It seems like most congregations I’ve attended or visited did very little fasting.
Fasting is interesting – I read about it in both Old and New Testaments, but never hear too much about it in a sermon or in other teaching. So what’s the deal?
Prayer and fasting is voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, but this is not always the case. You can pray without fasting, and fast without prayer. It is when these two activities are combined and dedicated to God’s glory that they reach their full effectiveness.
That said, please be aware that God did command certain fast days, such as the Day of Atonement. While most Christian leaders say these days are “done away with,” Messiah said he didn’t come to abolish the Law (more correctly called the Teaching), but to fulfill it. In other words, there is nothing in the New Testament that says we should no longer honor these fast days.
Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what we desire. Rather, it is simply forcing ourselves to focus and rely on God for strength, provision, and wisdom you need.
Certainly, prayer and fasting is something all Believers should practice. But our focus shouldn’t be on abstaining from food. The purpose of fasting in the Bible (Old or New Testaments) is to take our thoughts off of the world and focus them more fully on God.
Food is good, but we should be ready to give it up occasionally for a greater good.
If you are interested in fasting, but don’t know where to turn for further information, there is an excellent booklet available at Christian bookstores, and I am sure you can find it online as well. It’s called “God’s Chosen Fast” by Arthur Wallace, and it is easy to read.
Get a copy, and the practice won’t seem so mysterious.
YeshuaBlog 