What is the connection between prayer and fasting? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer and Fasting in the Old Testament

Today's question is, what is the connection between prayer and fasting? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seemed to run throughout all the instances of prayer and fasting recorded in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence and or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and or deep spiritual need.

The first chapter of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah praying and fasting because of his deep distress over the news that Jerusalem had been desolated. His many days of prayer were characterized by tears, fasting, confession on behalf of his people, and pleas to God for mercy.

So intense was the outpouring of his concerns that it's almost inconceivable that he could take a break in the middle of such prayer to eat and drink. The devastation that befell Jerusalem also prompted Daniel to adopt a similar posture.

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9, verse 3. Like Nehemiah, Daniel fasted and prayed that God would have mercy upon the people, saying, We have been wicked and have rebelled.

We have turned away from your commands and laws. Daniel 9, verse 5. In several instances in the Old Testament, fasting is linked with intercessory prayer. David prayed and fasted over his sick child, 2 Samuel 12, verse 16, weeping before the Lord in earnest intercession, verses 21–22.

Esther urged Mordecai and the Jews to fast for her as she planned to appear before her husband the king, Esther 4, verse 16. Clearly, fasting and petition are closely linked. There are instances of prayer and fasting in the New Testament, but they are not connected with repentance or confession.

Prayer and Fasting in the New Testament

The prophetess Anna never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying, Luke 2, verse 37. At age 84, her prayer and fasting were part of her service to the Lord in His temple as she awaited the promised Savior of Israel.

Also, in the New Testament, the church at Antioch was fasting in connection with their worship when the Holy Spirit spoke to them about commissioning Saul and Barnabas to the Lord's work. At that point, they prayed and fasted, placed their hands on the two men, and sent them.

Off.

So, we see in these examples that prayer and fasting are components of worshiping the Lord and seeking His favor. Nowhere, however, is there any indication that the Lord is more likely to answer prayers if they are accompanied by fasting.

Rather, fasting along with prayer seems to indicate the sincerity of the people praying and the critical nature of the situations in which they find themselves. The more critical the situation, the more appropriate the fasting and prayer.

Fasting, Prayer, and Spiritual Warfare

In Mark 9, Jesus casts out a demon from a boy. The disciples had been unable to perform the exorcism, although they had previously been given authority over unclean spirits. In Mark 6, verse 7, later, the disciples asked Jesus why they failed in their attempts to free the boy from the demon.

And Jesus said, "'This kind can come out only by prayer Mark 9, verse 29. Matthew's account adds the phrase, "'and fasting Matthew 17, verse 21. In this particular case, the demon was exceptionally malicious and obdurate, Mark 9, verse 21–22.

Jesus seems to be saying that a determined foe must be met with an equally determined faith. Prayer is a ready weapon in the spiritual battle, Ephesians 6, verse 18, and fasting helps to focus prayer and give it resolve.

The theology of fasting is a theology of priorities in which believers are given the opportunity to express themselves in an undivided and intensive devotion to the Lord and to the concerns of spiritual life.

This devotion will be expressed by abstaining for a short while from such normal and good things as food and drinks so as to enjoy a time of uninterrupted communion with our Father. Our confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10, verse 19, whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that better thing which is ours in Christ.

Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God's goodness and mercy to His children. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content.

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