Fasting And Prayers
Fasting helps us in prayers. Bro Eli Soriano cited some examples of fasting during prayers. He told us how his mother fasted and prayed for his father and God answered the prayer. The idea of fasting during prayers is biblical taught. We should also endeavor to include fasting in our prayers.
Matthew 6:16 (KJV) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
The Bible admonishes us to fast but that we should not do like the hypocrites do. The hypocrites fast for people to see that they are fasting. They broadcast their fasting to the public. They disfigure their faces so that men will know that they are fasting. We should not be like that. Our fasting should be private business between us and God.
Isaiah 58:6-7 (KJV) Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
God's instructions towards fasting as explained by Bro Eli Soriano is that we should forgive those who offend us. We should lose the bonds of wickedness. We should let go of those we hold grudges against in our hearts. We should let the oppressed be free. When fasting we should show kindness and love to others.
Bro Eli told us to give food to those who are hungry when we are fasting. Let us do good to others so that our prayers can be answered.
Let us learn to fast and to follow God's commandments when we are doing that.
