Biblical Teaching on Prayer
Ezra 8:21-23
I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
~ Priest Ezra
Pondering Point
Along with exercise, we recognize that a body draws strength through eating. Prayers of thanks for our food acknowledge as much. But choosing to NOT eat, known as fasting, can also be a form of loving God with the body. This too can enable a body to use strength to express love for God – AND it is one of the ways God gives strength to His people.
A God-focused fast generally includes prayer and meditation, but the fast is itself a form of prayer, reminding us that prayers are not merely words or thoughts. Body language, posture and attitudes, and actions are other examples to be emulated.
Prayer
Father God, I look forward to pursuing different ways to show love to You using my strength. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enlighten me to the creative ways I can do so, from eating to fasting, by participating in and abstaining from activities, all done to honor You in my choices. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 47
Fasting
Fasting isn't normally done with intent to change God. Instead, it is largely done in order to bring oneself into closer communion with God and His will in one’s life. As a replacement for focusing upon the bodily needs of nourishment, fasters are able to spend extra time upon their spiritual lives and listening to God.
Physical hunger reminds fasters of their focus during their time with God. It prioritizes the relationship with God and strengthens the bond of commitment.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is very closely related to prayer. Fasting is not commanded but seems assumed in Scripture. Jesus, in His sermon on the mount, taught with the assumption that God’s people are people who fast. “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16-18). He did not say “If you fast,” but “when.” There’s an expectation implied in His Words… perhaps even an invitation.
Got his book? Read pages 211-214 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #37 on page 280: “How can I concentrate more on prayer?"