HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
1. TOTAL SEPARATION
During the course of prayer and fasting, it entails a period of total separation from food, any weight, people, etc. as recorded in
Nehemiah 9;1-2. Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. 2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
In a fast period, every load of sin is lifted off and one feels physically light and connects easily spiritually.
2. RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL
Fasting and prayer become mandatory for every child of God before he/she embarks on any God related assignment must subject himself/herself to fasting and prayer as done by our Lord Jesus before He began his ministry here on earth as recorded by Mathew in the fourth chapter of his book that Jesus started at the place of fasting afterwards He was set to carry out His task.
Fasting and prayer could be seen as a season of preparation for one’s God-given purpose. It gives the believer an edge over physical things first as being subdued then spiritual: worship of the Almighty.
3. ACT OF HUMILITY
Fasting can also be seen as a period when the soul is humbled and prayer is done from a contrite heart as recorded in
Psalm 35:13. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Nothing easily distracts the mind, in this atmosphere; the soul is under the total control of the spirit and is having control over the physical body which tends to be in total humility.
4. A WAY OUT OF TROUBLE
Fasting can be done in the midst of troubles when one has barely the slightest thing to do during one’s day of trouble. At that point, the soul certainly can easily connect to God for answers. King Darius’s sleep was taken away because Daniel was thrown into the den of lions.
Daniel 6:18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Daniel used the season of fasting and prayer to seek God concerning God’s word in redeeming the Jews from Babylon after the set time has elapsed.
5. TIME OF WAIT FOR ANSWERS
Anna lived to see the birth of Jesus as told by God stayed in the place of fasting and prayer until the fulfilment of the promise of her seeing the Messiah before she died.
In Acts 13:2, it is recorded that the Holy Spirit spoke to the church to separate Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journey to the Gentiles. Answers to doubts and pending issues are settled in the place of fasting and prayer.
