The Forgotten Power Of Fasting

I read your book from cover to cover. Your words completely captivated me and have convinced me on the importance of fasting. I knew already the benefits of fasting, but I wasn’t aware of all its attributes, that you explain so well. Reading this book one discovers fasting. As we know, Our Lady in Medjugorje continuously insists on the importance of fasting, but we avoid putting into practice something when it means we have to make a sacrifice. We struggle to convince ourselves to actually fast. The arguments you present, and the examples that you give in this book, show very clearly the reason why Our Lady insists so persistently on something so precious for the soul and the body, for the apostate on earth and for the souls in Purgatory. I thank you for emphasising such an important topic, very often mentioned in Sacred Scripture, so precious for the living and for the intercession of the dead. The final part of your work, with the words from the saints, will convince even the most reluctant. This book will be nothing less than a true discovery of fasting to whoever reads it. Don Gabriele Amorth

"I read your book from cover to cover. Your words completely captivated me and have convinced me on the importance of fasting. I knew already the benefits of fasting, but I wasn't aware of all its attributes, that you explain so well. Reading this book one discovers fasting. As we know, Our Lady in Medjugorje continuously insists on the importance of fasting, but we avoid putting into practice something when it means we have to make a sacrifice. We struggle to convince ourselves to actually fast. The arguments you present, and the examples that you give in this book, show very clearly the reason why Our Lady insists so persistently on something so precious for the soul and the body, for the apostate on earth and for the souls in Purgatory. I thank you for emphasising such an important topic, very often mentioned in Sacred Scripture, so precious for the living and for the intercession of the dead. The final part of your work, with the words from the saints, will convince even the most reluctant. This book will be nothing less than a true discovery of fasting to whoever reads it. Don Gabriele Amorth Sister Emmanuel was born in France in 1947. She graduated from Sorbonne University with a diploma in Literature and History of Fine arts. She entered the Catholic Community of the Beatitudes in 1976 and has been living in Medjugorje since 1989. She travels the whole world, bringing the message of hope in the spirit of the New Evangelization. Many of her books and other media productions are bestsellers.

The content, which originally appeared in the "Prayer Leader" column of Prayer Connect magazine, is divided into these sections: "Establishing Your Church as a House of Prayer," "Leadership and Prayer Relationships," "Enhancing Corporate Prayer," Engaging the Family and Generations," "Creating Special Prayer Emphases," and "Special interest Prayer."

Fasting practices to reconnect with the sacred, regain a sense of your life’s purpose, and heal physically and emotionally • Details what to expect during your fast physically, emotionally, and spiritually • Provides step-by-step guidelines on preparing for the fast, how long you should fast, what you can and can’t do during the fast, and how to end your fast • Explains how fasting can help or heal many chronic conditions, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, psoriasis, and insomnia For millennia humans have fasted for spiritual, emotional, and physical reasons--as a way to heal their bodies, reconnect to the sacred, regain a sense of life’s purpose, and allow their souls to detoxify. We are evolutionarily designed to fast, and the body knows how to do it very well. Fasting allows the body and all its systems to rest, purify, and heal. During a fast, the body enters the same cleansing and healing cycle it normally enters during sleep. As a fast progresses, the body consumes everything that is not essential to bodily functioning--including bacteria, viruses, fibroid tumors, waste products in the blood, buildup around the joints, and stored fat--and the mind and heart release their toxic buildup as well. As Stephen Harrod Buhner reveals, in order to be truly transformed, you must first empty yourself. Offering step-by-step guidelines to fully prepare yourself for a deep fast, Buhner explores what to expect during and after spiritual, emotional, and physical fasting and detoxification. He details the necessary dietary and mental preparations leading up to your fast, what you can and can’t do during a fast, and how to end your fast. He also explains how to plan the length of your fast and how to choose between a water fast, a juice fast, or a mono-diet fast. Revealing how fasting can help or heal many chronic conditions, such as type II diabetes, childhood seizures, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, psoriasis, insomnia, and fibromyalgia, Buhner shows fasting as a way to truly inhabit the body, to experience its sacredness, and to activate its deep capabilities for self-healing.

“Much power has been ignored by the Church because of its failure in the area of prayer.”—David Butts, from the Introduction. Forgotten Power is a simple theology book on prayer in the church. No one argues against prayer, but few churches utilize prayer as a power source. Yet in the Scriptures and in the early church, prayer was the primary method used to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. So why don’t we use it much? Forgotten Power clearly challenges the main reason that churches do not pray—people do not understand the “whys” of prayer. Forgotten Power is a must read for pastors, elders, church board members—anyone who leads in a church. It is time that leaders understood the importance of prayer and what can happen if it is put into practice in their church. Use it as a discussion starter in your church.

The praying believer is the confident believer. But the fasting believer is the overcoming believer. This book is designed to inspire readers to tap into God's power and change their lives, their cities, and their nation!

A book this genuine was needed! Sister Emmanuel offers throught it a pure echo of Medjugorje, the eventful village where the Mother of God hs been appearing since 1981. She shares at length some of the personal stories of the villagers, the visionaries, and the pilgrims who flock there by the thousands, receiving great healings. Ten years of awe have inspired this book. These 89 stories offer a glimpse into the miracles of Mary’s motherly love. More than just a book, this is a (one-way) ticket to happiness! “This book fills me with joy, as I too am a supporter, protector and propagator of Medjugorje. Sister Emmanuel’s presence in Medjugorje is providential: she has a charism of clarity to explain in the messages and events of Medjugorje.” Monsignor Frane Franic Archbishop Emeritus of Split (Croatia) “The Gospa is a Mom; she invites us to be her vehicles, really happy, and not floating in the clouds. She calls us to be concrete like her. That’s why this book is important! It reveals the marvels our Mother works in our hearts, through Med-jugorje. I pray to God for the readers: may this book help you, may these testimonies be an example to change your life.” Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti One of the Visionaries at Medjugorje A must read! “The Hidden Child of Medjugorje” (2007) Fr. Jozo Zovko says, “In this book, Sr. Emmanuel has gathered the most beautiful pearls! She offers them to the reader that they may be enriched. It gives great joy, revealing facts, people and events of great value and teaching.” Available in bookstores and online at: www.childrenofmedjugorje.com