Jesus said, “Can the Friends of the Bridegroom MOURN as long as the Bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then THEY WILL FAST.” (Matthew 9:15)
What is the Global Bridegroom Fast?
The Global Bridegroom Fast (GBF) is a monthly worldwide solemn assembly of God’s people for a time of corporate prayer with fasting to seek the face of God for a greater release of the revelation of the Bridegroom God. It is also a time where we contend for God to break in into our lives and into the Body of Christ worldwide.
When is the Global Bridegroom Fast?
Our GBFs are usually held on the first Mondays — Wednesdays (3 days) of every month and Monday — Sunday (7 days) every December. Occasionally, upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we extend our 3-day GBFs to 5 or 7 days for certain months.
What does the Bible say about the Bridegroom Fast?
The Bridegroom Fast is fasting that is motivated by the desire to experience the burning love of Jesus. The apostles had become accustomed to experiencing intimacy with Jesus during His earthly ministry. However, when the Bridegroom was taken away (by His death on the cross and subsequent Ascension), they mourned to experience the former embrace of His Divine love. This mourning compelled them to fast, crying out, “Jesus, I must have more.” Thus, they “mourned with fasting” for renewed experiences of intimacy with God.
The Bridegroom Fast does not earn or make us more deserving of God and His love but enlarges our capacity to freely receive and experience more of the ocean of Jesus’ love. From this reality, the Body of Christ will eventually enter into the fullness of God’s power.
The book of Esther is a picture of the Bride coming to her Bridegroom King for power through prayer and fasting empowered by confidence in love.
What do we do during Global Bridegroom Fast Sacred Assemblies?
During the GBF:
- We wait before the presence of God to hear His voice and receive His love (Isa. 40:31);
- We meditate on the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to release more revelation of Jesus to us (1 Cor. 2:10, Eph. 1:17);
- We pray for things including the release of the fullness of Holy Spirit in the Church (Jn. 14:12), revival and harvest (Mal. 4:6; Matt. 24:14), and the salvation of Israel (Romans 9–11).
The Importance of the Bridegroom Fast
Joel 2:15, 16 says, “BLOW THE TRUMPET IN ZION, CONSECRATE A FAST, CALL A SACRED ASSEMBLY; GATHER THE PEOPLE…”
It is important for God’s people to gather, seek His face, fast and pray in such a crucial hour as this so that the will of God can be done on earth. For extreme times require extreme measures. It is time for the people of God to rise up in her bridal identity to abandon herself to Jesus in lovesick worship with fasting and prayer in order to more effectively preach the gospel, serve the poor and heal the sick!
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