Now in 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. While 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.” Acts 13:1-2
“It must be noticed that the Holy Spirit does not speak to those who happen to be there by chance but to those who serve God and observe fasting. And it must be noticed again that they did not lay hands on the deacons at random but on those who were previously fasting and praying.”
Ammonius of Alexandria (175-242) in “Catena on the Acts of the Apostles” 13:2 in Ancient Christian Commentary on the Scriptures, Volume 5 on Acts (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006) 158.
Are you seeking God for direction for your future? To navigate challenges? For help in crisis? Take time this Lent for prayer and fasting.
From the days of the early church with Saul and Barnabas in Antioch and from the writings of Ammonius in Alexandria about a century later, we gain insight on the early church mindset related to service, worship, and fasting.
It’s the doorway for engaging in God’s work. We set our proverbial desires at the door and embrace what God has for us instead. It is not random. It’s the ready position for being empowered by the Spirit.
Wherever you are today, I hope that prayer and fasting will shape your service and put you on a generous trajectory that is guided and supplied by God.