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 won...