FASTING AND PRAYER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1861

FASTING AND PRAYER.

WE have submitted the subject of a day of fasting, humiliation, self-examination, confession and prayer to the Battle Creek church, who are unanimous in recommending Sabbath, August 3d, 1861.

God has set apart the Sabbath to a holy use. Fasting, humiliation, self-examination, confession of sins and prayer are in harmony with a godly observance of the day. In behalf of this church we would call upon all our brethren to unite in this day of especial consecration, and may it be a Sabbath day long to be remembered by us.

"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me, with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning." "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly." "Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O, Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach." Joel ii, 1, 12, 15, 17.

The above language of the prophet evidently applies to the present time. It points out the manner of returning to the Lord. It is hoped that the solemnity of our solemn assemblies will not be disturbed by high heads, careless looks, hard hearts, hoops, and fashionable apparel on men, women, or children. "Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgments, seek righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. ii, 3, 4. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of God, and he shall lift you up." James iv, 8-10. Read with care Rev. iii, 15-20.

The Bible, especially the New Testament, is not very definite on the subject of fasting, whether we should entirely abstain from food, and how long. Feeble persons are generally very dependent on the small quantity of plain food which they take. These may have no duty in point of abstinence. We would recommend to all to abstain from their noon meal if consistent, and let the other two meals, if eaten, be plain. Fasting, without turning to the Lord, will be of no use; but in returning to him, abstinence from food will be acceptable to the Lord according to his word.