The benefits of Fasting

Yes, fasting has great benefits! 🙂

Some people fast to lose weight, but there are many great benefits where it concerns fasting and here are some of them:

* It enhances recovery from an injury.

* It protects your brain.

* It can help speed up metabolism.

* It promotes longevity.

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* It helps improve hunger.

* It decreases inflammation.

* It improves your immune system.

* It helps prevent acne and clear your skin up.

* It detoxes your body.

* It helps you give up bad habits and teach you better self-control.

* It gives you a peace of mind as it helps you to refocus on Jesus.

Is there any benefit that you’ll like to add? Let me know in the comments down below. 

How to fast and what to fast for?

Know what to fast for.

How to Fast?

* Before you fast, you should consult a doctor first if you have any health conditions.

* Pray about the type of fast that you should undertake. The Holy Spirit may call you to do a specific fast.

* Choose a fasting plan that works best for you.

* During the fast, pray for your church leaders, family, friends, the world etc.

* Focus on drawing closer to God. Instead of watching TV, open your Bible and read scriptures. Instead of cheering on your favorite football team, pray. 

* Make it your priority to attend church during your fast.

* Make it a spiritual practice.

What to fast for?

There are different types of fast. You can fast from food, entertainment, and social media among other things. You can also fast for a financial breakthrough. But as mentioned above, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in prayer before you fast.

SHARING: Prayer & Fasting – Supernatural Power To Conquer

Today, I share an insightful post from Tamara.

Tamara Lee of The Way Online is an absolute favorite blogger of mine. She loves and respects our Father. She values her alone time with Him and she loves encouraging others in the Christian faith. She is a strong spiritual woman and I love that aspect about her.

Her blog is spiritual nourishment.

Image via wholelifeworship

Today, I share a post from her blog about prayer and fasting and what the act can do for you. She also shared a powerful testimony. Click on the link and enjoy:

Prayer and Fasting – Supernatural Power to Conquer

Why we pray

Prayer draws us even closer to Him. ❤

Why we pray?

Prayer is an important part of a Christian’s life. We pray because it is the only way we can establish a personal relationship with our Father. If you look at the Book of Acts, you’ll see how the disciples depended upon prayer. We don’t pray to impress God; rather we pray to invite God. We pray because it binds us closer to Him. 

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results”

James 5:16

And remember, prayer is personal and not a show. It is our Christian duty to pray regularly as it helps us to grow in righteousness.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4

Image via Crosswalk.com

What the Bible says about fasting?

The Bible teaches about practicing fasting in both the Old and New Testament. There are many scriptures concerning fasting, but these are a few of my favorites:

We fast to…

…humble ourselves before the Lord:

“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Joel 2:12

…for an intervention:

“And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.”

2 Samuel 12:15-17

And to fast in secret:

There is nothing that we cannot pray about! Pray draws us closer to God. I’ll like to hear about your prayerful experience. 🙂

Prayer and Fasting, an introduction

Welcome to Prayer and Fast Week.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4

Fasting is the act of abstaining from food for the purpose of focusing on God. It serves to remind us that we need God before and more than anything else.

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What is fasting?

Fasting is not to be confused with dieting. It is a spiritual tool in which we humble ourselves before God as we seek his guidance, forgiveness, and will. 

In the Bible, fasting was carried out for a day or more. 

…fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, night or day. My maidservants and I will also fast in the same way. 

Esther 4:16

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Why fast?

As I mentioned in the beginning, fasting serves as a reminder as to why we need God more than anything else. It helps us to renew our commitment to Him. Moses, David, Daniel and even Jesus Christ Himself fasted in order to draw closer to God. Given that we live in a sinful world, we definitely need to keep our minds clear and focus in order to maintain a close relationship with God.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

James 4:8

If you have health problems, I encourage you to consult your physician before you fast. And remember, fasting is a private act between you and your Maker.