Sacred Roots Workshop

Ses s i on 6: Hi s L i fe i n Us

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2. They could either be individual spontaneous responses, or in public, recurring observances as an instrument of the community’s ongoing spiritual formation.

3. Why did individuals fast?

a. To obtain God’s help, 2 Sam. 12.16-23; Dan. 9.3

b. To express repentance for sin, 1 Kings 21.27

c. To mourn over misfortune or loss, Neh. 1.4

d. To get God to reveal himself, Exod. 34.28

e. To demonstrate brokenness and commitment to the Lord, Ps. 35.13; Luke 18.12

4. Why did communities fast?

a. To gain the Lord’s aid and help, Judg. 20.26; 1 Sam. 14.24; Joel 1.14; Esther 4.3; Ezra 8.21-23

b. To show remorse for sin (1 Sam. 7.6; Jon. 3.5-10), or to mourn the death of leaders (1 Sam. 31.13; 2 Sam. 1.12)

5. On the Day of Atonement, the nation was called to fast (Lev. 16.29-34; 23.26-32; Num. 29.7).

a. Fast to occur on the 10th day of the seventh month