I did a CCLI Song Select Search for “fasting.”
The Result:
No one’s ever written a song about Christian fasting? Ever? Really?
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February 10, 2008 at 2:01 am
Ok, Billy. I guess we’ve been officially challenged to write some.
February 10, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I’m trying to think of a really funny song to put in my comment, but I can’t think…
February 10, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Maybe that’s because you’re not supposed to call attention to fasting. It’s supposed to be something that you do as a private offering to God. Matthew 6:16-18
February 10, 2008 at 3:21 pm
…and something you do as living service. Isaiah 58
February 10, 2008 at 5:15 pm
You mean Hungry isn’t about fasting?
February 10, 2008 at 7:26 pm
bobby,
That is hilarious!
February 11, 2008 at 9:21 am
Hungry was the first thing that I thought about as well. Also, while this song isn’t specifically about fasting, I think it would apply to the principle. While you’re at the site, check out all of the other recordings (especially Valley of Vision, Worship God Life and Savior - there’s some amazing stuff here.)
February 11, 2008 at 9:22 am
Oops, the song is “Only You Satisfy.” I realized I just linked to the album, not thhe song.
February 11, 2008 at 10:30 am
Right on target, Billy. I’ve been looking all over for song relating to fasting since we’re doing a series on the spiritual disciplines. Fasting is coming up soon as our highlighted topic, and I’m coming up dry lyrically.
The only one I’ve come up with so far is not a perfect fit, but it will work. “Come, Let Us Return to the Lord” by Matt Redman. It’s not overdone at our place like I’ve heard it is in other churches, and our folks sing out on it really well.
February 18, 2008 at 7:00 am
I can’t think of a lot of songs that talk about fasting. However, I don’t CCLI is as good as something like google at this point. I mean the chords and words don’t even match up very well on CCLI. It’s a great resource, but it’s not perfect.
February 18, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Here is possible reason why.
Fasting is modeled by Jesus but is quite silent in the Epistles. Acts mentions it in contexts of setting out missionaries (Paul and Barnabas) and the appointment of elders.
So we are left with one of two options:
1. Jesus assumed people would fast based upon Jewish practices of the time.
2. Fasting isn’t as crucial a discipline in light of the eschatological presence of Christ with us by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. It all depends on how you interpret Luke 5
33They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”
34Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
Ones fasting position depends on if you interpret the taken away from as the three days in the grave or the continued absence of Jesus until He returns.
I would argue that there is some type of assumption of fasting is intended based upon its two usages in Acts though Acts is not always prescriptive for the Church but more descriptive of the early spread of the Gospel.
Interesting in the OT there is tie of fasting to seeking justice.
With that in mind maybe you ought to write a song entitled…
LOOK AT ME WORLD, I’M FAST BECAUSE I LOVE JESUS!!!
February 18, 2008 at 8:18 pm
forgive the goofy english in that last comment…yikes. i do stand by the content…
February 21, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I was on a fasting retreat last month and the guy leading worship led us in “We Are Hungry.” Needless to say, we all raked him over the coals for that one!