Fasting & Praying GuideSample

Dallas Willard, the great spiritual teacher, defined fasting as “feasting upon God” or “being nourished by God.” While fasting includes abstaining from food to starve the flesh, it also involves communion with God, which feeds and nourishes the soul. Fasting is an incredible opportunity to intensify our spiritual focus as we seek after the Lord. We were made to be more dependent on God than the food we consume every day. When we fast, we remind ourselves of this dependence and look to God as the one who sustains us.

When we abstain from food, we starve the flesh. We choose not to feed our bodies as a way of exercising control and discipline over the bodily (or fleshly) desires that so often become misdirected and lead us away from God.

Fasting’s hunger is a constant companion, a reminder to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5).

Reflection:

Fasting crucifies your appetite for the world so you can cultivate your hunger and thirst for Jesus and all the good He has for you.

What has God strengthened in you in the past year that you can use for His Kingdom in the new year?