Why do we Pray & Fast?

Prayer and fasting are defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer, the study of God’s Word (as spiritual bread), and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, but this is not always the case. It is when these two activities are combined and dedicated to God's glory that they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, and wisdom you need. 

3 MAJOR TYPES OF FASTING

  • Traditionally, a regular fast means refraining from eating all food. Most people still drink water or juice during a regular fast. When Jesus fasted in the desert, the Bible says, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." This verse does not mention Jesus being thirsty.

  • This type of fast generally refers to omitting a specific meal from your diet or refraining from certain types of foods. Daniel 10:2-3 says, "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks (21 days). I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over." Certain foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, salads, or anything that is grown naturally can be consumed. This is called a “Daniel Fast.”

  • These fasts are complete - no food and no drink. Moses fasted like this 40 days, as did Elijah and Jesus. Acts 9:9 describes when Paul went on a full fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus: "For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything." Esther also called for this type of fast in Esther 4:15-16.