by Ronald Claiborne

Created on: August 15, 2011   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

The spiritual discipline of fasting is the process of cleansing oneself to come under the favor or direction of God’s principles.  Fasting allows an individual to develop a mind-set of submission to the teaching of the bible.  One of the most powerful doctrines in the bible that deal with submission to God’s will is the doctrine of transformation.  This doctrine found in Romans 12:1-2 speaks of submitting the body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  Verse two continues by saying be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In the bible fasting and prayer is usually a tandem event of humble submission to the direction of the Lord.  The children of Israel often fasted to cleanse their bodies of all impure foods and toxins and prayed to cleanse their mind of all impure thoughts before undertaking difficult tasks.  This spiritual discipline was a way to present their bodies as a living sacrifice unto God in-order to obtain the favor of God in whatever situation they were undertaking.

Fasting is important for Christians because it allows the individual to focus his or her full attention on the principles of his or her faith.  When the Christian practices the principles of his or her faith, they develop the strength to endure.  Developing mental muscle allows an individual to develop the ability to make decisions based upon a clear focus, guiding principles, and an understanding of the events before them.  Fasting along with prayer allows the believer to develop a clear plan to solve perplexing problems and give him or her the reassurance necessary for success.

Developing spiritual discipline in the area of fasting and praying requires the individual to employ the use of meditation, quiet time, abstinence, and faith.  When an individual submit himself or herself to studying the principles of the Christian faith and dedicating himself or herself to carrying out the teaching he or she is likely to receive unintended benefits that will strengthen his or her resolve to continue the practice.

Fasting, prayer, abstinence, meditation, and faith are all disciplines of the Christian faith that produce benefits that help the believer prosper in life.  Fasting allows the believer to develop the practice of purging the body of toxins that can cause harm to the organs of the body.  When the individual follows up the fasting period by eating the proper foods he or she can find new sources of energy.  Prayer added to fasting allows the individual to develop the inner strength to continue facing adverse situations.  According to scripture, when prayer progresses into meditation the believer develops a calmness of mind that can reduce blood pressure, reduce stress, and cause one to become less anxious about facing difficult situations.  The resolve of the believer gains more strength when, abstinence is added to the mix.  When the believer develops the strength, to restrain himself or herself from participating in an activity that is detrimental to his or her physical or mental health, the individual improves the quality of his or her life. Once the believer do these things, the believer finds that his or her faith grows in leaps and bounds because of his or her personal experience through living his or her faith that began through the spiritual discipline of fasting.

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