ROOT TO FLOURISH #15 Authentic Fasting with Rev. Laura Wiens | FASTING 03

ROOT TO FLOURISH #15 Authentic Fasting with Rev. Laura Wiens | FASTING 03 Isaiah 58:1-11 What does it mean to fast in a way that truly honors God? This Sunday, we’ll explore how authentic fasting includes fighting injustice, helping those in need, and living out God’s love daily. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into how true fasting can transform lives and lead to flourishing! --- For reflection & discussion: Isaiah 58 describes the kind of fasting God desires. What stands out to you from this passage? Does this text challenge your current understanding of fasting?  How have practices like prayer, worship, Sabbath keeping or fasting affected your relationship with God? How can these practices help you grow in authenticity? How do you see God calling you to "loose the chains of injustice" or "share your food with the hungry"? What are practical steps you can take to live this out?  Reflect on Dorothy Day’s quote about giving up unnecessary things so that we can afford to help others. Is God inviting you to make some changes in your lifestyle? How can we ensure that our efforts to serve others come from a place of humility rather than superiority?  Have you ever noticed a type of ‘helping’ that may actually hurt people?   In what ways can your home church or church community support one another in living out true fasting and caring for those in need? Isaiah 58 describes flourishing in the lives of people who live an authentic lifestyle as God’s children.  Have you experienced any of this flourishing in your own life as you care for others in need? Suggested Resources: When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor..  and Yourself  by  Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.   The Transforming Friendship: A Guide to Prayer written by James Houston