Fasting & Praying GuideSample

Fasting has a way of bringing to the surface sins that lie deep within our hearts. As Richard Foster says, “More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.…We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface.” A variety of things might surface for you as you continue to fast. When the desires of the flesh are not met, they tend to assert themselves more strongly. When we fast, we can more easily identify the works of the flesh in our own lives and repent of them. We can cry out to God like the psalmist and say, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). The good news is that God hears those prayers and answers them.

Reflection:

Fasting clarifies what you really need and what you’ve grown accustomed to wanting.

Throughout this time of fasting, has the Lord given you clarity on what you need in this next season?