Prayer and Fasting
Fasting involves abstaining from food for a period of time. It is an important spiritual practice as it creates an enabling atmosphere for one to connect with God.
Fasting and prayer are mentioned in the Bible on several occasions. Nehemiah mourned and prayed with fasting when he learned of the damage to Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 9). Esther and Daniel prayed and fasted when they asked for God’s mercy on their people (Esther 4:16).
The Purpose
During a time of prayer and fasting, the purpose is to focus on God and seek His wisdom. This may be a time to pray for others, or it may be a time to study the Bible more in-depth. It is also a time to repent of any sins the Holy Spirit brings to your attention.
In the Old Testament, there are many examples of prayer and fasting together. Nehemiah mourned, prayed, and fasted when he learned that Jerusalem’s walls were in ruins (Nehemiah 1:1-4). Mordecai and the Jews fasted when they received news of Haman’s plan for their destruction (Esther 4:1-3).
In the New Testament, Jesus fasted before He began His ministry here on earth as recorded by Matthew 6:18. It is important to protect your health when fasting, so you should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. You may choose to fast from all foods, or you may choose to refrain from a specific food or beverage.
The Method
There are several ways to fast, including abstaining from food, but we’re most familiar with it as the practice of refusing something for a period of time. This could be food, electronics, social media, or any action you choose. The New Testament records several examples of prayer and fasting: Anna prayed and fasted until she saw the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:37), and church elders spent time in fasting and prayer before sending Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2).
As you begin to engage in this spiritual discipline, focus on Scripture passages that speak to your needs. Spend time praying through the Psalms, and ask God to reveal Himself to you in this season. Be sure to keep a journal and pen nearby so you can record the thoughts, revelations, and direction He impresses on your heart. Avoid focusing on negative emotions during this time, as this will interfere with your spiritual growth.
The Results
During a fast you should make the most of your time alone with God. Try to spend as much time as you can reading His Word and praying in what were mealtimes. You should also limit your activity during a fast. Skipping meals can leave you grumpier than usual, so it is best to seek out a solitary place to prayer and avoid social engagements.
The enemy will do everything he can to prevent you from growing in your faith and drawing closer to the Lord during a fast. He will do anything from making you hungry and grumpy to bringing up trouble in your family or work to distract you. Make sure you have a spiritual shield to protect yourself from these attacks.
When you sincerely humble yourself and repent during a fast, seek God’s face in prayer, and meditate on His Word, the Lord will reward you with fresh, new insights into His Word. These insights will be helpful to you in your daily life and help you to grow in faith.
The Final Words
Whether it is for spiritual renewal, guidance or healing, there are many reasons to fast and pray. However, the most important thing is to have a clear objective in mind when you set aside a time for fasting and prayer. This will help you stay focused and disciplined in your efforts.
In the Bible, fasting usually involves abstaining from food for a period of time. It is a common practice that has been taught by Jesus and encouraged by the early church. Moreover, it is an effective way to express one’s deep concerns to God.
The Bible tells stories of people fasting for the sake of their loved ones and themselves. Examples include Queen Esther’s brave fast when she found out about the plan to annihilate the Jewish people and Daniel’s repentant fast for Israel during their captivity in Babylon (Daniel 9:27). Fasting and prayer are a powerful combination that can lead to God’s grace, wisdom and comfort.