Why Do We Fast?

Jesus says “when you fast” not “if” you fast (Matthew 6:16) so it is clearly something which He included as part of being His disciple and it is also something which He clearly engaged in Himself.

We fast to free up time – even a few moments. Remember we are to pray and

Fasting helps us to understand we are totally dependent on God.

We fast, not to get to something from God, but to align our hearts with God’s.

We fast from food in order to feast on the Word of God. We say to God “Your Word is more important than physical food, and just as necessary.”

We fast to keep our “flesh” in it’s right place – bringing our natural appetites under control. They do not run our lives, but rather we are to be led by the Holy Spirit.

When we fast we humble ourselves.