Prayer and Fasting

Fasting is one of those spiritual disciplines that can so easily get lost in a busy life. I know that it never crosses my mind to make myself intentionally weak, confused, and chilled when I have lots of deadlines. However, a few weeks ago in discipleship group, we were talking about the spiritual disciplines and I realized I have been lax in fasting over the past year. I put it on a mental checklist, but didn't make any serious plans. Then I watched a friend fast through a very stressful and busy time and I saw the grace upon her life to honor God in this way--and I realized I was being a lazy wimp about my deadlines. God's grace is more than sufficient for fasting in these seasons!

So I decided this week to set aside a day to fast and pray. As I did that, the prayer needs really began to flood in. My initial reason for fasting was simply to discipline my flesh. Then one of the women in my caregroup sent out an email request, asking us to fast and pray for another woman in our caregroup who is going through a significant health trial. Our group's concerted prayer and fasting on her behalf is not only an example of caring for her in this difficult time, it is also a way of building our fellowship within the group.

Then I received more serious health news from one family member and then two more friends--the kind of news that perplexes even the doctors and drives you to your knees in prayer.

Finally, I received a note from a ministry friend based in India who wrote about the severe persecution of Christians in the Indian state of Orissa. There are signs that this conflict could spread to other parts of India, even in this coming week.

It was becoming obvious that there were many serious issues to pray over. Though my fasting does not force God's hand on anything, it does empower prayer in a particular way. As John Loftness wrote in Disciplines for Life, "Fasting adds muscle to our spiritual warfare. When Jesus sought spiritual power to withstand the devil and accomplish God's purpose, he fasted. The Bible describes countless individuals and even entire nations who gave up their food to change the course of history by fervent intercession."

I don't write about fasting to promote anything about myself or my efforts. In fact, I need to grow in mortifying my flesh and interceding in prayer. I am far from experienced in these matters. I do write, however, to encourage you to also fast and pray for our brothers and sisters in numerous nations around the world who are suffering persecution for the name of Christ. If fasting is a topic that raises a lot of questions, I recommend the chapter on fasting from Disciplines for Life. You can download it for free from the Sovereign Grace web store.

Comments

[Janet Leman]

Thanks for writing about this...I have been following your blog for a little while and am so encouraged by the things, sites you post and the convictions you write about.

I too am being convicted about the discipline of fasting. I have a little one now that I am nursing, but know that it is something I need to seriously work on. Not as a rule or a legalistic thing, but there is blessing in it, isn't there...even just for the opportunity for the HS to lay upon my heart things that I would otherwise not take the time to listen to or heed.

Thanks,

Janet

[Heather (Paulsen) Patenaude]

Great post! Fasting is so easy to forget to do because eating is just so much a part of our normal pattern.

God has used fasting in my life in some major ways. One book which I've always read when doing an extended fast is: A Hunger for God by John Piper.

Thanks for posting about this topic.

[KS]

Thank you! Just yesterday I was thinking about fasting and praying for the presidential election. I'm going to download the chapter that you recommended now.

[Keri]

I enjoyed this post on fasting. It seems to be lost in our culture somewhat, but I believe it to be a vital part of our prayer life.

Because we live in an indulgent culture, we do not think to sacrifice even a little bit for the cause of Christ. The spiritual rewards of fasting and prayer far exceed the small physical sacrifice required.

[Fritz]

I just finished a week of doing a "Daniel fast". It wasn't fun, but that's not what it's about. I have gotten some answers and made progress on some issues that I had been praying about for a long time. I missed out on the food for two birthday celebrations. Talk about making a sacrifice!!! I'm sure that God honored my willingness to seek His will/direction and not my own.

It is a great reminder for all of us to not seek ourselves.

As a tender warrior, I must say, "whatever it takes."

[Jessica]

Hi,
Thanks for writing about fasting. I've been feeling that I should begin practicing this spiritual discipline. I really appreciate the link to the chapter about fasting.

[Melissa H.]

I am amazed by how many do not fast. It is what Jesus did while on earth and it is an awesome experience (outside the hunger pains). I felt led by God to fast two days instead of my normal one day. I can't imagine 40 days. Whoa.

I find it increases my listening to God. It also tends to help my prayer life. I am hopeful that the next prez will be blessed by God to handle the quagmire that is going to be handed to him. I have good solid Christian brothers and sisters voting for each candidate.

That said..I myself have already voted and my vote went the way of the Gianna Jensens of the world.