We read that John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast and Jesus Christ said his disciples would fast after his death (Mark 2:18-20).
Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted when they ordained Church elders (Acts 14:23).
Jesus Christ fasted 40 days and nights before facing Satan in an epic battle of spiritual will (Matthew 4:2).
Isaiah contrasts selfish fasting with godly fasting marked by care and concern for others (Isaiah 58:3-10).
What is fasting? Why do we fast?
Fasting can be a means to humble ourselves before God and seek his forgiveness, comfort, help, guidance, strength and will.
Fasting allows us to draw closer to God.
It can be a means of humbling ourselves before God, seeking God and his will and guidance in life.
It is a tool we may use to seek a closer relationship with his or her Creator and petition God for help, guidance and a humble heart that is yielded to his will.
Can we take one day a week during this Lent to fast and seek God’s will in our lives.
The Reverend Deacon Nina Page Grace Church Milton.
