Three-minute guide to fasting
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can profoundly impact our prayer life. When we choose to abstain from something, whether it’s food, technology, or entertainment, we’re making a deliberate choice to prioritise our relationship with God.
This act of self-denial not only lends a sense of urgency and persistence to our prayers, but it also serves as a personal training ground for our will, helping us develop self-control and tune our spiritual sensitivity towards the divine.
Fasting Unlocks Revelation and Freedom
Contrary to the notion of trying to manipulate or force God’s hand, fasting is a means of aligning our hearts and minds with His will.
As we humble ourselves before Him, we open ourselves up to receive clear revelation and direction from God, as seen in the example of the early church in Acts 13:2.
Fasting can also be a powerful tool in helping to free people from spiritual bondages, as we partner with God in spiritual warfare.
Deepening Intimacy with Jesus
Perhaps one of the most profound benefits of fasting is the way it can deepen our intimacy with Jesus.
When we choose to set aside the distractions of the world and focus solely on Him, we create space for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives in profound ways. This can lead to a greater understanding of God’s heart, a heightened sensitivity to His voice, and a deeper sense of connection with the Savior.
Practical Steps for Effective Fasting
To begin your fasting journey, start by deciding what you will fast from. This could be food, technology, entertainment, or any other area that you feel the Lord is leading you to abstain from.
Block out a specific time when you will commit to this fast, and be consistent in sticking to it. Set a specific period of time, such as a day, a week, or even longer, and establish a clear objective for your time of prayer and seeking God. Finally, prepare yourself spiritually by taking time to read the Word, worship, and journal.
This will help you enter into your fast with a posture of humility, obedience and openness to what God has in store. As you embark on this journey of fasting and prayer, may you experience the transformative power of this spiritual discipline, and may it draw you closer to the heart of the One who loves you most.