The Value of Fasting – 19 November 2008

The bible teaches that fasting should be a regular part of our Christian discipline along with prayer and giving.  God doesn’t answer prayer because we fast but the act of fasting intensifies our faith and our prayers (Joel 2 - fasting and prayer came before a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit). 

Fasting emphasises the wholeheartedness of our praying.  Isaiah 58 shows that fasting is linked with a life of total commitment to God, only a life right with God will receive blessing through fasting. 

Prayer and Fasting leads to spiritual strengthening.  Through it Jesus overcame temptation and took authority over the devil (Luke 4).  In Mark 9 we see fasting plays a role in the prayer for the healing of deliverance.

Fasting helps us to know God's will.  Moses fasted 40 days for this purpose.  In Acts 13:2 as the elders prayed and fasted the Holy Spirit gave direction.  The bible also records several incidents in which people fasted as an act of repentance (Jonah I; Samuel 7:6).  

Fasting can take many different forms and everyone can take part in some form of fast. Fasts range from a total abstinence from food to abstaining from certain foods.  They can be varied in length from hours to days.  You should not go without liquid, but may limit yourself to just water or fruit juice. If in doubt about fasting for medical reasons please speak to your GP for advice. 

You might decide to go on a total fast for a period of hours, for 24 hours or 48 hours or for a number of days.  Decide also what foods you will fast from.  In this way every member of the church can participate.  You may decide as a family on a particular form of fasting you will undertake together.

Do take seriously the call to fast and pray.  Decide now when you will fast over this coming weekend!

Let us all come humbly to seek his face in fasting and prayer.