Very few of us relish the prospect of denying ourselves food. This week however, you are invited to join a collective church family fast

God's power has clearly been at work in so many different ways at St Mary's and Sale West. Last year we were praying for 'Breakthrough' - a word given to us from the Lord. True to His word, God has provided significant areas of 'breakthrough' this year. These are some:

• The congregational numbers have increased
• We have more youth & children than ever before
• Last year's Alpha course had more people than ever before - a staggering 60 or so!
• The church centre booking s have increased by 25%
• There has been a noticeable difference in the maturity and gifting of many people
• More and more people are offering time and skills in service of God
• Testimonials of physical, spiritual and emotional healing are on the increase!

St Mary's and Sale Wet are flourishing in so many areas. In keeping up with the move of God and in keeping in step with His Spirit we believe God is calling us to stop - to fast and pray and to seek His wisdom, guidance and grace in order to fulfil His continuing vision for His Church

Everyone who is part of St Mary's and Sale West church family is here because of the sacrificial giving and prayers of others. Without financial, practical and spiritual gifts we would not have the resources or the people to extend God's kingdom and make this a resourcing place of salvation and healing for others.

The bible records many stories of God's people and even Jesus Himself fasting and praying with specific requests in mind (Luke 4:4ff, Dan 10:3, Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9, 2 Cor 11:27).

Their compassion for the lost and hurting was so great and their faith in God so secure that they believed that fasting and prayer would bring about change. The bible gives powerful testimony to the effects that fasting and prayer has had upon churches, communities and nations.

Would you be willing to join the fast? Does your heart burn to see God achieve more and more in our churches and communities? Do you long to see the church's purpose statement flfilled in our time? 'St Mary's and Sale West is a growing church'

If so the please take note of these practical suggestions for the fast:

• Eat no solid food.
• Drink liquids - this is essential - water, tea, coffee, juice, smoothies
• Focus and motive to be upon God and His provision for the prayer focus mentioned above
• Reflect regularly about what it means to surrender your life to God
• Use any hunger pangs as opportunity to turn immediately to prayer. Resist focusing upon self and how well you're doing.
• Keep away from the weighing scales!
• Take note of personal integrity (fasting has a way of exposing unGodly attitudes like no other spiritual discipline).
• Expect to be tired. Resist the temptation to believe you need food, the body has been conditioned to expect food at certain times but can cope well without food for at least 40 days !

And finally……………
Are five days of fasting and prayer too much? If so you could consider….

• Changing your diet by cutting out snacks, sweets, meat and sweet drinks for the duration
• Cut out 1 or 2 meals each day
• Fast for 24 hours

"it was not merely by the light of reason that the people of God have been, in all ages, directed to use fasting as a means. They have been taught it of God Himself, by clear and open revelation of His Will….. Whatever reasons there were to quicken those of old, in the zealous and constant discharge of this duty, they are of equal force still to quicken us".
Wesley