Piper's book "A Hunger For God" explores the Christian Fast and explains fasting from a historical prospective. He states that Fasting is a universal religious practice and is often use as a political weapon and for dietary reasons. But why must Christians fast?
Christ, being first in all things, fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before He began His ministry. Christ prepared himself for the work ahead. So when should we fast?
Why/When should Christians fast? That's an interesting question: Of course fasting
ReplyDeletecan happen at any time but when you want to seek God, to get closer to His presence and to get a better understanding & guidance of His will for a specific matter...those a good reasons to fast & pray. Fasting in general is the abstinence of "food" but it's more than just not eating, you should also spend the time communing with God thru prayer, study, meditation etc. Prayer & fasting work together...prayer & fasting are intimate times with God meaning you shouldn't have any distractions...it's almost like everything stops when they are going on. I
imagine Jesus secluded Himself during His fast time to avoid the distractions. I always consider how in present times of fasting, people still go about the daily activities...working, shopping, handling business etc. and although they are fasting, there really hasn't been much time dedicated to seeking God which to me is the purpose of the fast. I thank God for His grace and He knows our hearts so as we do what we do only He knows the intents of the heart.
Rhonda E.