in either English or Spanish from this website and print your own bookmarks.
Printable
Prayer and Fasting Bookmark
Today, the invitation from World Methodism to all Christians is to focus
our prayers and keep a regular fast for the church and for the world. The
printable
Prayer and Fasting Bookmark in both English and
Spanish at upper right has been translated and published by the thousands
in many languages
around
the
world as an aid to the Wesley Fast. You are invited to "download"
this and reproduce it for you in your personal life, your family, your congregation
or in any way that it would be beneficial to your own Christian spiritual
discipline.
The printable files of the Prayer and Fasting Bookmark in both English and Spanish are in Portable Digital Format (pdf). If you already have the Adobe Acrobat Reader in your browser or on your computer, it will open up when you click on the graphic at right. If you do not have it, you can download the program by going to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html