Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking divine guidance. Within the context of ordaining ministers, fasting serves as a means of consecration and preparation for the sacred responsibilities of ministry.Biblical Instances and Principles The practice of fasting during the ordination of ministers is exemplified in the New Testament, particularly in the early church. In Acts 13:2-3 , we find a clear instance of this practice: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage highlights the role of fasting as a preparatory act, aligning the hearts of the believers with the will of the Holy Spirit and seeking His guidance in the selection and commissioning of leaders. Similarly, in Acts 14:23 , the early church leaders appointed elders in every church, "and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed." This underscores the seriousness and solemnity with which the early Christians approached the ordination process, recognizing the need for divine wisdom and blessing upon those chosen to lead. Theological Significance Fasting during ordination reflects a deep dependence on God, acknowledging that human wisdom alone is insufficient for the task of ministry. It is an act of humility and submission, seeking God's empowerment and direction. The practice also serves to purify the intentions of those involved, ensuring that the decision to ordain is not based on personal ambition or external pressures but on a genuine calling from God. Historical and Contemporary Practice Throughout church history, fasting has been a common practice during ordination ceremonies. The early church fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, emphasized the importance of fasting as a means of spiritual preparation and discernment. In many Christian traditions today, fasting remains an integral part of the ordination process, reflecting continuity with the practices of the early church. In contemporary settings, fasting may take various forms, from complete abstention from food to more moderate forms of fasting, depending on the health and circumstances of those involved. Regardless of the form it takes, the underlying purpose remains the same: to seek God's presence and guidance in the sacred act of ordaining ministers. Conclusion Fasting, as observed on occasions of ordination, is a biblically grounded practice that underscores the gravity and spiritual significance of commissioning individuals for ministry. It serves as a means of aligning the hearts of the ordaining community with God's will, ensuring that those chosen to lead are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit for the work ahead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 14:23 Library The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning. False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ... An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658. Carey's College Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Confessio Augustana. Footnotes The Evangelical Revival. Resources Why did Jesus fast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Lent? | GotQuestions.org Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion Fasting for the Chastening of the Soul Fasting for the Humbling of the Soul Fasting in Babylon, With Prayer for Divine Deliverance and Guidance Fasting in Prayer for Himself and his Adversaries Fasting in Times of Bereavement of Abner's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of David, at the Time of Saul's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of the People of Jabesh-Gilead, for Saul and his Sons Fasting of Ahab, when Elijah Prophesied the Destruction of Himself and his House Fasting of Darius, when he Put Daniel in the Lions' Den Fasting of Ezra, on Account of the Idolatrous Marriages of the Jews Fasting of Hypocrites: Boasted of, Before God Fasting of Hypocrites: Described Fasting of Hypocrites: Ostentatious Fasting of Hypocrites: Rejected Fasting of Nehemiah, on Account of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Apostles Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Christians Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Cornelius Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Daniel Fasting of Saints Exemplified: David Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Esther Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Nehemiah Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Paul Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders Fasting of the Disciples, at the Time of the Consecration of Barnabas and Saul Fasting of the Jews, when Jeremiah Prophesied Against Judea and Jerusalem Fasting of the Wicked: Elders of Jezreel Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Accompanied by Confession of Sin Fasting: Accompanied by Humiliation Fasting: Accompanied by Mourning Fasting: Accompanied by Prayer Fasting: At the Time of his Vision Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Fasting: During Forty Days: Moses Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Elijah Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Our Lord Fasting: Fasting in the Conflict Between the Other Tribes With the Tribe of Benjamin Fasting: Habitual by Cornelius Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: National Exemplified: Israel Fasting: National Exemplified: Men of Jabesh-Gilead Fasting: National Exemplified: Ninevites Fasting: Ninevites, when Jonah Preached to Them Fasting: Not to be Made a Subject of Display Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of Others Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Approaching Danger Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Judgments of God Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Private Afflictions Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Public Calamities Fasting: On Account of the Captivity of the People, With Prayer for Their Deliverance Fasting: Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Prolonged for Forty Days, by Moses Fasting: Prolonged for Three Weeks, by Daniel Fasting: Promises Connected With Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul Fasting: when They Went to Mizpeh for the Ark of the Covenant Fasting: While Interceding in Prayer for his Friends Related Terms |
    |