Why Do Christians Fast and Pray

Do you need to hear from God? There is power in Fasting and Praying. When you need to receive a blessing or need a miracle, fast and pray!

Have you ever wondered why people fast? Several years ago I was lead to move from one location to another. Problems with neighbors were beginning to occur and I felt we had outgrown the area and the house. When we were ready to move into our new home, problems began to pile in on us.

We had several homes built and each was a problem from closing cost to the homes not being built properly. I decided that I needed to hear from God to make sure a move was the right thing to do at that time. While waiting for an answer, we decided to look around a little more. We then discovered new homes under construction in a brand new subdivision.

We looked and discussed building a home to our specifications with the builder. Ironically, the cost on a larger home with more custom features was less than the closing cost required for the previous home. After discussing the details regarding building a new home, we decided to wait and make an offer on the next home found.

In order to see what the Lord wanted for us and to hear from Him, I was lead to fast and pray. Now in the Bible, there are many stories of success after 40 days of activities. Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days and tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:2), 40 Days of Moses on the mountain and receiving the Law (Exodus 24:18), 40 Days of Rain (Genesis 7:4). So forty in the Bible is a significant number meaning trial, change, probation and chastisement.

I was lead by the spirit to fast and pray for 40 days. Since this is something that I only knew our Lord had done successfully, I asked the Lord to show me how to do this. Forty days without food I thought might be a major feat, but I was determined to hear from God regarding my home and how to make the move.

I prayed and sought the Lord's guidance. After seeking him and receiving instructions from him, I was lead to fast for a period of time during those forty days. The Word I received was to fast from midnight to 3pm each day. Very specific without any other instructions. I began my fast. During the time of fasting, I prayed every chance I got regarding the home. I spoke to the Lord asking Him for continued guidance and telling Him of my faith and trust in Him. As I always do when speaking with God, I reminded Him of his word that tells me He will do everything you ask if what you ask is in furthering His Kingdom and done according to His will (John 15:7).

While fasting, you are not suppose to announce the fact of your fast to anyone. It is something between you and God and only the two of you should know you are fasting. For forty days I fasted and prayed to hear from God regarding my new house. After the forty day period was over, I heard from God. His word to me was 'Be still and See the Salvation of The Lord.'

When God is getting ready to bless you, at times, you receive confirmation of His Word. During the next few days, on three different occasions, I saw these same words or heard them from different people or in different areas. Once on a marquee outside a church. Another time during a sermon and then through a song.

After three months, my family and I moved into our new custom. We began the search with the thought that in order to move into a new house, we had to sell our old house. We were blessed with the down payment required without selling our old home. We still own the old house, we had the total amount required for closing plus some. The original asking price for the new home was reduced and we purchased the home for well below the appraised value.

When you need to hear from God and are looking for a blessing, hold firm to your faith, talk to the Lord and wait for an answer. Fast and pray while waiting for His response. He will lead you and remember He will never forsake you. Trust in Him and He will provide your every need.

Today's Prayer: "Heavenly Father, I love you, I worship and adore you. I praise Your Holy Name. You are Lord and above you there is none other. Bless me Lord and order my walk with You. Lord I want to be an example for You. I want others to see Your light shining in me so they can draw close to You! In the powerful precious name of Your Son Jesus I pray. Amen!"