Fasting

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6-7

Going without food for an extended period of time is encouraged in Scripture as a means of bringing your flesh under subjection to your spirit. “Fasting,” as it is called, heightens your SPIRITUAL sensitivity by denying food to your PHYSICAL body.

There are several reasons for fasting recorded in Scripture: Chastening of the soul (Psalm 69:10), humbling of the soul (Psalm 35:13), accompanied by prayer (Ezra 8:23), confession of sin (I Samuel 7:6), mourning (Joel 2:12), occasions of public calamities (II Samuel 1:12), approaching danger (Esther 4:16), private afflictions (II Samuel 12:16), ordination of ministers (Acts 13:3), to build faith (Matthew 17:2 1), and to delay judgment (I Kings 2 1:27).

Jesus, however, exhorts you not to fast religiously or for public show, but with an attitude of repentance and a desire to help others. (See Matthew 6:16-18.) Remember, God looks at your HEART. Fasting gets God’s attention. Better make sure He is pleased!

PRAY: “Merciful Father, You heard the penitent cries of Your people after their fasts in the past and healed and forgave. Accept my fast at Your altar. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”