Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can bring us closer to God and help us seek His will. In the World English Bible Matthew 6:16-18 says,
When you fast, don't make a sad face like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
From 2 pm today until 2 pm Saturday is a substantial amount of time, so it's important to ensure you're approaching this fast with the right heart and preparation. If you are looking to do this to get closer to God, seek His will for your life, or repent, this is appropriate. If you are fasting as part of a diet plan or looking to gain attention from others, this is not appropriate.
First, let's consider the biblical principles of fasting. In Joel 2:12-13, God says,
“Yet even now,” says Yahweh, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.”
Fasting should be accompanied by sincere repentance and a desire to draw closer to God. It's not just about abstaining from food but also about dedicating that time to prayer and seeking God's face.
Before you begin, make sure to prepare your body physically, especially if you're not used to extended periods of fasting. Drink plenty of water and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up our brother who is planning to fast from 2 pm today until 2 pm Saturday. We pray, Father, that You would give him the strength and endurance to complete this fast. Help him to use this time to draw closer to You, to seek Your face, and to hear Your voice. Lord, reveal to him the areas in his life where he needs to repent and turn back to You.
Father, we also pray for his physical health during this time. Help him to prepare his body wisely and to listen to his body's needs. We ask that You would provide for him in every way, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, as he seeks You through this fast.
Lord, we thank You for the promise in Your Word that when we draw near to You, You will draw near to us. We claim this promise for our brother and ask that You would meet him in a powerful way during this fast.
We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
As you fast, remember to spend that time in the Word and in prayer. Let this be a time of spiritual renewal and growth. If you are not fasting for the right reasons, turn back to God and ask Him to help you with the right reasons to do so.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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