At the beginning of each new year our Canadian Vineyard family enters into a time of fasting, prayer and listening to the Spirit together. This year’s fast will begin January 22 and finish on January 31. In preparation for this time together, we sense that we are to anchor our focus in Matthew chapter 11: 28-30. Set in the midst of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, we believe the Spirit is drawing our attention in this hour to reflect on His Great Invitation.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Collectively engaging in a fast, presses us to humble ourselves, set aside our egos, and cry out to God for mercy and grace. As we enter into this posture we allow for a greater capacity to hear the voice of the Father, break the resistance of the enemy and lean into new adventures in mission. As Luke records, Jesus was “led by the Spirit” into his fasting in the wilderness and returned “full of the Spirit”.
We encourage you to journal and share with us what you are hearing as we lean in to hear the heartbeat of our good, good Father together.
