Forty Days and Nights: A Fasting Odyssey Towards God”
Battling Temptations: Using Matthew 16:23 as a Shield
“Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men”
Continuing with unwavering determination on my biblical 40 days and 40 nights fast, I draw strength from the powerful words of Matthew 16:23, “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” This verse has become my shield ( Armour Of God) against negative behaviours, thoughts, and influences that attempt to divert me from my sacred journey of seeking God. Whenever confronted with temptation or distractions, I firmly rebuke them by repeating these words, reminding myself that my focus lies solely on the things that align with God’s will. Through this verse, I find the courage to reject social gatherings and influences that may lead me astray, for my heart now craves only the things that please the Almighty. With each passing day, this verse guides me closer to the Divine and helps me maintain purity and steadfastness in my fast, transforming not only my physical body but also my soul.
As a devoted Christian, I have always strived to find ways to deepen my faith and strengthen my connection with God. One practice that has been particularly transformative for me is biblical fasting and prayer. Over the years, I have found that fasting and prayer have helped me to become more disciplined, more humble, and more aware of the ways in which God is working in my life.
One of the most significant benefits of biblical fasting and prayer is the discipline that it requires. Fasting involves denying oneself basic needs and desires, which can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience 100,000 years ago or now in the year 2023. However, as I have learned through my own experiences with fasting, this discomfort can also be incredibly transformative. When we deny ourselves the things that we crave, we are better able to focus on our spiritual growth and draw closer to God.
Furthermore, fasting requires a great deal of mental and emotional discipline as all our senses become sensitive to the world around us. It can be tempting to give in to our cravings or to quit our fast early when things get too difficult. However, by developing the discipline to stick with our fast even when it is uncomfortable, we are able to build strength and resilience not just in our spiritual lives, but in every aspect of our lives.
In addition to increasing my discipline, I have also found that fasting and prayer have helped me to become more humble. When we fast, we are forced to confront the fact that we are entirely dependent on God for our sustenance and strength. We become more aware of our limitations and more grateful for the blessings that we receive. This sense of humility has helped me to be more grateful for the good things in my life and to recognize the ways in which others have helped and supported me.
Fasting and prayer have also helped me to be more open-minded and aware of the world around me. As I have spent time in prayer and meditation during my fasts, I have become more attuned to the ways in which God is working in my life and in the lives of others. I have become more mindful of the needs of those around me and more willing to lend a helping hand when I am able. Fasting has opened my heart and mind to new experiences and new perspectives, allowing me to grow and evolve as a person.
Another significant benefit of fasting and prayer is the way it can strengthen our communication with God. When we fast, we are better able to tune out the distractions of the world and connect more deeply with our Creator. We become more attuned to God’s voice and more receptive to the ways in which He is guiding us. This has helped me to make more informed and impactful decisions in my life and to feel more confident in the direction that I am moving.
Finally, through my experiences with fasting and prayer, I have come to realize the importance of being open to help from unexpected sources. Fasting can be difficult and uncomfortable, and it is not uncommon for unexpected challenges to arise. In these moments, it is important to be open to help from others and to remain flexible in our approach. By maintaining an open mind and a willingness to accept help from others, we can avoid missing out on practical solutions that might otherwise have passed us by.
In sum, biblical fasting and prayer have been transformative practices for me, helping me to become more disciplined, more humble, and more aware of the world around me than ever before. Through read-prayer – which I learnt during an invitation to Amana Trust Saints and meditation during my fasts, I have become more attuned to the ways in which God is working in my life, and have developed a deeper and more meaningful connection with my Creator. I have come to realize the importance of staying open to help from unexpected sources, and of approaching my faith with a sense of flexibility and open-mindedness. Overall, I believe that fasting and prayer offer a powerful path toward spiritual growth and a more fulfilling life.
4 Reason for Fasting: A Catalyst for Prayer
Jesus has pointed us in the correct direction, “when you fast” the most powerful means to communicate with God the Father. Fasting serves as a catalyst for prayer, enhancing spiritual focus, deepening devotion, and fostering a stronger connection with the divine.
1. Enhancing Spiritual Focus
Fasting creates a state of physical hunger, which translates into heightened spiritual awareness. When the body is deprived of sustenance, it redirects energy from digestion towards spiritual endeavours. This increased focus allows individuals to concentrate more fully on their prayers. By suppressing physical desires, fasting enables individuals to redirect their attention inwardly, facilitating a deeper and more profound spiritual experience. This heightened focus makes it easier to connect with the divine and engage in meaningful prayer.
2. Deepening Devotion
Fasting serves as a powerful demonstration of devotion and dedication to one’s faith. It requires discipline and self-control, both of which are essential for maintaining a strong spiritual life. When individuals willingly abstain from food, they show their commitment to their beliefs and their willingness to go beyond their comfort zones in pursuit of a closer relationship with the divine. This act of sacrifice deepens devotion and strengthens the spiritual bond between the individual and the divine, making prayer a more meaningful and transformative experience.
3. Fostering a Stronger Connection
Fasting creates an environment conducive to spiritual growth and communion with the divine. By emptying the body of physical nourishment, individuals make room for spiritual sustenance. The absence of food serves as a reminder of our reliance on a higher power and our need for spiritual nourishment. In this state of physical and mental clarity, prayer becomes a channel for seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and seeking solace. Fasting helps individuals shed distractions and align themselves with their spiritual purpose, thus facilitating a deeper and more intimate connection with the divine.
4. Cultivating Humility and Gratitude
Fasting humbles individuals by reminding them of their vulnerability and dependence on a higher power. It helps break the cycle of self-indulgence and encourages introspection, leading to a sense of gratitude for the blessings in one’s life. This humility and gratitude, fostered by the act of fasting, create a receptive mindset for prayer. When individuals approach prayer with a humble and grateful heart, they are more open to receiving spiritual insights and guidance, leading to a more enriching prayer experience.
Critics may argue that prayer can be practised without fasting and that fasting may not be necessary for an individual’s spiritual growth. While it is true that prayer can be practised at any time and in any circumstance, fasting provides a unique opportunity to amplify the power of prayer. Fasting deepens an individual’s spiritual focus, devotion, and connection, enhancing the prayer experience beyond what can be achieved through regular prayer alone.
So fasting, is a voluntary act of abstaining from food or certain types of food, serves as a catalyst for prayer. It enhances spiritual focus, deepens devotion, fosters a stronger connection with the divine, cultivates humility, and promotes gratitude. Through fasting, individuals create an environment conducive to spiritual growth and engage in prayer with heightened awareness and sincerity. By embracing fasting as a spiritual practice, individuals can unlock the transformative power of prayer and experience a deeper connection with the divine.