Jesus teaches us that a life of faith requires both prayer and
fasting. Prayer grasps the power of heaven, fasting loosens the hold on earthly
pleasure.
Jesus Himself fasted to get strength to resist the devil. He taught His disciples that fasting should be in secret, and the Father would reward it openly [the results would be witnessed in the world]. Abstinence from food [and other earthly pleasures that we have been given liberty to either take or leave], or moderation in taking them [and grace for leaving them], helps to focus on communication with God.
Let’s remember that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial are a help to spiritual life. After having eaten a hearty meal, one does not feel much desire to pray. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or enjoyment will help to focus our minds more fully on God and His priorities. The very practice needed in overcoming our own desires will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.
Our lack of discipline in prayer comes from our fleshly desire of comfort and ease.
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there” (Galatians 5:24).
Prayer is not easy work. For the real practice of prayer – taking hold
of God and having communion and fellowship with Him – it is necessary that our
selfish desires be sacrificed.Jesus Himself fasted to get strength to resist the devil. He taught His disciples that fasting should be in secret, and the Father would reward it openly [the results would be witnessed in the world]. Abstinence from food [and other earthly pleasures that we have been given liberty to either take or leave], or moderation in taking them [and grace for leaving them], helps to focus on communication with God.
Let’s remember that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial are a help to spiritual life. After having eaten a hearty meal, one does not feel much desire to pray. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or enjoyment will help to focus our minds more fully on God and His priorities. The very practice needed in overcoming our own desires will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.
Our lack of discipline in prayer comes from our fleshly desire of comfort and ease.
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there” (Galatians 5:24).
Isn’t it worth the trouble to deny ourselves daily in order to meet the holy God and receive His blessings?
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