Fasting is another weapon of spiritual discipline. It is the abstinence from food for a particular period. Fasting humbles the flesh and brings it under subjection in order for the regenerated spirit to manifest adequately.
As a matter of fact, when we fast, the body is deprived from food while the soul is restrained from carnal knowledge (ungodly information). And as a result of these, the Holy Spirit is activated or operates without hiccups or obstructions.
Thus, knowing fully well that ...the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)
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It is so necessary to discipline the flesh and the mind, in order for the Spirit to manifest adequately.
And fasting is one of the viable ways of the flesh and mind discipline. The Psalmist gravitated along this line when he said: ... I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. Psalm 35:13b.
He was simply saying that through fasting and prayers, he was able to put his entire being (his soul in this context) under subjection. He humbled himself to the point that he could not react negatively towards his enemies or render evil for their evil towards him.
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Here, it is imperative that fasting should be synergized with prayers. While fasting is the abstinence from food for a period of time, prayers on the other hand is what spiritualize the fasting or that which channel it towards God; without which it will just be mere hunger strike.
The point being made is that fasting disciplines your flesh and Your mind, which now allows. your regenerated spirit or the Holy Spirit in you to function adequately through prayers or communication with God.
Fasting as it were does not give power, but empowers your regenerated spirit to adequately communicate with God through prayers.
Honey, the important thing about fasting and prayers is that it synergizes the spirit, soul and body. The point being made is that it harmonizes them to function in oneness, togetherness or unity.
It follows that your spirit, soul and body is channeled or tuned to God through the vehicle of fasting and prayers. This is made possible because fasting subdues the flesh, scrutinizes the soul and sensitizes your spirit, in readiness for a robust or undistracted communication to God via prayers.
As a way to really emphasize how fasting disciplines a person, the Psalmist began to say:
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.(Psalm 69:10)
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Although, he fasted as a result of the turbulent times he was undergoing, however; he knew that without synergizing such with prayers, will amount to mere bodily chastisement and without any spiritual significance.
Little wonder he added: But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord , in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.(Psalm 69:13)
Honey, fasting indeed chastises the flesh and subdues it from all forms of immoral emotions. In chastising his flesh, the Psalmist added:
My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.(Psalm 109:24)
It is true that fasting weakens the body, but it sure makes your spirit to come alive for effective communication to God through prayers.
The Power of Fasting and prayers
Fasting, as had been said, does not give spiritual power as it were; except when being combined with prayers. Thus, prayer is the life-wire of fasting. See, it is prayers that authenticate every fasting. As a matter of fact, without prayers; you fast amiss.
Fasting disciplines your flesh and mind for your regenerated spirit to flow unrestrained to God through prayers. And by so doing; you tap into the virtues of God that will enhance your value.
The point being made is that fasting being combined with prayers, make God's power to be easily available to you. The reason being that your spirit, soul and body being void of any earthly distraction; flows in harmony to God.
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And to this, the Prophet Isaiah began to say: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.(Isaiah 40:31)
It follows that fasting and praying guarantees spiritual and supernatural strength (over the enticement of the world), and above all, the power for exploits. Glory!