Matthew 6:16-18 – Teaching about Fasting

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.

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