Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable.

ForSuchATime: Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable

STARTS: Sunday, May 21, with a three-day fast

ONGOING: Day of Fasting on the 21st day of each month

ENDS: Dec. 21, 2018

HASHTAG: #ForSuchATime

ADVOCACY: U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

tarting with a three-day fast on May 21-23, we will observe a day

of fasting on the 21st of each month until the end of the 115th

Congress in December 2018. We are fasting to call for the pro-

tection of poor and vulnerable people from funding cuts and

other harmful policies. We will use our time of prayer and fast-

ing to prepare for advocacy with our elected ocials.

In the book of Esther, Mordecai tells Esther that God has put her in a

position of inuence “for such a time as this.” As a wife of the Persian king,

she has access to the one person who has the power to save the Jewish

people from destruction. We nd ourselves in a similar moment—with a

president and Congress pushing for deep cuts to programs that are vital

to hungry, poor, and vulnerable people in the U.S. and around the world.

We have the power to inuence our leaders.

e president’s budget blueprint proposes deep cuts to foreign assis-

tance—even as four countries in Africa and the Middle East are falling

into famine. e health care plan that President Trump supports would

increase hunger and other suering among tens of millions of people. We

expect more proposals to cut anti-poverty programs over the course of

the year to pay for the stated priorities of the president and many mem-

bers of Congress.

Budgets are moral documents. ey reveal our priorities, who and

what is important, and who and what are not. As Christians, we must

speak out against these dangerous policies and cuts. From the example

of Esther, we call for a time of public fasting, prayer, and petitioning

political powers to change unjust actions. We, too, are called for such

a time as this.

For Such A

Time As This

#ForSuchATime

“For if you remain silent at

this time, relief and deliver-

ance for the Jews will arise

from another place, but you

and your father’s family will

perish. And who knows but

that you have come to your

royal position for such a

time as this?” Then Esther

sent this reply to Mordecai:

“Go, gather together all the

Jews who are in Susa, and

fast for me. Do not eat or

drink for three days, night

or day. I and my atten-

dants will fast as you do.

When this is done, I will go

to the king, even though

it is against the law. And

if I perish, I perish.” So

Mordecai went away and

carried out all of Esther’s

instructions.

—Esther 4:14-17

Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable.

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ForSuchATime: Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable

The president’s budget proposes deep cuts to foreign assistance— even as

four countries in Africa and the Middle East are falling into famine.

is is a fast before God, to whom we turn in prayer

and hope to change hearts—our hearts, the hearts of our

lawmakers, and the heart of the nation. We will pray and

fast, each of us in our own ways, for mercy, compassion,

wisdom, strength, and courage as we make the critical

budget choices about who and what are most important.

“Is not this the fast that I choose,” says the prophet

Isaiah (58:6), “to loose bonds of injustice and untie the

cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break

every yoke?” rough the sustained spiritual disci-

plines of prayer and fasting, we will prepare ourselves

for action and advocacy, speaking out against budget

cuts and policies that would be harmful to those who

are hungry, poor, and vulnerable.

Fasting 101

Fasting is a spiritual practice that aects our entire

being: heart, soul, mind, and might. Like any discipline

of the spirit, it should be entered into prayerfully. is

is a time of entering into deeper relationship with God,

being changed by that relationship, and then being sent

out into the world.

It is important to recognize that there are no bib-

lical laws regarding regular fasting. At the same time,

Jesus seems to operate under the assumption that this

practice is part of life. In Matthew 6:17, he says “When”

you fast, not “if.” e lack of specic guidance indicates,

however, that embarking on a fast can mean any num-

ber of things.

For example, it is rare that anyone undertakes an

absolute fast, one in which not even water is consumed

(see Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9). That type of fast is the

exception, not the rule. More common is what might

be considered a partial fast, in which there is a restric-

tion of diet, but not total abstention. Such restrictions

may be in regard to the time of eating and not eating

(how long, when during the day), the quality of food,

or the quantity of food.

Some Possibilities to Consider

Fast only during daylight hours, as Muslims prac-

tice during Ramadan.

Fast from a single meal on the 21st and donate the

money you saved on food.

Fast from solid food but drink fruit or vegetable

juice.

Fast from social media or from your phone for the

day.

Some Essentials to Fasting

Fasting from food should be avoided by those with dia-

betes, expectant mothers, and heart patients. Anyone

with questions about their health should see a doctor

before beginning. For those unable to fast from food

for health reasons, nd other things from which to

abstain in a prayerful manner, such as nonessential

foods or media stimulation—for example from social

media, television, or your phone.

Preparing for a Fast

Do not fast if you are sick or traveling.

A day or two prior to a fast, reduce your intake of

food, especially heavier meals, and stop drinking

caeinated beverages.

Begin your fast prayerfully, mindful of the bless-

ings you may receive rather than the deprivations

you may feel.

Do not underestimate the eects of your fast.

While Fasting

Include worship opportunities to keep your focus

on God. Consider reecting on a text appropriate to

your reason for fasting. Take time throughout the

fast to thank God for the chance to fast and for the

opportunity you will have to break it. Make this a

time of special attention to the poor and needy with

whom you share this hunger. If the purpose of the fast

is spiritual, then it is important to keep your inner

attitude in the forefront. Consider keeping a journal,

even if only during your times of fasting. Devote the

time you would have been eating to prayer.

Drink two to three quarts of water per day, prefera-

bly at room temperature. Lemon juice might be added

for taste. If something more is desired and appropriate

to the fast, consider bouillon, vegetable or fruit juice,

or unsweetened beverages. Avoid caeinated bever-

ages. Avoid alcohol and any drugs not prescribed by a

doctor, including aspirin.

Avoid manual labor, and keep physical exercise to

20 minutes a day.

— 2 —

ForSuchATime: Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable

In Matthew 6:17, Jesus says, “when you fast, put

oil on your head and wash your face.” Bathe regularly,

keeping the water at body temperature. Extremes of

hot or cold can lead to dizziness. Use mouthwash or

chew sugarless gum to aid in controlling bad breath

associated with fasting.

Keep your body warm, as fasting can lead to chills

because of a lowered blood pressure and metabolism.

Recognize that you may experience light-headedness

or feel additional energy, or feel more alert or

overstimulated.

Breaking the Fast

In celebration of what has been and what will be,

break bread with your family, church community, or

co-workers. Whether alone or with others, take time

to li up prayers of gratitude. Remember those peo-

ple for whom the lack of food threatens their survival.

As Christians, we must speak out against

these dangerous policies and cuts.

Judges 20:26

Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went back to

Bethel and wept, sitting there before the Lord; they fast-

ed that day until evening. Then they offered burnt-offer-

ings and sacrices of well-being before the Lord.

2 Samuel 1:12

They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for

Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the

Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had

fallen by the sword.

Ezra 8:21-23

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that

we might deny ourselves before our God, to seek from

him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all

our possessions. For I was ashamed to ask the king for

a band of soldiers and cavalry to protect us against the

enemy on our way, since we had told the king that the

hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but

his power and his wrath are against all who forsake

him. So we fasted and petitioned our God for this, and

he listened to our entreaty.

Ezra 9:5

At the evening sacrice I got up from my fasting,

with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my

knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God.

Nehemiah 1:4

When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and

mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God

of heaven.

Esther 4:15-16

Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, ’Go, gather all

the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my

behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night

or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After

that I will go to the king, though it is against the law;

and if I perish, I perish.’ Mordecai then went away and

did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Psalm 69:10

When I humbled my soul with fasting, they insulted

me for doing so.

Psalm 109:24

My knees are weak through fasting; my body has

become gaunt.

Isaiah 58:3-6

‘Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble

ourselves, but you do not notice?’ Look, you serve

your own interest on your fast-day, and oppress all

your workers.

Look, you fast only to quarrel and to ght and to

strike with a wicked st. Such fasting as you do today-

will not make your voice heard on high.

Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble

oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and

to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a

day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds

of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the

oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Daniel 6:18

Then the king went to his palace and spent the night

fasting; no food was brought to him, and sleep ed

from him.

Daniel 9:3

Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by

prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and

ashes.

Bible Verses about Fasting

— 3 —

ForSuchATime: Fasting, prayer, and advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable

Joel 2:12-15

Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your

heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the

Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow

to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents

from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn

and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain-of-

fering and a drink-offering for the Lord, your God?

Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn

assembly.

Jonah 3:5

And the people of Nineveh believed God; they pro-

claimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on

sackcloth.

Zechariah 8:19

Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth

month, and the fast of the fth, and the fast of the

seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be seasons of

joy and gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house

of Judah: therefore love truth and peace.

Tobit 12:8

Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is

almsgiving with righteousness. A little with righteous-

ness is better than wealth with wrongdoing. It is better

to give alms than to lay up gold.

Judith 4:13

The Lord heard their prayers and had regard for their

distress; for the people fasted for many days through-

out Judea and in Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the

Lord Almighty.

Judith 8:6

She fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the

day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, the day

before the new moon and the day of the new moon,

and the festivals and days of rejoicing of the house of

Israel.

Ecclesiastes 34:31

So if someone fasts for his sins, and goes again and

does the same things, who will listen to his prayer?

And what has he gained by humbling himself?

2 Esdras 6:31-32

If therefore you will pray again and fast again for

seven days, I will again declare to you greater things

than these, because your voice has surely been heard

by the Most High; for the Mighty One has seen your

uprightness and has also observed the purity that you

have maintained from your youth.

Matthew 4:2

He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterward

he was famished.

Matthew 6:16-18

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the

hypocrites, for they disgure their faces so as to show

others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have

received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on

your head and wash your face, so that your fasting

may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in

secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward

you.

Matthew 9:14-15

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why

do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disci-

ples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wed-

ding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom

is with them, can they? The days will come when the

bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they

will fast.

Luke 2:37

…then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never

left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and

prayer night and day.

Luke 18:12

I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.

Acts 13:2-3

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the

Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul

for the work to which I have called them. Then after

fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and

sent them off.’

Acts 14:23

And after they had appointed elders for them in each

church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to

the Lord in whom they had come to believe.

Budgets are moral documents. They reveal our priorities, who

and what is important, and who and what is not.

— 4 —

ersonal stories and meetings with constituents

are among the most powerful ways to impact

legislators. Whether you’re a seasoned lobby vet-

eran or a rst-time advocate, your discussion

with a member of Congress or their sta is essential “for

such time as this.”

REMEMBER: Meetings are better than phone calls;

phone calls are better than e-mails; e-mails are better

than social media outreach; social media outreach is bet-

ter than nothing!

Setting up a meeting:

1) Look at a congressional calendar to see when your

member of Congress is likely to be in your district for

an in-district work period.

2) Call your local oce at least two weeks before your

preferred meeting date. You can nd your member

here.

3) Explain that you are a constituent, your partic-

ular concerns, and any group you are representing

(Church, school board, non-prot, etc.)

4) Agree on a meeting time.

** Some oces have an online form to schedule an

in-district meeting. ese are easy and convenient.

However, talking to a real person may connect you

with a sta member who works directly on your issue.

Preparing for a meeting:

1) Know what you want to say and carefully review

your talking points.

2) If possible, compile information about the impact

of specic legislative issues on your district/state. (Do

not compile a long list of statistics; your elected o-

cials will not remember them and they will lose their

impact.)

3) Prepare a few dramatic numbers or anecdotes to

illustrate your points. Collect recent local news arti-

cles that illustrate the issue. Or even better, consider

bringing individuals who would be aected by the pol-

icy change.

4) Most importantly, be ready to share your story and

why these legislative issues have a personal impact on

your life.

During a meeting:

1) Begin by introducing yourself.

2) Explain to the legislator/staer why you asked for

the meeting.

3) Present your concerns simply and directly. Get to

your “bottom line” immediately. Be brief, direct, cour-

teous and positive.

4) If you do not know the answer to a question, say

so, and promise to send a follow-up email with the

answer. Be sure to follow up with your answer as

quickly as possible aer the meeting.

5) Be sure to ask for the policy maker’s support. If he

or she is already very supportive, ask him or her to

cosponsor the relevant bill and/or take a leadership

role in moving the bill through the process, getting

additional cosponsors, or other methods.

Follow up

1) Send a note thanking the member or sta person for

meeting with you. Briey summarize the main points

of the meeting. Remember to follow up with responses

to any questions the member or sta person asked but

you could not answer at the time.

2) ank them/acknowledge them on the member’s

Facebook page or Twitter handle.

3) Do not think of the meeting as an isolated event.

ink of other ways to maintain the relationship.

4) Stay informed, and stay involved!

CONSTITUENT ADVOCACY 101

Make Your Voice Heard

Sojourners’ guide to contacting—and

inﬂuencing—your elected representatives.

sojo.net