TAKIN'-UP-TUESDAYS

AN OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAM WITH HELPFUL HINTS

We use 3 historic spiritual disciplines:  FASTING, PRAYER, PETITION for God’s direction.
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FASTING. Tuesdays, Sept 3 - Nov 5, FAST all or a portion of the day, as you are moved.
The Goal:  to get a sense of being emptied of self, more filled with God.
HINTS:

1. Set a doable goal for each Tuesday. Some may want to start small, then progress.  Example: Fast (skip) 1 meal, or at least postpone it, then work to fasting/skipping 2 meals, or all .
   Remember, it’s just 1 day a week. (Yes, YOU could choose more.)
   Do hydrate. Water and most juices are okay. Caffeine? Naaa!
   Health, age etc. DO matter.
   USE Skipped meal-time to THINK/PRAY ABOUT/FOR THOSE WHO SEEK TO LEAD (ANY/ALL LEVELS) AND WHERE THEY PLAN TO LEAD US.
2. Prepare and inform yourself spiritually. Read Scripture. We’ll give you examples. Read a devotional. Read/sing a hymn or song of faith. Or use other means.
   Move a little “outside yourself” and closer to God!
3. Try to stick with your schedule, stay with your plan.

PRAYER.
Hints:

1. Offer your very own. As we fast to be emptied, pray to be filled with God’s presence.
2. Strive to include the needs, hopes and lives touched by the leaders we select.
   OK to include yours, just don’t stop there.
3. To understand others’ needs, take weekly time to learn more about what challenges us, local, national, global. Sample some new sources of information, not just your favorites.
4. Pray in a place where you feel both comfortable & stretched to draw nearer to God.

PETITION.
Hints:

1. Try not to “coach God” on how to answer prayer. (Yes, this IS tough.)
2. Petition God to enlist you in every outcome rather than you enlist God.
   GOD’s perfecting power-for-good and for grace-for-all guides all prayer.