Devotional: Prayer And Fasting
Christian Women's Devotion on Prayer And Fasting
What is true fasting? It certainly isn't a mechanical
response to God, a merely external religious act. It
is done from a heart truly dedicated to God,
wanting to press on into Him more to realign our
focus on Him. We should be mindful of others—attending the physical, emotional and spiritual
needs of others who may be in need. It is also not
a theatrical show, as the hypocrites were accused
of in the New Testament. It isn't done so people
will think that we are 'spiritually superior' (Matt.
6: 16-18). That is not the right motive or attitude.
We need to have a humble heart and be aware
of our own weaknesses and shortcomings. No
one needs to even know we are fasting. And lets not forget about prayer.
Prayer goes hand in hand. It is so important to couple
fasting with prayer. Prayer for our nation, our
family and friends, the unsaved, our church
leaders, ministries, missions, ourselves in the area of things
we need real breakthrough in, and God's direction,
purpose and plan for our lives. There is so much
in need of our prayers. God can do mighty things
in the spiritual realm when we pray and fast—as long as we are in the right spirit of the
fast. There are times we need to fast—but it
shouldn't become a religious, legalistic thing. I remember somebody mentioning one time, that you
could even have a fast from other things, such as
T.V. Whatever we feel is taking up more of our time
than it should. I found that quite interesting. I guess
giving up something (or limiting ourselves in it) to
spend more time with the Lord, is something He
desires and what we should desire. He will honour
us in that. He wants us to fellowship with Him. To have
that close daily intimate relationship with Him. So,
whatever fasting you undertake, may you grow closer
to the Lord, as you pray and meditate on His word.
Remembering the out-working of this relationship
is ministering into the lives of others. © By M.S.Lowndes
And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy
and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they
put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting
may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say
to you, they have their reward in full already.
But when you fast, perfume your head and wash
your face, So that your fasting may not be
noticed by men but by your Father, who sees
in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret,
will reward you in the open.
- Matthew 6:16-18 (AMPC)
Lord, the fast that you require
Is a humble contrite heart
And a willingness to reach out to
Those souls lost in the dark.
© By M.S.Lowndes
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