I’m out of town at the moment, but I just couldn’t miss sharing a few words from the Bible about practicing the sacrament of the FAST.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:16-18 NIV
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? – Isaiah 58:6 NIV
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. – Luke 4:1-2 NIV
Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. – 1 Corinthians 7:5 NIV
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4 NIV
Did you catch, it? Fasting isn’t entirely about depriving oneself of food. The important thing is that you choose to give up /FAST from something in order to hear from God. When the craving comes (and it will) turn to God in prayer.
NOTE – Prayer is two-way street! Yes it is a time to pour our your heart to God BUT more importantly you must also listen for God’s direction.
My Life in Our Father's World 
Thanks for the fresh perspective, Barb. Fasting can be about so much more than abstaining from food.
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I’m encouraged when my posts touch others.
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Thanks again Barb for another thought-provoking post. I absolutely agree that fasting is so much more than abstaining from food rather it is abstinence that enables us to hear Him more clearly. Food is what can get in the way, thanks for sharing! Blessings, Leisa
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May we all turn to God for directions. Thanks for that reminder when I’m not sure what to pray TO him. Maybe I just need to listen. Blessings, jennifer
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And fasting is greater than us as it leads to freedom for people groups and cities.
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Yes!!!
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Barb, such good reminders on what fasting is and why it is so important. It helps us to hear from God. In reading the post a few times, it hit me … we deprive ourselves from something in order to not be deprived of what we most need – Him.
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Amen!!@
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It’s so easy to get self-righteous when fasting, so this Scripture is so important. Thank for sharing, Barb.
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Thank you, Corinne
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Think that I shall take a fast
from thinking ill of government.
I know that this resolve won’t last
but perhaps sincere intent
will keep my bloody pressure down,
and let me spend time with a grin,
watching politician-clowns
think that they can try to win
my allegiance in word-salad
(what on earth did he just say???),
and I think my method’s valid
in that I will not spend today
spending my strength, truly all
to not launch Smartphone at the wall
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😁
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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We should definitely learn how to deny our selves in pursuit of God.
I have recently understood that God has made us to hunger and thirst, not only for the natural, but for the spiritual things.
Loads of info in John 6
Thank you, God bless you
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Absolutely, fasting for me means abstaining from anything I love for a specific period of time. Thx so much for your reminder.
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i find fasting to be such a difficult topic. you make me ponder even more… FMF15
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I hope you’re able to puzzle it out
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Fasting was not something I was taught as a child, but as an adult I’ve learned that it’s a very practical spiritual discipline when God calls us to it. And yes, it can look different than just a fast from food. Thanks for this, Barb.
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😊
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Excellent way to explain fasting. Thank you Barb.
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I’m glad it helped
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Thank you, Barb for the reminder that “fasting” isn’t just about food; at least the physical kind. Many Christians miss out on this beautiful discipline by making a rigid connection to food.
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I totally agree, we need to fast to hear from God…especially in this world where we are inundated with so much noise! Thanks for this reminder
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Well done in this post on an important subject, I love your clear perspective Barbara.
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Thank you, Alan.
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Thanks for the great reminder. My daughter’s preacher spoke on this the Sunday before Easter and encouraged us to fast something that week. To still have/do it at the beginning of the week, but doing it less as the week went on and then fasting it for Easter. I fasted social media and I still haven’t gotten up to where I was before Easter (which is great!).
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Good for you 👍
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Thank you for the reminder of this wonderful verse: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? – Isaiah 58:6 Oh that our efforts might follow His passion.
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Agreed 👍
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Grant it Father! Cause us to hunger and thirst after You, we pray!
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