im curious about fasting. I know its done in other religions too.
but why did the people in the bible fast?
but why did the people in the bible fast?
OK Lanolin isn't getting closer to God a desire or want - or do you only 'want' things?It's to get closer to God, and also helps you repent.
Some times it's described as like a mourning period. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. It was a testing time for him. But when you get through it you are so much stronger and able to resist temptation in times of plenty.
It's not really done for the purpose of wanting something from the Lord. It's to get closer to Him. All that time while you fast, you are praying and in communion or communication with Him.
The apostles fasted in prayer for difficult situations. I know I have when I wish to pray for something pressing on my heart and mind. It helps me get closer to God. Camping in a remote location alone helps me with this process. The Greek Orthodox church I was raised in fasts regularly before the taking of communion, and during certain times of the year. During Easter for example, it is common to fast for 40 days from products which are or contain dairy, eggs, meat, or oil. It amazed me as a child the diversity of cooking with nuts, rice, beans, vegetables, grains, fish, fruit, and unleavened breads. We had desserts made with fruit, nuts, and honey. Pocket pies with a variety of fillings in a crust like dough were a fun food.
It was quite a spiritual time in our household. We were not allowed to make a lot of noise, watch TV, or listen to the radio. It would drive my clean freak mom batty that she couldnt use the vacuum cleaner like she needed. She would anyway, and it would make my grandma give her a lecture that she was setting a bad example. We should be allowed to play loud music and watch TV. I would secretly laugh with my sister, lol...
It's to get closer to God, and also helps you repent.
Some times it's described as like a mourning period. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. It was a testing time for him. But when you get through it you are so much stronger and able to resist temptation in times of plenty.
It's not really done for the purpose of wanting something from the Lord. It's to get closer to Him. All that time while you fast, you are praying and in communion or communication with Him.
hmm not really I don't see it that way it's just making time for Him.OK Lanolin isn't getting closer to God a desire or want - or do you only 'want' things?
Hello Chuck;Isaiah 58, tells us the types of fasts God hates and good reasons to fast.
Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (KJV)
Loosing the bands of wickedness, in other words when we find we are sorely tempted to do what we know is not right is a good time to fast.
When we suffer under heavy burdens is another good time to fast and to remember that God can lighten our burdens.
To let the oppressed (in any way) go free another good reason. Oppression takes many forms, it can be those locked in bad relationships, work situations, it can be those overwhelmed or under the control of drugs, etc.
Common theme here is refocusing on God and remembering that God is all powerful and more than able to help us in our trials and afflictions.
Isa 58:7 is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (KJV)
To deal bread to the hungry another good reason. In fasting we can come to see the need to help, discern when to help and draw close to God so we know how to better help.
That you bring the poor home is another good reason. The poor are not just financially poor or needy, but also those who are in poor health, poor in spirit (humble) or lowly in other ways.
To cloth the naked is another good reason. There are many who need help to get by. It is easy to get caught up in our own troubles and not see the troubles of others.
Common theme here is having our eyes opened to ways to love others around us.
The whole chapter of Isaiah 58 is a good study on fasting.
Yanno I just wanted to add something. There is no wrong or right way to fast. We are all made different and worship/pray differently. When I am fasting these days its from solid food. I do drink water, and a powdered protein. Complete fasting is a very difficult thing to do for days on end. I usually can fast this way for a week.
You are not supposed to go without water for more than 3 days.. its fast from solid food, not water.
If you went without water/liquids you would die.