The benefits of Fasting and Prayer
There by the Ahava Canal I gave orders for us all to fast and humble ourselves before our God and to ask him to lead us on our journey and protect us and our children and all our possessions. Ezra 8:21 (GNT)
Over the years, fasting has moved from the confines of the religious community into the mainstream arena. Many people all over the world now engage in fasting as part of their nutritional, fitness, and healthy lifestyle plans. Some of the supposed health benefits of short-term fasting are that it improves brain function, reduces inflammation, supports weight management and improves general fitness.
While I believe we stand to enjoy these and other potential scientific and health benefits of fasting, the Christian fast goes much deeper and has benefits that outstrip any physician benefits, when done correctly and with understanding.
Fasting is when we abstain from food or types of food and drink for a certain period in order to focus our attention fully on God. A believer’s fast is different to a regular fast. For us, fasting is a spiritual exercise so we must focus our attention on God during this period. We all know that our daily human activities take their toll on our spiritual sensitivity and focus. Fasting helps to refresh, reinvigorate, strengthen, and restore our ‘spiritual antenna’ or connection with God. The key is to spend the time focused on God. That is why we call it Fasting and Prayer, NOT just Fasting.
In the scripture above, a fast was called because the people were about to embark on their journey to Jerusalem. They are fasting and praying for God’s guidance and protection on their journey. Several times in the Bible, we see individuals and people engaging in prayer and fasting before some important mission, work, project, situation, change, or journey is undertaken. Examples include Moses, Jacob, Esther, the Israelites, the prophets, the apostles and our Lord Jesus Himself. When we fast and pray, we are saying to God that we do not trust in ourselves. Not in our own abilities or our own knowledge. We have NO confidence in the flesh. Our trust, our confidence is in God ALONE.
As the New Year approaches, it is appropriate that we take time to fast and to pray. We have called a 3-day, Mon-Wed fast for each of the remaining weeks in 2020. I would like to encourage everyone to participate in this highly beneficial spiritual exercise. As He has promised in His Word, the Lord will hear us, and He will bring to fruition all our requests and hearts’ desires according to His will, in Jesus name.
Ways to Fast
- a) Set a time to end your fast each day i.e. 12 noon, 3pm, 6pm
- b) Abstain from all food till the set time
- c) You can also fast by eating fruits and veg only
- d) It is advised to drink water throughout your fasting period
- e) If unable to fast for medical or other reasons, please join in the prayers.
How to spend your Prayer time
- a) Study and Meditate on the Bible verses provided, and your chosen scriptures
- b) Thanksgiving: Prepare a list of people and things to thank God for
- c) Listen to songs that are focused on praising and worshipping God.
- d) Make requests of what you would like God to accomplish in your life
- e) Make requests on behalf of family, friends, the church, the nation, etc.
- f) Listen for direction and guidance from God that is in line with the Word.
