Prayer and fasting are part of the Christian experience. Prayer is communication with God. God, has communicated with man in many ways.
In Hebrews 1:1-2 we read,
“1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
The way that God communicates with His children today, is through His Son, and is revealed in His Word, the Bible.
Our communication to Him is called prayer. And through Scripture we are commanded to pray.
1 Thess 5:16-18 tells us,
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Eph 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Luke 11:9 tells us, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
It’s clear from these passages that prayer is to be an integral part of a Christians life. We are to continually prayer for anything and everything and on all occasions. Prayer is so important that the Holy Spirit is involved and aids our prayers. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Prayer is essential to our Christian walk. It is our avenue of conversation with God. Please don‘t misunderstand, God knows what we need before we ask, but we are commanded to ask.
We often hear the term, “prayer and fasting.” How do they relate?
First, it’s important to understand what fasting is. It can generally be defined as denying ourselves of something for some time, and using that time and energy to devote one’s self to prayer.
Fasting can take many forms. It can be denying one’s self of food or a time, having a limited diet, staying off the computer, etc. Fasting is giving up something for yourself and devote that energy to God.
It’s also important to understand that fasting can be dangerous. You should discuss your plans with a Doctor before you fast by refraining from food and drink, and remember a human can only go for three days without water.
Fasting should not be used as a weight loss strategy.
Fasting is both biblical and powerful. In times of important decision, the Apostles fasted. When the Apostles sent Barnabus and Paul on their missionary journey, they fasted (Acts 13:2-3). When they appointed Elders, they fasted (Acts 14:23).
However, unlike prayer, fasting is nowhere commanded in the New Testament. It was commanded of the Israelites, but only on the Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-28). The interpretation is of the Hebrew word used in this verse is fasting, but the phrase means “to humble.”
Although fasting is not commanded in the New Testament, it is implied. Several times Jesus states, “when you fast..” (Matt 6:16)
The purpose of fasting is increase the Intensity of your prayers.
An example is found in (Mark 9:25-29). Here the disciples could not drive a demon out of a person. Jesus told them that this kind can only come out by prayer and fasting.
So, prayer is effective and required, and is our communication to God.Fasting is assumed, but not commanded, has efficacy in strengthening the power and intensity of our prayers.
Fasting without prayer only makes you hungry.
In Hebrews 1:1-2 we read,
“1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
The way that God communicates with His children today, is through His Son, and is revealed in His Word, the Bible.
Our communication to Him is called prayer. And through Scripture we are commanded to pray.
1 Thess 5:16-18 tells us,
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Eph 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Luke 11:9 tells us, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
It’s clear from these passages that prayer is to be an integral part of a Christians life. We are to continually prayer for anything and everything and on all occasions. Prayer is so important that the Holy Spirit is involved and aids our prayers. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Prayer is essential to our Christian walk. It is our avenue of conversation with God. Please don‘t misunderstand, God knows what we need before we ask, but we are commanded to ask.
We often hear the term, “prayer and fasting.” How do they relate?
First, it’s important to understand what fasting is. It can generally be defined as denying ourselves of something for some time, and using that time and energy to devote one’s self to prayer.
Fasting can take many forms. It can be denying one’s self of food or a time, having a limited diet, staying off the computer, etc. Fasting is giving up something for yourself and devote that energy to God.
It’s also important to understand that fasting can be dangerous. You should discuss your plans with a Doctor before you fast by refraining from food and drink, and remember a human can only go for three days without water.
Fasting should not be used as a weight loss strategy.
Fasting is both biblical and powerful. In times of important decision, the Apostles fasted. When the Apostles sent Barnabus and Paul on their missionary journey, they fasted (Acts 13:2-3). When they appointed Elders, they fasted (Acts 14:23).
However, unlike prayer, fasting is nowhere commanded in the New Testament. It was commanded of the Israelites, but only on the Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-28). The interpretation is of the Hebrew word used in this verse is fasting, but the phrase means “to humble.”
Although fasting is not commanded in the New Testament, it is implied. Several times Jesus states, “when you fast..” (Matt 6:16)
The purpose of fasting is increase the Intensity of your prayers.
An example is found in (Mark 9:25-29). Here the disciples could not drive a demon out of a person. Jesus told them that this kind can only come out by prayer and fasting.
So, prayer is effective and required, and is our communication to God.Fasting is assumed, but not commanded, has efficacy in strengthening the power and intensity of our prayers.
Fasting without prayer only makes you hungry.
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