Devo Acts 13

Chapter 13
1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon
called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod
the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the
Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I
have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands
on them and sent them off.

Meditation:
1. In this passage, worship, prayer and fasting are integrated into the selection and
installation of Barnabas and Saul as missionaries. Today worship and prayer
are common in the ordination of pastors and installation of missionaries, but
fasting is not. Why has fasting been dropped from the preparation for these
times of consecration? How possible would it be to suggest that fasting be
part of the next ordination or installation service in our church? Or for the
next church-wide meeting regarding future planning?
2. Read carefully and repeatedly the definition of these three elements until a
better understanding is gained. Find ways to implement one of these this
week. (Source: Spiritual Formation Bible)
Fasting: The voluntary abstention from an otherwise normal function – most
often eating – for the sake of intense spiritual activity. Other examples include
websurfing, TV, favourite food, sports, etc .
Prayer: Interactive conversation with God about what we and God are
thinking and doing together. Therefore, there is talking and also the silently
listening.
Worship: Expressing in words, music, rituals, and silent adoration the
greatness, beauty, and goodness of God, by means of which we enter the
supernatural reality of the glory, of God.

Personal Note:
I work as a profession clergy pastoring young people.  During my graduation from Tyndale, I along with my classmates were prayed for and sent off to devote ourselves in working for God's kingdom.  Lots of prayer and worship was involved as mission work is always fueled and initiated by prayer and worship.  The challenge to sharing the good news to teenagers is that I can never directly access teens who are searching and seeking.  I must always partner with my young believers.  By God's grace, young people are very talented and gifted.  What we all need is the core motivated and passion from within.  This only comes through a steady yet growing relationship with God through prayer and worship!!!

Regarding fasting, if this is an activity that helps brothers and sisters draw closer to God, please do so accordingly but do it in a way as guided from Matthew 6.  This goes the same for prayer.  We draw close to God because we love Him and this is never meant to be a way to show off our piety.