INTIMACY WITH GOD | WHY FASTING?

Fasting was another common religious practice of the Jewish people in the time of Jesus, but as we can infer from his teaching it was often done more to demonstrate religious piety than to truly draw near to God. Like prayer, the posture of our heart toward the intention of a fast makes all the difference. There are many potential reasons to fast: repentance, humility, overcoming temptation, expressing grief, or to seek guidance, deliverance, healing, or justice. A familiar period of fasting today is Lent - a 40 day period of prayer and fasting in preparation for Easter (this year Lent will begin March 5, 2025). Fasting can also simply be an act of worship. Theologian Dallas Willard said it this way, “Fasting confirms our utter dependence on God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food”. 

Tomorrow we’re going to consider practicing a simple fast over the weekend, but for today, let’s reflect on what invitations God may be giving us through this practice.