Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting is more than simply skipping a meal – or even several meals.
Fasting is a way of humbling yourself. When you fast, you temporarily give up eating (or
some other enjoyable activity) and put time with God in its place. Replacing food with prayer is an act of selflessness. It is a way to make you less important and other people more important.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus how to fast saying.“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Are you considering fasting?
* Begin by examining your motives for fasting. If you want to fast to look “spiritual”, you are fasting for the wrong reasons.
* For your first fast, fast through only one meal, then gradually build up the number of meals you skip.
* Drink plenty of fluids while you are fasting.
* Give the money you would have spent on food for that meal to your church or to missions.
* Use the time you would have spent eating to pray for a specific person or need.
Then go ahead – take some time to fast and pray before the Lord.
“‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’” Joel 2:12
Prayer: Heavenly Father, make my motives for fasting pure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.