Prayer and Fasting
God is limited to acting on our behalf when we don't pray, since prayer gives Him permission to get involved in our lives. To have a successful spiritual life we must pray and fast more. Fasting is self-denial. Fasting should become part of your spiritual walk because it brings you closer to the Lord by increasing your faith and it helps you overcome the enemy. There are various reasons why people fast. For instance, a better job, better health, self-development, financial blessings are a few motivating factors to name a few. There are different types of fast like Daniel Fast, Esther Fast, but for more information on fasting do the research or get a book like, “Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts” by Elmer L Towns, published in 1996 by Regal Books, Ventura, California to increase your knowledge. Before you choose a certain fast, it is important to look at your needs, occupation, and medical condition when making your selection. Sometimes due to certain conditions, fasting of a non-food activity like watching television in place of food will suffice. The Holy Spirit will lead, guide, and direct you when to fast. During those times, be obedient to the Spirit
When you pray, pray in the name of Jesus, and believe that you evoked heaven and will receive what you ask for. Add a special touch to prayer by speaking in tongues. In order for prayer to work you must forgive all those that offended you. Try prayer and fasting and see how it influences your life.
Do you have to pray in your prayer closet? A prayer closet can be a special room in our spiritual life, or a special place to commune daily without distraction with God. There are times when people have to find that space to mediate day and night. If possible, go to your prayer closet. However, you can pray anywhere and at anytime. It's easy. While you're in your car; in the elevator; in the grocery line; waiting at your doctor's office; while exercising; focus on Jesus and start speaking to Him. If people are around, pray to the Lord in your mind. Be creative as to where to sneak in a prayer or two.
"Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins...
Continue
|
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." |
Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
|
...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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
|
|
