A12.6 – WHAT IS PRAYER AND FASTING?

1. The noun translated “fast” or “fasting” is tsom in the Hebrew and nesteia in the Greek language. It means the voluntary abstinence from food, “not to eat” or simply “no food.”

2. Biblical fasting is going without food for a period of time.

3. Prayer and fasting are voluntary abstinence from food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God.

4. Prayer and fasting always go together. But it is possible to pray without fasting, and some people fast without praying.

5. Fasting is a means of bringing the flesh into submission to the Lord so He can strengthen us in our mastery over our own selves.

6. Fasting makes somebody stronger in order to stand against temptations, Matt. 26:41

7. Fasting is a personal exercise, Mat. 6:16-18

8. Fasting is not to manipulate God into answering prayers but a time to force oneself to focus and rely on God for strength, provision, and wisdom

9. Prayer and fasting were often done in times of distress or trouble.