by Sheila Rae Watson

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

Prayer is one of the most favored ways for mankind to enrich their spiritual experience; it leads a committed Christian into a deeper, more passionate relationship with Jesus Christ.  But there is a process for going deeper, prayer coupled with fasting.  Fasting can generate unknown vision and depth to an ordinary Christian life.

A person’s own weaknesses can interfere with a personal walk with Christ. Whether these are strong urgings to sin or just simple wrong thinking, they dreadfully inhibit the ability to pray. Fasting can conquer issues that inhibit the ability to pray in total belief and complete spiritual power.

This Bible reference could direct a committed Christian toward fasting.  Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you can prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

From this the devoted believer quickly learns that their body is reasonably expected to be presented now, to be symbolically beaten into submission; in so doing the spirit can be given more from the Father, through the Holy Spirit. Denying the flesh creates this chastening effect.

Within the time-frame of a fast the weakened, and minimized spirit of man steps aside and the spirit/soul then can achieve fresh, and needed divine heights. With the flesh in this enfeebled state, the spirit of man can hear the Lord speak.

Jesus fasted in the wilderness before he entered into his ministry; his followers indeed should shadow his footsteps and commit to a fast.

How to do a spiritual fast:

Seek the Lord in prayer before fasting – ask for his strength. Set aside a certain amount of time for the fast – 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or more; omitting all foods from your routine and drinking only water or juice. (Any medical conditions demand consulting with your doctor before attempting an extended fast.) Prepare the conditions for your fast, study the Word, listen to soothing music, and be alone while praying. Remember – this is not easy; the first day is the hardest, press on to the mark.

For most people who succeed in doing a spiritual fast, hunger is the worst enemy.  When the flesh is denied what it normally gets it becomes wildly upset.  It demands what it wants to maintain the normal conditions; this too shall pass. 

Expect to suffer, because through suffering the flesh is subdued and the soul can then reach out to its Maker and be filled to over flowing with the secrets for which it longs.

When the flesh is beaten back by decisive and determined purposes, the mind is most receptive to the wooing of the Holy Spirit.  During an extended fast the soul can experience complete freedom from the things that keep it securely attuned to the earth.  The soul can roam the realms of heaven or merely sit quietly at the foot of the throne; for in this time of spirit-freedom man is not held back by earthly delights.  The soul is free to hear, learn, and grow by secret intervention of the Spirit of God.

Through careful planning and by submitting to the Spirit of God, man can reach out and touch the face and mind of God during a spiritual fast.

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