Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can bring us closer to God and make our prayers more effective. When we fast, we are denying ourselves something that we desire which allows us to focus more on prayer and growing spiritually. It also allows us to experience what it is like to be hungry and to rely on God to meet our needs. Let's look to the words of Jesus in the WEB,
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. Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. 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. It also assists us in humbling ourselves and repenting and seeking God's will for our lives.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we come before You, humbling ourselves and seeking Your face. We pray for Your child who is fasting, and ask that You would strengthen them and help them to complete their fast with You as the goal. Help them to deny themselves and to focus on You and Your will for their lives. Give them the strength to resist temptation and to overcome any physical discomfort or weakness. Help them to use this time to grow spiritually and to seek Your will for their lives. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who fasted for forty days and forty nights, and who taught us to fast and pray. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. Also, there is no other name by which we can be saved. If we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, then we will be saved. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer. We ask this in Jesus' name.