Fasting and Prayer

“‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful” (Joel 2:12-13). 

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Fasting is our way of telling God we are really serious about something. We do not go without food very easily, so we usually fast when we are desperately seeking an answer to prayer. Fasting does not twist God’s arm, but humbles our hearts to feel our great need of Him, as we feel our need for food.

Fasting can also help break the power of appetite over us. Our taste buds and desires are very enticing and demanding. Our prayers are often sluggish or even blocked because of the unhealthy food we eat or our other bad health habits. Fasting is a determined turning towards more important things. Jesus thought this was so important that He fasted for forty days and overcame the most powerful temptations through His reliance on the word of God. He gives us His victory and fasting can help us choose that power by faith.

Fasting also clears the mind to focus on prayer. Think of how sleepy we often are after a big meal. Time normally spent on fixing and eating food can be spent with God. Many have also experienced health benefits from fasting.

Some people fast from all food, drinking only water or juices. Others choose a favorite food and go without it for a time. Others fast from watching the news or from all social media. Consider also the lifelong fast of Isaiah 58 which is a fast from selfish living. Choose whatever you think is distracting you and go without it as you seek God with more quality and quantity of prayer.

You might be blessed by The Ten-Day Daniel Fast.

“When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face….and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” Matthew 6:17-18