Prayer and Fasting




If you've ever read even bits and pieces of the Bible, you've probably noticed that the act of fasting is mentioned MANY times throughout. Jesus fasted. Daniel fasted. Esther fasted.
There are many more people in the Bible who did just that.

 When I first became a Christian and started going to church, I had heard about people fasting, but I really didn't know the significance of it. I realized throughout the years why it is so important to pray and fast. Our church does a corporate fast for 21 days...meaning the whole church fasts in some way or another (by choice of course).

 The whole purpose of fasting is to deny our physical needs for our spiritual needs. It's kind of like a sacrifice we make to our Heavenly Father. We give up the pleasure of food, to find greater pleasure in the Lord.  The key to a meaningful fast is to develop a more intimate relationship with God through prayer. 

 While we are in our quiet time with Him, pay attention to what he is whispering to you. Let it be a two-way conversation and not just a "God, I need..." type of prayer. Be still and listen to what He is saying.

 When we fast, we humble ourselves in order to hear from God clearly.  James 4:10 says: “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” 

 For me personally, it feels like I've got God on the phone line throughout my whole day...and I can just talk to Him and He'll answer! When I'm fasting for these 21 days, I feel a certain closeness to Him that is undeniable. I can actually feel His presence!

 If you're wanting to grow in your spiritual journey and have a deeper relationship with God, the answer is fasting!

 I found this great E-book by Tony Evans that explains fasting in more detail: The Importance of Fasting by Tony Evans




Love and blessings,

Rachel






















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