Does fasting really help prayer?

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   BlossomSBposted 12 years ago

   Does fasting really help prayer?
   
   With Ash Wednesday in just two weeks' time, some of us will be thinking about fasting, or at least giving up something for Lent. Do we really concentrate better on prayer when we are fasting.

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   preacher2003posted 12 years ago

   Fasting of course is great when done properly. Fasting in itself will not bring one closer to God, Heaven or blessing. In fact reading the Bible, praying, fasting and other traditional and ceremonial and religious things will bring no one closer to God, as these are "works".
   
   If we fast, tithe, pray, read, sing and etc. we are to do it "As unto the Lord" and with out hearts and minds focused on Him and who He is and not what He can do for us.
   
   God looks on the position of the heart and never on what we "give up"
   
   as long as the heart is right, we are Ok!

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      BlossomSBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      How true! Thank you for your reply.

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   SirDentposted 12 years ago

   Fasting is one way of crucifying the flesh.  It also helps on to tune in to the voice of God when  done properly in prayer and supplication.  It does help one to draw close to God simply because fasting denies fleshly desires.  We must always remember, the flesh is against God but the Spirit is for God.  Growth in the spirit also comes from fasting.

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      BlossomSBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Growing in the spirit is what St. Paul tells us is so important, too.

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   teaches12345posted 12 years ago

   Yes, I believe fasting does help prayer. When we take time to pray instead of eat our heart is focused on God  and this turns his face towards us.

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      BlossomSBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your reply. The focussing part is important.

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   Hezmyjoyposted 12 years ago

   Fasting helps prayer because it keeps the flesh under subjection. Recall when the woman was tempted by the serpent, she was tempted with food. When fasting, it helps the body rest from working at digesting. It also keeps your mind focused on what you are praying about.
   
   http://www.lenorabrown.blogspot.com

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      BlossomSBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, sometimes our lives can focus so much on food and our bodily wants.

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   cgbmeposted 9 years ago

   I think it depends on your motive for fasting.  If you're fasting because you've been told to, but your heart doesn't understand why people fast or it doesn't embrace the beliefs or reasons for fasting, I don't think fasting will have much effect on prayer. Fasting just to fast is  like  going through the motions....fasting requires a sincere belief or desire for a breakthrough to take place in your life.

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      BlossomSBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you! And if the motivation is wrong it can lead to problems, including overdoing the fasting without it resulting in spiritual growth or, in fact, any result except hunger - both bodily and spiritually.

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