This week, our devotions will focus on the early church’s sending of Paul and Barnabas from

their local church community in Antioch to regions of the Roman empire that had never heard

the Gospel.

In the business of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the profound impact that dedicated time with God can have on our spiritual journey. Acts 13:2 provides us with a powerful reminder of

the importance of worship and fasting in our walk with Christ: 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."

This passage offers us a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the early church leaders. They

weren't just going about their daily routines or even focusing solely on their ministerial duties. Instead, they were intentionally setting aside time to minister to the Lord through worship and fasting. It was in this dedicated space that the Holy Spirit spoke, providing clear direction for

their next steps.

As modern Christians, we can learn much from this example. Worship isn't just about singing

songs on Sunday mornings; it's about orienting our hearts towards God, acknowledging His

sovereignty, and expressing our love and gratitude. When we truly worship, we shift our focus

from our own concerns to God's greatness, opening ourselves to His presence and guidance.

Fasting, often overlooked in contemporary Christian practice, is a powerful tool for spiritual

growth. By voluntarily abstaining from food (or other comforts), we discipline our bodies and

minds, creating space for deeper communion with God. Fasting helps us break free from

distractions and dependencies, allowing us to more clearly hear God's voice.

When we combine worship and fasting, we create a spiritual environment ripe for divine

communication. We're saying to God, "You are our priority. We're setting aside our normal routines and comforts to focus entirely on You." This act of devotion prepares our hearts to receive and discern God's guidance.

In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to carve out time for extended worship and fasting.

However, the rewards are immeasurable. Just as the leaders in Antioch received clear direction

from the Holy Spirit during their time of worship and fasting, we too can experience deeper

intimacy with God and clearer spiritual insight.

Let's challenge ourselves to intentionally incorporate these practices into our lives. Start small if needed – perhaps dedicating an hour to uninterrupted worship or fasting for a meal while

spending that time in prayer. As we cultivate these disciplines, we may find, like the early

church, that God speaks in powerful and transformative ways.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)