As we approach Chasing God, many of us are hungry—spiritually hungry—for God to move in powerful and exciting ways. One of the best ways to prepare our hearts is through the spiritual discipline of fasting. Simply stated, fasting is putting aside food in pursuit of God. It’s about changing our rhythms to make space for God to speak and act.

In Ezra 8:21–23, we read:

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this and he answered our prayer.

As we head into Chasing God, we’re embarking on a spiritual journey—longing for God’s presence and power. Just like Ezra’s people, we can set aside time to fast and pray for the Holy Spirit to move; for hearts to be open; for lives to be transformed; for bodies to be healed ,and for relationships to be reconciled.

In my walk with Jesus, I have experienced a heightened sense of the Holy Spirit’s activity while fasting. For me, the act of removing food allows me to slow down enough to be present in His presence.

Here is my encouragement to you:

1. Commit to the 3-day fast. For the three days before Chasing God, choose to step away from normal meals or comforts. If medically possible, press into a full fast (water only). Rally with others at one of the Open Prayer and Worship services on Monday or Tuesday evening.
2. Humble yourself before God. Create a prayer list for your fast. Each time hunger strikes, turn to your list and pray. Some ideas to include: pray for your own readiness to hear Him, for your lost friends and family members, for the speakers, for our community, and for everyone attending the event.
3. Expect God to respond. Ezra’s story ends with God hearing their prayers. We believe He will do the same as we Chase God.

This three-day fast is an invitation and an opportunity, not an obligation. Step into it with anticipation. The God who met Ezra’s people is the same God who longs to meet you—and us—before, during and after Chasing God.