Read Deuteronomy 8:1-18. Ralph said he learned that fasting has very little to do with food.  What, then, is fasting for?  What is its purpose for us as a spiritual practice?

Have you ever fasted before?  Was it for spiritual purposes, or were you doing a "cleanse" of some type?  How long did you go without food?  How did you feel throughout?  Were some times of day harder than others?

Does fasting scare you at all?  Why?  If not and you currently don't fast, why don't you?  What holds you back?

We see fasting in several places in both the Old Testament and the New.  Read the following passages and consider them (either on your own or aloud together in a group):  David (2 Samuel 1:12, 3:35, 12:16); Elijah (1 Kings 19:7-8); Jesus (Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 6:12-16)

Ralph also said that he learned how and what to say Yes to and how and what to say No to.  Where might you benefit from learning to say Yes and No more powerfully and effectively?

How can fasting teach us the difference between WANTING and NEEDING?

Does considering the relationship between athletes and training help you or discourage you as a metaphor for fasting? Why? 

Coming back to Deuteronomy 8, how can regular fasting help us become more humble?