What is the significance of combining fasting with prayer?

In the rich tapestry of Christian spiritual practices, combining fasting with prayer holds a revered place. This discipline, deeply rooted in biblical tradition and sustained through centuries of church history, is not merely an external act but a profound journey into spiritual intimacy with God. The significance of integrating fasting with prayer can be explored through various dimensions including its biblical basis, spiritual benefits, and practical applications.

Biblical Foundations

The practice of combining fasting with prayer finds strong endorsements in Scripture, providing a solid foundation for its significance in the Christian life. In the Old Testament, fasting accompanied prayer in times of repentance, mourning, and seeking God's guidance. Notable examples include Daniel, who fasted and prayed for understanding in times of national crisis (Daniel 9:3), and Esther, who called for fasting among the Jews before she approached the king to save her people (Esther 4:16).

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). This period of fasting was not only a time of physical abstinence but also of intense spiritual engagement and confrontation with temptation. Jesus' example sets a precedent for Christians, illustrating the power of fasting combined with prayer as preparation for significant spiritual undertakings.

Moreover, Jesus taught about fasting in His Sermon on the Mount, instructing followers to fast not for outward show but in secret, promising that the Father who sees in secret will reward openly (Matthew 6:16-18). This teaching underscores fasting as a deeply personal spiritual discipline that enhances sincere communication with God.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Deepened Prayer Experience: Fasting is like clearing the clutter of our physical comforts to make more room for spiritual insights. It intensifies prayer by stripping away distractions, thereby facilitating a deeper communion with God. As physical hunger pangs remind us of our human frailty and dependence on earthly things, they also sharpen our spiritual appetites, turning our cravings toward God in a more focused and fervent manner.

2. Increased Sensitivity to God's Voice: In the quietude that fasting brings, believers often report heightened spiritual sensitivity. With the din of daily indulgences reduced, one can hear God's voice more clearly. This is critical when seeking direction or discernment, as illustrated by the church leaders in Antioch who, while fasting and worshiping the Lord, received clear guidance to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (Acts 13:2).

3. Enhanced Spiritual Resolve: Fasting is an exercise in willpower over bodily desires, which translates into stronger spiritual resolve. It trains the spirit to gain mastery over the flesh, which is essential for living a disciplined Christian life. As Paul suggests, we are to "buffet our bodies" and make them our slaves so that we might run the race effectively (1 Corinthians 9:27).

4. Expression of Repentance and Humility: Fasting as an accompaniment to prayer is a powerful expression of humility and repentance. It is a physical affirmation of a spiritual reality—that we are penitent and utterly dependent on God’s grace. Such was the case when the Ninevites, from the greatest to the least, fasted to show their repentance at Jonah's preaching (Jonah 3:5-10).

Practical Applications

Incorporating fasting into one's prayer life can be approached with flexibility and sensitivity to individual spiritual and physical needs. It need not be an all-or-nothing endeavor but can include partial fasts or abstaining from particular types of food or activities. The key is the intentionality behind the fast: it should be purposeful and centered on God.

• Setting Clear Intentions: Before beginning a fast, it is helpful to clarify the spiritual reasons behind it. Is it for guidance, spiritual breakthrough, intercession for others, or personal repentance? Setting clear intentions helps to maintain focus during the fast.

• Combining Word with Fasting: Engaging with Scripture during fasting enriches the experience. Scriptures that relate to the reasons for fasting can provide nourishment for the soul when physical nourishment is set aside.

• Community and Accountability: Fasting is often more fruitful when done in community or with the support of like-minded believers who can provide encouragement and accountability.

In Summary

The practice of combining fasting with prayer is a profound discipline that positions the believer for deeper intimacy with God, enhanced spiritual awareness, and greater personal discipline. Rooted in both Old and New Testament teachings, it is a practice endorsed by Jesus Himself and evidenced throughout church history as a powerful means of sanctifying believers and empowering their prayer lives. As with all spiritual disciplines, the ultimate goal of combining fasting with prayer is to glorify God and align oneself more closely with His will and purposes. In this light, fasting becomes not just an act of abstinence, but a full embrace of spiritual abundance that God promises to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.