Fasting

David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead." Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
2 Sam. 12:16-20

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matt. 4:2

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:3

what is the power behind fasting and prayer? i've read time and time again about men and women fasting and praying, and God miraculously intervenes. and yet our churches today don't encourage their people to take part of this incredible spiritual discipline....maybe that why we don't...because it takes too much discipline.

i've read several books on this topic. i've fasted, and seen how God moves mountains thru it. so why i am not quick to respond to this when events all around me seem to be falling apart? why am i so arrogant to think that God has a will, and He will just do whatever He wants anyway. i know that prayer and fasting has changed God's mind. that's pretty incredible. the God of the universe, this immortal God whom we serve, could be convinced to do something which He hadn't planned, simple because one of His creation decided to give up their human needs and seek His face. have we forgotten that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God? {Deut 8:3, Matt. 4:4}

maybe we should re-think the spiritual disciplines which we've forgotten.

Jesus,
good morning. it has been quite the emotional weekend. i rejoice that You've impacted Brandon in a wonderful way. i give You the praise and glory for the lives which have been transformed thru this Chrysalis weekend. Jesus, i rejoice that You've blessed me with a close friend who is willing to speak her concerns to me. i rejoice that You are in the center of our friendship, and that we are firmly grounded in You. i love the way You carry me thru the tough times. Jesus, i want to fast, not because i need something, but because You are calling me to seek Your face. i trust that You will go with me into this unknown territory. Holy Spirit, please reveal the Son to me in a new and refreshing way. may You be preparing Denise and Steven for their trip to Canada with their relatives. i pray for safe travels and a time of refreshing. may You rekindle in them Your fire, Holy Spirit. may You receive the praise and glory for this servant. let her light shine so others may be blessed in coming to know You in a personal way.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Barbara *Peggy *Louise