Prayer and Fasting

Thoughts on Prayer and Fasting -

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

TOTAL SEPARATION

During the course of prayer and fasting, it entails a period of total separation from food, any weight, people, etc. as recorded in Nehemiah 9;1-2.

RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL

Fasting and prayer becomes mandatory for every child of God, before he/she embarks on any God related assignment must subject himself/herself to fasting and prayer. As was done by our Lord Jesus before He began his ministry here on earth as recorded by Mathew in the fourth chapter of his book which says that Jesus started at the place of fasting afterward He was set to carry out His task.

Fasting and prayer could be seen as a season of preparation for one’s God given purpose. It gives the believer an edge over physical things first as being subdued then spiritual: worship of the Almighty.

Prayer and fasting can be seen as an ACT OF HUMILITY

Fasting can also be seen as a period when the soul is humbled and prayer is done from a contrite heart as recorded in PS 35:13.

Nothing easily distracts the mind, in this atmosphere; the soul is under the total control of the spirit and is having control over the physical body which tends to be in total humility.

Fasting and prayer are a necessity for Christians, to enable them to seek the face of God wholly.

We seek GREATER INTIMACY WITH GOD-

We deny our carnal nature in order to fulfil the desires of God. What He wills for our lives can be found through fasting and prayers. Our spirit and soul experience joy because of fasting.

It’s a decision to momentarily die to our flesh to fulfil the greater things of a mighty God who seeks us. Mark 2:20

Have you ever wondered if God looks upon us with rigidity of spirit? I think we are aware that God is a compassionate God. He understands our heart, our intentions and our limitations much better than we know our own.

What about our limitations?

One extenuating circumstance may be diabetes where a person must eat according to his basic health needs.. I think God understands those things and God sees the effort to eat minimally to sustain blood sugar levels; is much different than eating for enjoyment. Eating minimally in this case is like medication.. Understanding that God is a compassionate God who sees our heart and an honest heart can take an honest and upright man far even with handicap like diabetes..  Can a man get on his knees to pray if he has no legs? God will provide for us in his own way if we have the faith in him. Faith only as large as a mustard seed…

We have only the responsibility to be honest of heart and do our best each day as we follow the example of Christ….He has made it easy for us…We have a roadmap to salvation..

A side note:

Ideally, not only should people with diabetes be informed about good self-care during a fast, but family members and those within the spiritual community will understand how to support them as well. Sharing educational materials with your brothers and sisters may be helpful in bridging the gap between medical advice and their spiritual calling. Ultimately, the healthiest people are those who can take care of themselves well—body and soul.

This morning we pray that all with an honest heart will be seen and heard.

I ask for healing this morning and that medical care be available to assist with this process. I will accept your will. I ask that Nathan and Aida be provided for and that a way will be provided should I need to be hospitalized alone…  I ask for your help and intervention this morning in all things. Guide my walk with thee and hold my hand as I take each baby step even at my age. Help us to find peace in the face of adversity and strength even as we are weary. Give us hope for without it we are sadly hopeless…

Bless our Bible Study and hear our prayers and guide our steps……

We ask these things in Jesus name…

Amen