Grab your Bible and take some notes today! We’ll be looking at the question: why do we fast? Fasting is the key to a healthy prayer life. It’s not something you do for every meal – you wouldn’t survive! But, fasting is an incredible supplement. It humbles us and keeps our flesh in check. David writes in the Psalms…

Psalm 35:13 “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, And my prayer kept returning to my bosom.”

How Do We Keep Watch?

Jesus instructed His disciples to fast and we can pull out some major keys in this passage.

Matthew 26:38-41 “Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will. And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Notice Jesus tells the disciples to keep watch, then models it by going and praying! He humbles Himself in prayer. We need to fast and pray because scripture clearly shows us our flesh is weak. If we do not keep our flesh in check it will run rampant. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, so be strengthened today as you seek the Lord!

Why Do We Fast?

2 Chronicles 7:14 “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”