Fasting and Praying

 The Bible has many references to times when God's people spent time fasting and praying because they had a special need. I am sure I have written about this duo of spiritual disciplines many times over the years as I read one of these passages, and God laid it on my heart to share more about them. This is one topic that I don't think we can really emphasize too much because it is so helpful when we are seeking the Lord with all of our heart. 

Ezra was an expert in the Law of God. He was moved by God to lead a group of the exiles to return to Jerusalem, so he could study and teach God's Law to all of the people who had returned already. He had the king of Persia's consent and blessings. They assembled by the River Ahava before they left. (Ezra 8:23) Ezra called them to fast and pray earnestly that God would take care of them on their journey, and He heard their prayer. What a blessing when God takes care of us in those dangerous situations of life!

Some of you might wonder what not eating has to do with seeking the Lord and having Him hear you. Fasting is a simple way that anyone can give up something that is very important to us to show God that we are very serious about what we are requesting. We can fast for 1 meal, 1 day, 1 week, or 40 days, as God's Spirit stirs us. Then, we should spend that extra time we have to pray and seek the Lord. When our stomachs are empty, we are more alert, and it actually helps us hear from God better.

Then, as we pray we will be more inclined to earnestly pray for our needs. This is especially true in longer fasts. The longer the fast, the more in tune with God we become because our focus is on Him and not on ourselves. I know I have fasted for 40 days at least 2 different times, and I have seen how it has helped me, and it helped God answer my prayer. It is not a way for us to order God what to do. It is a way for us to pray for His will to be done and to trust Him with how He answers. In my case, I fasted because I heard God telling me to fast. That is what I would suggest, instead of just fasting for the sake of fasting.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 1.