Fasting and prayer

Why do we need to fast and pray?

Some fast thinking God would answer their prayers only when they fast and pray, with respect to asking for materialistic things. That is totally wrong notion wrong approach towards God because otherwise also God hears and answers our prays. Some fast but without prayer it is starving neither it changes our mind or heart because through prayers we are connected to God our attitude and life style changes. Our Fasting does not increase God's holiness or Glory but rather helps us hear God clearly. Fasting helps us to crush the flesh for a purpose. Mortifying the flesh and to be led by the Spirit. When we are led by the Flesh we become fleshy worldly, but when led by The Spirit we come closer to God , Word of God says Those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. Fasting is not for twisting the hand of God to get things worked out our way which might not be the will of God. GOD doesn’t give it to us simply because it is sinful and harmful to us. While we are fasting if we are busy with worldly affairs and find no time pray it is better not to fast.

Prayer without fasting will bring grace when time is spent in the presence of God. But fasting without prayer is of no use is better not to fast. Now the purpose has to be clear when fasting spend time for prayer reading and meditating on the word of God G reflecting upon oneself humbly coming before God with repentance asking God's forgiveness turning our hearts to God seeking his mercy. The sole purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves that’s is for our spiritual growing and renewing of the spirit.

What does the Word of God say about fasting and prayer.

Biblical perspective of fasting

We see in the scriptures even the Holy Man of connected with God through Fasting for different purposes. Daniel Fasted to hear from God for interpretation. To humble oneself and mortification of flesh .

Esther Fasted to change the law of the country against his people pleading for mercy favour and breakthrough from God.

Joel's fasted to change the heart of God returning to God’ grace and mercy.

Book of Jonah: People of Nineveh fasted for God' wrath to be turned away.

widow's fast Luke 2.37. Its a simple fast or half fast its a life style fasting to grow spiritually.

Another type of fasting is spirit led fasting Luke 4: 2-4. We see Jesus led by spirit for fasting now this type of fasting is not for repentance as Jesus did not sin so why then did he fast? He fasted and prayed for 40 days led by the spirit so that he may be vulnerable and open. for the devil to come and tempte him. What kind of fasting is this? This is to prepare for mission . So can we also be led by spirit for fasting and prayer. By this type of fasting we get strength to overcome the wiles of the evil and temptations. We see Moses was in the presence of God for 40 days and night in this type of

Some fasting initiated by Men seeking will of God decision making.

fasting is also for Spiritual breakthrough and for ministry purpose Acts 13. 2. And for anointing Acts 13.3, For discernment( Acts 14.23) For decision making in or for ministry.

Guideline to fast and pray.

Mortification is not to hurt oneself by going beyond limit

Fasting if only health permits wrong fasting may lead to miserable conditions especially physical aliments but this will not occur when led by the Spirit of God (Ps 91). For right purpose

Caution: Take lot of fluids while fasting (water).

Set time for prayer

Read and meditate the word of God. Don’t engage in any physical labour or worldly affairs while fasting and prayer.