The Digital Fast, Part 3: Prayer & Fasting

The Digital Fast Podcast, art, and intros were inspired and gleaned from "The Digital Fast," a book by Dr. Darren Whitehead. 

Scripture References: Matthew 6:5-13

Intro: Welcome to this sermon on prayer, featuring guests Mike Young and Tiffany Eklund. As we navigate our church-wide digital fast during Lent, we turn our focus to prayer—a key purpose of fasting. Prayer is vital, yet many of us feel inadequate or unsure how to approach it.

Key Points:

1. Fasting Creates Space for Prayer: The digital fast, by removing distractions, is creating opportunities for deeper connection and different activities. Biblically, fasting is meant to clear space and intensify our focus on prayer, drawing us closer to God.
2. Pray Authentically, Not Performatively (Matt 6:5-6): Jesus first warns against praying to impress others. The solution He gives is secret prayer—cultivating a private, honest conversation with the Father, shifting the focus from being seen by people to being known by God.
3. Overcoming Prayer Obstacles: We often hesitate to pray due to feeling inadequate, being tired or distracted (especially by media), or forgetting the true purpose and reward. Prayer isn't primarily about task completion but about union with God. Remembering this motivates us even when answers seem delayed.
4. Pray Simply, Not Mechanically (Matt 6:7-13): Jesus also warns against trying to impress God with formulas or excessive words. Trust that your Father already knows your needs. The Lord's Prayer is a beautiful model focusing on key themes (God's glory, His will, our needs, forgiveness, guidance), encouraging simple, heartfelt communication over complex rituals.
5. Encouragement and Practical Tools: God hears and answers prayer, from children's fears to major life challenges. Helpful practices include journaling prayers (perhaps alongside Bible reading), using structured prayer guides (like the "Daily Prayer" tool), or practicing listening prayer within trusted community.

Conclusion: Prayer, at its heart, is relational communication with our Heavenly Father. Jesus frees us from the pressure of performance or formulas, inviting us into simple, honest, secret communion. The goal isn't perfect technique but deeper union with Him—which is itself the greatest reward.

Call to Action: Leverage the space created by the digital fast to intentionally cultivate your prayer life. Find or establish your "secret place." Speak simply and honestly to your Father who knows and loves you. Don't be afraid to use tools or pray with others. Focus on connection with God.