Fasting & Prayer

Tools for the journey of Inner Peace

 Fasting & Prayer
Tools for the journey of Inner Peace

“Fasting” is defined as the act of abstaining from food or water for a

specific period of time accompanied by some kind of worship.
Traditionally strict Jews “considered “fasting” the order of the day.
However, the Old Testament books of Jeremiah [36] and Leviticus
[16] only speak of one mandatory fast and that took place on “Day of
Atonement”.

The New Testament gives several examples of ”fasting” beginning

with Anna the Prophetess whose story we find in Luke 2:37b. We
find the basis [I believe for the Lenten Fast] in Matthew 4 where the
account of Jesus 40 day fast. The full chapter gives many examples
of the benefits and results of fasting and prayer. The book of Acts
also gives us examples of fasting and prayer for ‘specific intentions’
such as: Saul’s Conversion - Acts 9:1-9; Barnabas and Saul’s
Journey – Acts 13:1-3; and in Acts 14:21-28 we see that Paul and
Barnabas through prayer and fasting appointed elders for the church.
[The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas did a similar thing as they
prepared for the election of a new Bishop.] However in Matthew
9:14-15 we note that while Jesus endorsed the practise of ‘fasting’ He
did not command that it be done. This scripture supports the views
of many bible scholars and Christian leaders that when one is going
to ‘fast’, the following basics should be taken into account:

• It is to be specific – not just for dietary needs unless that is the

specific intention;
• To be accompanied by worship, namely prayer;
• To be observed for special needs [as in this context, inner
peace]

There are many types and variations of ’fasting’ and all are beneficial
according to what the Holy Spirit leads each person[s] to do. They
are as follows:

• Total Fast [known as the 40 Day fast and which the liturgical
churches subscribed to during the period or Lent] - Deut. 9
• Supernatural Fast – 1st Kings 19

2
 • 3 Day Fast – Esther 4
• Water Fast – 2nd Samuel 11, 12
• Daily Fast – Daniel 10
• Partial Fast – Daniel 1:15

Fasting and prayer is the foundation of spiritual restoration. It is

during this time that we allow the Holy Spirit to do His special work of
revival in us and, it will bring about [over time]:

a] inner calm and self-control,

b] renew your spiritual vision and faith and,
c] inspire you to follow god's plan for your life.

The benefits of fasting were endorsed by Andrew Murray, who wrote,

"Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution
that we are ready to sacrifice everything, [even] ourselves to attain
what we seek for the kingdom of God." Many other Christian leaders
also held this view, among them John Wesley [who it is reported
refused to ordain anyone who did not practice fasting], John Calvin,
Martin Luther and, Matthew Henry. The Anglican church also
sanctioned the practise of prayer and fasting and the Church of
England Homily of 1562 says this: “the first purpose of fasting is to
chastise the flesh, that it be not wanton, but tamed and brought in
subjection to the spirit.”

An excerpt from an article written in 2005 on prayer and fasting by

Oneil McQuick says:
“…….fasting is ministering to God and receiving his reflection, as outlined in the
acronyms….:

P - Praises and supplication W - Weapon used to smite the heart

R - Resources are emptied
A - Adapt to his will O - Offers pathway to reconciliation
Y - Yokes are broken
E - Energy perfected R - Reproves the world of sin
R - Renewal of body, spirit and soul D - Directs you back to God

Fasting can be done for many reasons such as loss of weight, clarity
of the mind [to prepare for examinations or for ministry], for healing or
prevention of various illnesses.

3
Some helpful tips are:

- Fast according to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Only invite

others to join you if HE says….

- Keep your focus on the intent of the ‘Fast’ – this means no TV,
phone or unnecessary conversation…

- Meditate on scripture…

- Where and when feasible take a prayer walk, do a 10-15

minute contemplation exercise or….

- Simply rest and let sleep come …

Be sensible about the length and type of fast. If you are on

medication or supplements for your health, abstinence is preferable.
This means not having a meal, talking a ‘ break from speaking’ [done
mainly in monasteries]

Therefore, when you fast you should be in constant prayer and there
are several ways to do this. One is contemplation or centering
prayer, breathing prayer or Lectio Divina [Sacred or Divine Readings].
[See handouts]

I encourage you to consider fasting as a part of your sacred time with

the Lord, but to be sure that when you do, it is for a special occasion
and a desired result from the Lord. Remember Matthew 6:16-18
declares; "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do,
for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you
the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast,
put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious
to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen;
and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

4
Following are several passages of scripture on the topic of “fasting
and prayer ”, which I recommend to you for your own personal study
and devotional time.

Moses Fast – Deut. 9:9, 18, 25-29; 10:10

Elijah’s Fast – 1st Kings 19:1-18
Ezra’s Fast – Ezra 10:1-17
Nehemiah’s Fast – Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:1-10
Anna’s Fast – Luke 2
Jesus’ Fast – Matthew 4
Elders’ Fast – Acts 13
Paul’s 3-Day Fast – Acts 9
Cornelius’s Fast – Acts 10
Paul’s 14-Day Fast – Acts 27

Mrs. R. Cecilia Askew

Pastoral Counsellor/Spiritual Director
Copyright@2006: Revised 2009

5
6