The Place of Fasting in Prayer
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Gaynell DeLappe
Aug 3, 2008, 5:00:51 PM8/3/08
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The Place of Fasting in Prayer
Read Matthew 6:16-21
Jesus' words about fasting represent His invitation to a deeper experience with God. As we place our body's physical desires under the Spirit's control, we let go of our grip on the material in order to embrace the spiritual. Reasons for fasting include:
Cleansing from Sin. When we let down our spiritual guard we start thinking as the world does, protecting our rights instead of dying to self or seeking to accumulate more rather than sacrificing. Through these lapses, ungodly attitudes and habits can quietly take up residence in us, and we hardly notice. But God sees: they hinder our fellowship with Him, limit the effectiveness of our service, and erode our joy. Prayer combined with abstinence will give God our undivided attention to address areas of sin. We, in turn, will find them grievous and be eager to let them go.
Guidance. God is willing to give us clear direction but for some things fasting as well as prayer is required. Through it we gain the cleansed mind needed to hear what He is saying and a submitted spirit ready to accept His instructions.
Protection. Through fasting we gain insight into God's ways and receive help in identifying unhealthy or dangerous situations. As we submit to His authority and confess our need for protection His Spirit will give us discernment to make wiser decisions and avoid unnecessary pitfalls. Abstinence together with prayer can also bring heightened spiritual awareness and more intimate communion with the Lord. Aren't these the deepest desires of our heart?
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Read Matthew 6:16-21
Jesus' words about fasting represent His invitation to a deeper experience with God. As we place our body's physical desires under the Spirit's control, we let go of our grip on the material in order to embrace the spiritual. Reasons for fasting include:
Cleansing from Sin. When we let down our spiritual guard we start thinking as the world does, protecting our rights instead of dying to self or seeking to accumulate more rather than sacrificing. Through these lapses, ungodly attitudes and habits can quietly take up residence in us, and we hardly notice. But God sees: they hinder our fellowship with Him, limit the effectiveness of our service, and erode our joy. Prayer combined with abstinence will give God our undivided attention to address areas of sin. We, in turn, will find them grievous and be eager to let them go.
Guidance. God is willing to give us clear direction but for some things fasting as well as prayer is required. Through it we gain the cleansed mind needed to hear what He is saying and a submitted spirit ready to accept His instructions.
Protection. Through fasting we gain insight into God's ways and receive help in identifying unhealthy or dangerous situations. As we submit to His authority and confess our need for protection His Spirit will give us discernment to make wiser decisions and avoid unnecessary pitfalls. Abstinence together with prayer can also bring heightened spiritual awareness and more intimate communion with the Lord. Aren't these the deepest desires of our heart?
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
In Touch Ministries
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Aug 4, 2008, 6:04:19 AM8/4/08
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