What Is Fasting - Pastor Lanre Alabi*

The term *‘Fasting’* generally refers to a period of abstinence from food for the purpose of engaging in prayer, meditation and uninterrupted study with a clear objective and goal in focus.

*Why is Fasting Necessary?*

The scriptures are replete with numerous accounts of remarkable results and dramatic testimonies produced through *Fasting.* As Christians, *Fasting* is one of the godly exercises we should engage in regularly, with *the promise of present and eternal benefits.*

. This is important because *Romans 8:6* says _“…to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace”_ and also in *John 6:63* our Lord Jesus said _“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing….”._ So how does Fasting help you to tame the flesh and lift the spirit?

One of the cravings of the body is food. It is a craving that is connected to the senses. When we fast, we deliberately abstain from food even though our body craves it. We resist the urge to eat thereby *improving our mastery over the cravings of the body,* and instead focus on activities that build the spirit. Of course, we could engage in activities that build our spirit without abstaining from food, but the abstinence from food adds *a level of 'seriousness' and 'discipline' to the exercise.*

*Fasting helps to sharpen* our ability to receive or hear from God. It is like raising a spiritual antenna (aerial) to pick the finer signals of the *Spirit’s communication.* But how does this happen? When *we Fast,* abstinence from food is a key characteristic but that is not all. The *Fasting exercise promotes focus and undivided attention to study and prayer.* There should be a deliberate cessation of all unnecessary activity and a conscious increase in activities that engage the spirit. This helps to unclutter the mind and remove the ‘noise’ or interference that often prevents *the hearing of God’s voice.* During *a period of Fasting,* many have received clear direction and heard the voice of God in a more distinct way than before.

*Fasting* can be a vehicle to effect dramatic and urgent change in things that pertain to us or even in the circumstances of others around us. In *James 5:17 (AMP)* the scriptures assure us that _“….the earnest (heartfelt)…prayer of a righteous man makes power available (dynamic)….”_ which means *power to effect changes, shift things, re-arrange things* in the present or in the future can be produced by me – when I pray a certain way. So how do I ensure my prayer is *earnest and heartfelt.* When you declare a *Fast,* you are raising the stakes. It is a declaration of seriousness and urgency in addressing the matter at hand. It helps you to be earnest in your prayers and certainly it will be heartfelt. Your heart is in it to the point that you are giving up eating to focus on the matter at hand. And when you pray like this, the results are guaranteed!

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*WHO SHOULD FAST, AND WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FAST?*

It is quite common for people to Fast when they are in dire need or in trouble, but you don’t need to be in trouble or in a . For instance, Our Pastor by the Spirit has instructed that the first Sunday of every Month is a Fasting and Prayer Sunday. And when he announced it, he told us that the Spirit asked us to do this, because He wantsto bless us and that these special times will bring to us untold blessings. And it has been exactly that way!Another special Fasting period is our end of year 3-day Prayer and Fasting program as directed by our Pastor. In the past years, these special Fasting programs have beenpivotal in preparing us for the coming year, and helped to position us in perfect alignment with the plans and purpose of the Spirit of God for us.The advantages of Fasting are numerous, and every Christian should benefit from it. What Fasting can do for you, may not be obtainable in any other way. And like many things in our Christian walk, the benefits come to you by doing. You may learn, read oreven talk about Fasting – but that won’t bring the benefits. The benefits are realized when you do it. And thank God for our Pastor and Coach who has provided us with ample direction and opportunities to Fast regularly, and therefore partake of the numerous benefits of this divine and godly exercise! Thanks be unto God for this indescribable gift! Congratulations!

*Pastor Lanre Alabi*