For the past few weeks, I have sensed the Lord speaking to my heart that it would be good for IWU to take time to pray and fast as a community. We are living in times when we truly need the presence, power, and provision of the Lord. I sense there is so much more God wants to do for our university!
The following quotes spur me on in the area of fasting and praying. Andrew Murray wrote: Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
John Wesley preached: Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.
Even though I have sensed the Lord calling our community to prayer, I hesitated even to suggest it. But quotes by Dwight Moody and Hudson Taylor changed my mind. They are powerfully convicting:
Dwight L. Moody wrote, “If you say “I will fast when God lays it on my heart,” you never will. You are too cold and indifferent to take the yoke upon you.
Having been a missionary, I love the words of Hudson Taylor, “In Shansi I found Chinese Christians who were accustomed to spend time in fasting and prayer. They recognized that this fasting, which so many dislike, which requires faith in God, since it makes one feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed means of grace. Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our work is our own imagined strength; and in fasting we learn what poor, weak creatures we are-dependent on a meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt to lean upon.”
I spoke to Dr. David Wright about IWU and Wesley Seminary ‘instituting’ a time for fasting. He enthusiastically gave the green light to move forward! We would also like to invite our IWU alumni to participate as well.
The plan:
- When: Wednesdays in December (12/8 – 12/29) – lunchtime (or if you cannot do Wednesday, fast one meal during the week on behalf of IWU and Wesley Seminary.)
- Where: We do not need to gather together, but fast where ever you may be.
- For those who can, Williams prayer chapel will be open during Wednesday lunch for whoever wants to ‘gather.’
- Individuals can come and go as their schedule requires.
There is something powerful that happens when believers fast and pray at the same time. By faith, I believe we will see even more amazing miracles from the hand of God at this beloved university.
Sincerely,
“Umfundisi+” Jim+, Campus Intercessor