Editor’s Note: The following article was written and Prayer with Fasting Hunger and Thirst (DOC), NMI Director for the Church of the Nazarene Nazarene Missions International
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Envision an opportunity to embrace God’s special presence on one day each week. Anticipate special time with Jesus in prayer with fasting that day. Prayer with fasting.
Prayer: communing with Jesus through intimacy in His Spirit. With: accompanied by, in addition to, as well as, alongside. Fasting: denying self for freedom from appetites.
Among practices that enhance focus and power in prayer, fasting is the most potent. Fasting is self-denial on purpose: to focus the body and soul while empowering the spirit. People who pray with fasting as a lifestyle affirm the biblical significance as well as the benefits for spiritual development.
Although the world distracts and entices us, God longs for our attention and closeness. We may experience a limited depth in Jesus Christ without fasting, but He reserves the most amazing favor and answers for those who pray and fast.
God resists the self-sufficient and proud, but gives grace to the humble. Prayer with fasting humbles our flesh and weans us from every prop, draws us into intimacy with the Lord, develops patience, dependence, endurance, and pleases the Spirit of God.
Whatever draws our devotion away from the Lord—a cause, a career, or cash— is a distraction or delusion. Fasting births and sustains deeper devotion to Jesus.
[Read more…] about Hunger and Thirst: Prayer with Fasting by Daniel Ketchum