What is a Christian’s private worship? Why do Christians fast? Prayer and Fasting What is a Christian’s private worship? Why do Christians fast?

Private Worship But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6 v 6.

Private Worship Most Christians spend time at home, on their own every day praying and reading the Bible This is known as a ‘devotional’ or, ‘quiet time’ This is important in maintaining a ‘personal relationship’ with God.

Private Worship Some Christians use a devotional book to help them know what to pray and read. Which do you think is more important to a Christian - their private or public worship? Do you think it matters if you spend time alone with God every day as long as you go to church every week?

Fasting But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6 v 17 - 18

Fasting He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does no go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17 v 20 - 21

Fasting When Christians fast they generally give something up, usually food for a specific period of time. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Christians do in order to show their commitment to God. Sometimes if the answer to a prayer is needed desperately then Christians pray and fast.

Fasting On Ash Wednesday some Christians begin a forty day fast called Lent. This reminds Christians of the forty days Jesus was tempted by the Devil in the desert. After he was baptised, he spent forty days in the desert praying and fasting after which the Devil tempted him when he was at his weakest. Afterwards he began his ministry. Matthew 4 v 1 - 11

Lent Shrove Tuesday - People are, ‘shriven’ or sorry for their sins. Ash Wednesday - Ash is rubbed on the forehead of the person symbolising the forgiveness they have received for their sins.

Fasting Why do you think not every Christian fasts? Why do you think this is seen as an important way of showing your commitment to God? If you had to give something up for Lent what would it be? Why?

Christians & Food There are no rules saying what Christians can and can’t eat Acts 10 v 11 – 15 Peter’s vision Some Christians are vegetarians as an act of stewardship Christians may be involved in organisations such as Fairtrade Eucharist – bread and wine Hot Cross Buns – Easter Pancakes – Shrove Tuesday (leftover food in preparation for Lent)