Shalom Dear Brothers and Sisters Prayer and Fasting All through the Bible we can find time when God's people fasted and prayed. Even Yeshua fasted and prayed (Luke 4:1-2). There are many books written on fasting and prayer. One thing I do know is this, fasting and prayer go hand in hand. If you do not pray when you are fasting then basically you're dieting. But we are called to fast in fact God commands us in Leviticus 23:26-27 "to afflict our souls with prayer and fasting..." otherwise known as Yom Kippur. This is the first mention of fasting in the Bible, after that we find many examples throughout the Word of God of His people seeking Him through fasting and prayer for various reasons. The key is to know the reason you are fasting. Every example starts with humbling ourselves then asking whether it is for guidance, (Ezra 8: 21) also the apostles fasted for guidance from the Holy Spirit in Acts 9:9, 10:30, 13:11. If they found it necessary in their day how much more so now. For spiritual strengthening and repentance (1 Kings 21:25-29) (Jonah 3: 5-10) for the sick in some cases, (Psalm 35:13) and some demon possessed (Matthew 17: 21). Whatever the case, Yeshua told us how to fast in Matthew 6:16-18 and Luke 18:9-14, to anoint our heads with oil, and wash our faces so that no one would know except our Father in heaven. It is not meant as a means to manipulate God or to show off for spirituality in front of others, it is a time to draw close to our Father seek Him and hear His voice and will for our lives and sometimes intercede for others. If it were not so we would not have all these examples. Also I tell you this from the bottom of my heart only to encourage you these are times I have found myself closest to the Heart of the Father.
B'Shem Yeshua Hamashiach. Theresa |
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