PRAYER AND FASTING

PRAYER AND FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18

Devotional Verse:- "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Vs. 16)

 

    Fasting is an act of depriving the flesh of the pleasure of foods and other activities for the purpose of seeking God. Fasting helps us to concentrate, be spiritually alert, sensitive and gives quality attention on God in times of prayers. It also gives us access to deep revelations of God. 

 

    As good as fasting is, it should not be turned into a religious ritual as some people make it. Fasting should not be a means of bribing God after we have sinned because no one can bribe God. It should also not to be taken as the giver of God’s power. In fasting, God needs our total submission to His will and wisdom (Isa. 58:6-8). While fasting, it is unnecessary to disfigure yourself by leaving your hair uncombed or going about frown your face. If you have the privilege of fasting, it is important that you separate yourself in a quiet place to pray instead of going about and making people greet you by asking, “Hope all is well” or “How is the fast?” 

 

    If you allow all these, then it means you have missed the essence of the fasting. Fasting without praying is hunger strike. You need the grace to fast for a deep and rewarding fellowship with God, so that your story will change for good. Peace!

 

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me for a deep fellowship with you regularly.

“FASTING SHOULD SPEED UP OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD”.