Prayer and Fasting

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    One recent weight-loss method that has gained a lot of attention recently is "intermittent fasting."  Some medical professionals are saying that when done on a regular basis this practice has significant health benefits.

    Did you know that the Bible has a lot to say about feasting and fasting? Did you know that these practices are spiritual in context? The very first sin involved food. Revelation talks about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in chapter 19. In between these two events the law prescribes times of feasting and of restraint. We are given examples from Moses, Elijah, Ezra, Esther, David, Daniel, Anna, Jesus and Paul who fasted for specific times of prayer. 

    Often we talk about times of fasting from things (social media or sugar, for example). Anything that is done for the purpose of bringing our focus more fully on God's Word is beneficial. It is also good to note that fasting is not a prescribed thing in Scripture, it is more of an assumed thing... it is assumed that those who are seriously seeking the face and will of God will abstain from food at times. 

    In Mark 9, as Jesus heals the boy who was controlled by an evil spirit, he explains to his disciples that "this kind goes not out but through prayer" and some versions add the tag, "and fasting." This tells me that we face battles that require intense times of prayer. Fasting is a natural partner to these times. 

    Additionally we are given instructions for how to fast. Jesus told his disciples, "when you fast." (Matthew 6:16-17). Notice he did not say, "IF you fast."  He did teach them to differentiate themselves from the self-righteous Pharisees. Jesus taught that His followers should not draw attention to themselves during this time. This was to be a time of humble prayer, not a spectacle for personal gain. 

    Notice that this abstaining from food is ALWAYS associated with times of prayer. Fasting is a time of humbling one's self before the Lord as one enters His Holy Presence. There is nothing holy about fasting that is not done for the purpose of seeking God's face. 

    In similar fashion, times of feasting are a gift that is given to us for the purpose of rejoicing and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and provision.

    One thing that is frequently forgotten is that even the very act of eating and drinking is to be done for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 says:

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God

    Feeding our bodies is meant to be an act of worship to our God! Feasting is designed to respond to time of fasting, or calling out to God for deliverance. 

NOTE: God sees our heart. He knows. Some may not be able to safely fast from all food for medical reasons. Not all fasts need to be abstaining from all foods and we are not called on to do fasts of extended lengths on a regular basis. 

This is simply a call for us to realize that God desires to meet us as we humble ourselves, and He also desires our praise. The act of prayer and fasting is one area that I have been challenged to dig deeper into the Word to discover what God is saying about it. Believe me, there is a lot in there! I am challenging you to dig into this topic also. Discover what God has to say!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Heather Sparks

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