Fasting & Prayer
In our modern context, we’re more likely to hear about fasting from a health and wellness podcast than a church pulpit. While fasting does have numerous health benefits, it’s also an important spiritual practice for followers of Jesus. The most basic definition of fasting is not eating for a set amount of time. This can range from giving up one meal to abstaining from food for days.
Fasting and prayer combined create a spiritual powerhouse.
Saint Augustine said, "Fasting and almsgiving are ‘the two wings of prayer’ which enable it to gain momentum and more easily reach even to God.”
We know God always hears our prayers (Psalm 145:18, 1 John 5:15), but when we look at different instances in the Bible, it’s clear that fasting gives prayer extra oomph. It’s as if we are saying to God, “I want _______ more than I want food.”
Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days to prepare for his ministry and resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-2).
Nehemiah fasted and prayed for the restoration of the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).
Moses fasted and prayed for 40 days (twice!) to receive the Law and to intercede for the people of Israel (Exodus 24:15, 34:28).
Jesus instructed his disciples to fast and pray in order to cast out certain demons (Matthew 17:21).
Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed during the process of appointing church leaders (Acts 14:23).
A prophetess named Anna fasted and prayed “night and day” as a way to serve God (Luke 2:37).
Is there something you desire of God? Answers or guidance? The salvation of a friend or family member? Revival in your city? To know Him more intimately?
You don’t have to fast to receive wisdom from God, hear His voice, or get forgiveness or answered prayers. It’s simply using your entire body to cry out and say, “Lord, I’m serious about this thing. I’m seeking you with all that I am.”
This is not an exhaustive explanation of fasting, but I plan to do more posts on it in the future. If you want to learn more about how fasting powers prayer, you can listen to the Rule of Life podcast (Fasting: Episode 03) or check out this short video from the BibleProject.
Be sure to check out next week’s post from a very special guest writer, Stephanie Cochrane! Stephanie is the author of The Paradox Paper Substack, and she’ll be bringing us a beautifully written piece on the theology of the body.