Fasting has always been portrayed in the Scriptures as a method of eliminating distractions present in the physical life in order to focus on the realities of the spiritual life. This is especially important in times when our earthly lives are plagued with distress and fear. Eliminating a concern for food—a major concern for us on any normal day—frees the mind to focus in prayer and to truly seek the Lord’s comfort and strength. There is a powerful demonstration of this as Esther puts her life on the line to save the Jewish nation. Before she enters the king’s presence, she asks the entire nation to forego eating food and to pray for her to have favor in his eyes (Esther 4:16).

And yet, even in times of great calm and peace, fasting has the ability to lend the same sort of spiritual focus. In fact, there are a few times in the New Testament when people just say “no” to something that is, in its own right, a good thing. They reject it, however, for the purpose of devoting themselves to that which is more important at the time.

In Acts 6, a need arose among the widows who were members of the massive Jerusalem church, and the apostles were approached about taking care of it. Their response: “we will devote ourselves to the ministry of the word and to prayer,” and so other men were appointed to solve the problem. They denied themselves the opportunity to do good in order to focus on an even greater good.

In 1 Corinthians 7:15, the Holy Spirit says to married couples, “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again.” Even the blessings of marriage can be foregone on occasion to achieve greater spiritual focus.

What about in your life? What are there some things that you can deny yourself for a time to devote yourself to God? It is truly helpful to occasionally challenge our own senses of self-control (one of the fruits of the spirit) to make sure that our entire lives are under God’s control.

Take a look at your life. Deny yourself some pleasure that you regularly enjoy. And in its place, give your mind and your heart to the word of God and to prayer.

- Dan Lankford, minister

Early this morning, terrorists attacked the city of Brussels, Belgium. At least two bombs were detonated—one in Belgium's largest airport and another at a subway station in downtown Brussels. The death toll is still uncertain, though it appears to be at least 30. ISIS (the radical Islamic splinter government of Iraq & Syria) has claimed responsibility for the attacks. It is yet another example of radical Islamic violence and needless loss of precious human life.

When terrorist attacks happen, I think most Christians' first thought is something like, "We need to pray for Belgium." This is evidenced by the fast-trending hashtag #prayforBrussels on Twitter today. And this, I believe, is healthy. Christians should pray when parts of the world fall victim to evil & violence. We should pray for Brussels today.

But.... what should we be praying?

Here are some thoughts to give your mind a little direction amid the emotional turmoil that inevitably comes with events like these:

"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Rom. 10:1)

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt. 5:44-45)

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" (Psa. 61:1-4)

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." (Col. 4:2-4 — it's worth remembering that our "normal," daily prayers are powerful and do not need to be put on hold in times of distress; in fact, many of those prayers become even more needed in times like these!)

"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Tim. 2:1-2)

"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Rom. 10:1)

- Dan Lankford, minister