Prayer and Fasting

(JUNE 1997)

The Meaning of Fasting and Prayer

Christianity is a religion of personal experiences. It is a spiritual movement, a movement of life, truth, the Holy Spirit and love. The important thing is to have a personal, real experience. Through the right relationship with God, we can recognise and understand the Lord's will. There are many ways in which we can experience God's blessing. Fasting and prayer is one of the ways.

What is the meaning of fasting? The dictionariy defines it "to abstain from food". As eating preserves physical life, fasting preserves spiritual life. It denies the physical and brings us into the presence of God. The bible tells us man does not live by bread alone, but by the word of God. This is assured as we commit out lives to God in fasting and prayer.

Fasting and prayer must be a definate commitment. This faith experience not only builds our faith but empties us of self and gives us power to live an overcoming life.

As faith builds in prayer and fasting, we receive healing for our bodies as well as healing for our spirit and soul. Through this experience in faith we can be confident of the Holy Spirit living in us and have the assurance of God's unlimitied love and redemtive grace through Jesus Christ.

The secret of successful Christian living is to have a personal working faith. There is a desire in each of us to attain a high level in faith. Even in difficult situations there is a burning desire to be aware of God's love, His grace, His presence and His guidance in our lives.

We as Christians must be equipped with the whole amour of God (Eph 6:10-18). We are not fighting flesh and blood, but are struggling against principalities and powers which seek to destroy our bodies and soul in hell. Therefore we must continually prepare ourselves for this spiritual battle.

By fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can work through us in a more powerful degree. Through fasting and prayer there is healing for all kinds of physical sickness, church problems, individual needs etc. Revival fires causes the church to grow in numbers. It also assures individuals of a victorious faith in their Christian life.

God has shown us in His word that by fasting and prayer we can enjoy a closer relationship and access to His miraculous power.