Really, What Is The Essence Of Praying And Fasting?

There are times we really need things to be done that we go spiritual by praying and fasting. There is a miracle in the bible where the disciples of Jesus tried to heal a boy possessed with a spirit of epilepsy but didn’t succeed; Jesus eventually came and rebuked the spirit from the boy. Later the disciples came and asked Him why they couldn’t cast out the spirit. Jesus’ reply was that that kind of evil spirit could leave is only through fasting and praying [ref. Matthew 17:14-27; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42]. But really, what is the essence of praying and fasting? I’m sure this question sounds funny to you, but let’s find out even if you already know.

Praying and fasting are two important qualities in a Believer’s life; not only in a Believer’s life but in every life; this is because praying and fasting really strengthens your trust in someone, most times a spirit being; while fasting strengthens your focus. People fast to strengthen their focus and it is what they use to fix their mind on a thing; they probably have a target they must achieve. An example is Jezebel who fasted when she was determined to take away Naboth’s vineyard from him [ref. 1 Kings 21:9-10]. Remember, Jezebel was the most evil queen ever mentioned in the bible. So you see, fasting is general thing, although it was developed for spiritual purpose. It has to do with meditation, going deep into something without distraction.

When you fasting, you must not be distracted, so you take away that which brings so much distraction to you; food is mostly chosen as that which should be put aside, the reason that once a person lacks food, it kills every other thing that could cause distractions. This is important when you want to get into the spirit realm; for Believers, the word of God is spiritual so when we fast and meditate on the scripture deeper and spiritual insights are released.

For prayer, this is a communication with another which often times is; a spirit being. For Believers, prayer should really be a declaration of faith and not the asking aspect, the reason why we ask is because we are still growing in faith, so we need God to strengthen us over what the scriptures says. For instance, the bible says we are blessed with all spiritual blessings [ref. Ephesians 1:3]; also, Jesus said our heavenly Father knows what we need before ask Him [ref. Matthew 6:32]; so, we just need to believe what the scriptures says but it doesn’t come easy so we need to pray to God in times of trials and temptations for His strength and power to have faith in the word.

Furthermore, prayer is important, when praying for others or what we call prayer of intercession; we intercede on behalf of people just the way we would have prayed for ourselves.

We must understand that fasting and praying doesn’t solves problems; instead it is who your focus on that solves the problem. Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega and has every problem solved; so fasting gets us in the realm of seeing His finished work as real. Prayer on the other hand helps to strengthen our faith in Christ Jesus. Do not idolise prayer and fasting; on use it to focus on the only one to be focused on who is Jesus Christ. God has given us a stress free life even though it requires a lot of discipline; this is the gospel truth.

Why not accept Jesus today if you haven’t. Pray out loud, “Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and Saviour. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. By faith in Your Word, I receive salvation now. Thank You for saving me!” Congratulations, you’re born again, you are now brand new!

Log on next time.

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GOD BLESS YOU.

Unless otherwise stated, the following scriptures are gotten from King James Version (KJV)