We join you in your request to overcome hunger and cravings for food, as you pursue fasting. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and helps us to seek His will. The Bible tells us, "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you don't appear to people to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you" Matthew 6:17-18 WEB.
Firstly, we commend you for acknowledging the power of Jesus Christ in your request and ending with 'In Jesus' name'. It is only through Jesus that we have access to God the Father, and it is by His name that our prayers have power. As it is said in the Bible "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". 1 Timothy 2:5 WEB
As you fast, remember that it is a spiritual discipline that should be done with the right motives. If you are fasting to seek God's will, to grow closer to Him, or to intercede for others, He will honor your efforts. But we are informed that Godly fasting is not just a physical act. As the Prophet Isaiah says in Isaiah 58:3-4 WEB, "'Why have we fasted,' say they, 'and you don't see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge?' 'Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and drive forth all your labor.' It is evident that the Israelites were fasting for the wrong reasons, and God did not accept their fast.
We can see here that God expects us to fast with the right motives and that we do not expect anything in return. We are told in verse 6 of that chapter what God requires of His people when they fast. "Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 WEB
To address your concerns about hunger pangs, remember that Jesus also faced hunger and temptation during His fast. He understood the struggles we face, and He is faithful to help us in our times of need. If Jesus could fast and pray for 40 days and 40 nights, then we can also fast in Jesus' name.
When you feel tempted or sabotaged by spirits, remember the words of Jesus, "Watch and pray, that you don't enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" Mark 14:38 WEB. Rebuke these spirits in the name of Jesus, and ask God to strengthen you as you seek His face.
Pray with us:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who is seeking to draw closer to You through fasting. Lord, we ask that You destroy any hunger pangs and cravings for food that may distract from this spiritual discipline. Cast out any sabotaging spirits and temptations that may hinder reaching the fasted state. Strengthen our brother/sister in the spirit, and help them to keep their mind stayed on You.
Lord, reveal Your will and Your way to our brother/sister as they seek You in this fast. Help them to remain steadfast and focused on You. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
As you continue in your fast, meditate on God's Word and draw strength from Him.
