Hi everyone, Ann here. 

Next Monday it is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This day, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, was a festival given to the Israelites by God, commemorated by trumpet blasts (Leviticus 23:23-32). Trumpet blasts in scripture often symbolize gathering the people together for victory. To that I say, yes please! 

In past years the SUM community has honored this time by fasting together for the week. We’re going to continue the tradition this year, starting on Monday the 10^th at sunrise, and finishing at sunset on Friday the 14^th.

I always find this fast a beautiful time. It seems to knit us together and bring breakthrough to different parts of our community. We’ve had some amazing things happen in these fasts, and I still get a high when I look back on the comments and remember those moments.

Personally, because this time is one for reflecting on a new year ahead, I like to dig out my journals at Rosh Hashanah, read over the last year, remember things that I’d forgotten, and ask God about what’s next. Fasting, somehow, slows me down and helps me to sit at His feet, just like Ian mentioned on Wednesday.

As for the fast itself, we all fast in different ways. The most common one, for us, has tended to be a sunrise to sunset fast from food each day. I’ll be doing that, and this time I’m going to try having just soup for dinner. Each year I get a little bit braver! If this is your first time, pray about it and see what God is leading you to do. You might also find these links helpful:

Why Should You Fast

How to Fast Safely

How Long and What Type of Fast is Right for You

It'd be great to hear in the comments how/if you’re going to fast, and what is on your heart for this upcoming week. I'll be praying for you as I read your comments, and am really looking forward to this time together.

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you on Monday.

Ann