A12.8 – USEFULNESS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

1. Fasting is not a method of punishing self.

2. Fasting is not to be used as dieting method.

3. Fasting should not be used in order to lose weight, but rather to gain a deeper fellowship with God, Mat 6:16-18

4. External show of fasting and prayer without the proper heart attitude is futile, Isa 58:3-9

5. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for good health, 2 Samuel 12:16

6. God promises to answer our prayers when we ask according to His will irrespective of fasting. 1John 5:14-15. But some prayers need to be accompanied with fasting, Mat 17:21.

7. The purpose of fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus our thoughts on God, Rom 8:13

8. Prayer and fasting can be used to humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal the land, 2 Chron 7:14

9. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for safety, Ezra 8:21

10. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in as an act of repentance, 1 Samuel 7:6

11. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in as a sign of mourning, 2 Samuel 1:12

12. Fasting is a form of worship, Luke 2:37

13. You should engage in prayer and fasting before making an important decision, Acts 13:2-3

14. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for spiritual renewal

15. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for guidance

16. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for healing

17. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for resolution of problems

18. Prayer and fasting can be engaged in for special grace to handle difficult situations, Mat. 9:14-15

19. Prayer and fasting are spiritual atomic bomb capable of destroying strongholds of evil and ushering in great revivals and spiritual harvests in the world, 2 Chro. 7:14