The Church of the Nazarene’s Board of General Superintendents and Nazarene Missions International launched a new initiative recently called Prayer with Fasting.

“The BGS determined some time ago that we need to place a strong emphasis on prayer with fasting throughout the Church of the Nazarene,” Board Chair Eugénio R. Duarte wrote to pastors, regional leaders, and Global Ministry Center personnel.

"While we are focusing on the remainder of 2012, it is our hope and prayer that many Nazarenes will make this a way of living their spiritual journeys with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Duarte continued. "'To make Christlike disciples in the nations' means learning to live like Jesus. Prayer with fasting was central to His spiritual strength — and so it should be with us."

NMI was asked to coordinate this effort on behalf of the general superintendents, and participants are asked to fast for one meal a week.

“Envision an opportunity to embrace God’s special presence on one day each week,” NMI Director Daniel Ketchum wrote. “Anticipate special time with Jesus in prayer with fasting that day.

“We suggest Wednesday mid-day or choose anytime that is more effective for you and your family,” he said. “You could invite leaders in your church, district, and region to commit to prayer with fasting.

“[Leaders] will not be able to transform their cultures alone,” Ketchum continued. “Prayer with fasting is key.”