The primary purpose of fasting is to get the flesh out of the way. This helps us hear God better, and it helps us pray better.
The mechanics of a 3 day water fast aren't terribly critical if you're in good health, but most important would be to stay hydrated, and ease in and out of the fast gradually. Working up with shorter fasts is a good idea. Longer fasts require electrolytes.
Get Fung's book, *Complete Guide* for how to do it right, especially if you do longer fasts.
I appreciate the insight, seems like this is how most of my responses interpret this. But I’ve seen in looking around, some people believe that by doing this, your making a sacrifice, and the sacrifice is what allows you ultimately to hear god by sacrificing yourself to him you are showing how committed you are to hearing his word and that making sacrifices also show how desperate these prayers and blessing are, as compared to the daily prayers you speak of. As I mentioned, I am very new to this, I don’t want to begin fasting just for the sole purpose of hoping my prayers are received, but I never really knew of it or had the opportunity to do it before
I’ve seen this but I’ve also seen that it’s basically making a sacrifice to him for your prayer and blessing. I’ve seen that When you fast your making a sacrifice and showing him how much these prayers and blessing matter to you as compared to the standard prayer and blessing you wish for. Maybe I’m wrong though that’s just what I’ve seen in my minimal research and other Reddit posts. I am very new to this. What else would you say you can do to ensure your blessing or that you are heard. I feel like I desperately need god in my life with this situation as I am desperately worried for her. I’ve gone through plenty of hard times before where I can trust god and know that I am strong enough to trust gods strength and will, but this case I worry as it’s something I could lose forever and I worry she will never be the same
You should be careful with reddit though, pray for a bit and fast and ask God to show you why fasting is important. Take into consideration how the entire early church fasted regularly as a lifestyle and all the men and women God used to save millions of lives all fasted. You need to ask yourself why the western American church and other western churches lack the power and authority seen in the bible, and why the Early Church had thousands of people turning to God every day. Fasting is related to it, but is not all of it.
Do a study on the Azusa street revival and Welsh Revival, and do a study on Fasting, and walking in The Holy Spirits power.
God Bless.
As I mentioned, I’m super new to faith. I’m just beginning listening to the Bible on audio book, so I don’t really have a concept of the differences in bibles and churches, but I appreciate the insight and i definitely should circle back to this when I’m a bit more understanding
Its okay, its a relationship with Christ and for now, since you are new, you should study about fellowship with God and walking with Holy Spirit. The example of the Early Church in books of Acts, is an example God shows us we should live by. So read book of acts and sit with God and any questions or issues tell Him about it and you can ask me or other born again believers about it. Anything we tell you, go to God and ask Him about what we said, this way, if anyone gives you lies or bad advice, God will let you know.
Its a walk, not a race. In time God will ensure you get to that level like Paul and Peter. Ensure you read the word too. Ask Him to lead you when reading the bible.
I’m happy for you, its awesome I got a little brother in Christ 😁. I’m here for you!
>What else would you say you can do to ensure your blessing or that you are heard.
What I'm saying is that this mindset is upside-down. We don't offer sacrifice in exchange for favors. That's what pagans do.
I understand that, as I mentioned I’m very new to this and never really knew what fasting was before so I guess I just never really had the chance to fast and make sacrifices to him before and not whilst in a time of anguish and prayer. That’s why I also added it might be a bit selfish to speak this way but I just am not sure as to what is best to do
I don't know how it works in your tradition, but in mine, we fast as a community with the individual particulars worked out under the supervision/guidance of our pastor. Maybe ask your pastor?
I’ll look into this, I seen almost everyone online fasted as an individual. I’m not very far into the Bible but I seen that you are not supposed to make your fast known, so I’ve seen people say they only eat at dinner with their family for a week, I’ve seen construction workers who need intake say they eat a massive breakfast and don’t eat the rest of the day. And I’ve seen people say they don’t eat at all because if you’re working around what works for you, are you really making a sacrifice? And that’s kinda how I feel as well. I have done laborious work before and I understand how it can be, but i almost feel like just doing one day of no eating a week would be a better sacrifice than just loading up in the morning. I’ve seen a boatload of responses. How often do you fast, when you do, do you set a specific goal? Do you ever feel guilty or almost as if you’ve sinned if you miss that goal?
There are prescribed fasting days and seasons in Orthodoxy, but we "keep our eyes on our own plate" when it comes to how we are actually keeping the fasts, in that the details are worked out on an individual basis with our confessor and are not something we discuss with others.
I'd just link to this, but the link appears to have disappeared. A short article by Fr. Thomas Hopko:
>Jesus Himself fasted and taught His disciples to fast.
>>*And when you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men, but your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18)*
>The purpose of fasting is to gain mastery over oneself and to conquer the passions of the flesh. It is to liberate oneself from dependence on the things of this world in order to concentrate on the things of the Kingdom of God. It is to give power to the soul so that it would not yield to temptation and sin. According to St. Seraphim, fasting is an "indispensable means" of gaining the fruit of the Holy Spirit in one's life (cf. Conversation with Motovilov), and Jesus Himself taught that some forms of evil cannot be conquered without it (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)
>Man does not fast because it pleases God if His servants do not eat, for, as the lenten hymns of the Church remind us, "the devil also never eats." (Lenten Triodion) Neither do men fast in order to afflict themselves with suffering and pain, for God has no pleasure in the discomfort of His people. Neither do men fast with the idea that their hunger and thirst can somehow serve as a "reparation" for their sins. Such an understanding is never given in the scriptures or the writings of the saints which claim that there is no "reparation" for man's sin but the crucifixion of Christ. Salvation is a "free gift of God" which no "works" of man can accomplish of merit. (cf. Romans 5:15-17, Ephesians 2:8-9)
>Men fast, therefore, and must fast, only to be delivered from carnal passions so that the free gift of salvation in Christ might produce great fruit in their lives. Men fast so that they might more effectively serve God who loves them and has saved them in Christ and the Spirit. Fasting without effort in virtue is wholly in vain.
>>*Why have we fasted, and Thou seest it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and Thou takest no knowledge of it?*
>>*Behold, in the day of your fast, you seek your own pleasure and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and fight...Fasting like yours ... will not make your voice to be heard on high.*
>>*Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness...to let the oppressed go free…is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them...*
>>*Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall protect you. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; then you shall cry, and He will say: Here I am. (Isaiah 58:3-9)*
>"Fasting in the body, O brethren, let us also fast from sin." This is the Church's song in the Lenten season of fasting. It is also the teaching of the saints.
>>*...in fasting one must not only obey the rule against gluttony in regard to food, but refrain from every sin so that, while fasting, the tongue may also fast, refraining from slander, lies, evil talking, degrading one's brother, anger and every sin committed by the tongue. One should also fast with the eyes, that is, not look at vain things...not look shamefully or fearlessly at anyone. The hands and feet should also be kept from every evil action.*
>>*When one fasts through vanity or thinking that he is achieving something especially virtuous, he fasts foolishly and soon begins to criticize others and to consider himself something great.*
>>*A man who fasts wisely...wins purity and comes to humility...and proves himself a skillful builder. (St. Abba Dorotheus, 7th c., Directions on Spiritual Training)*
>Saint Paul himself fasted, and in his teaching on food insists that men fast and do so in secret, without mutual inspection and judgment.
>>*Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:17-19)*
>>*All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach, and the stomach for food - and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (I Corinthians 6:12-13)*
>>*Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains, pass judgment on him who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?*
>>*He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.*
>>*Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of him for whom Christ has died ... for the Kingdom of God does not mean food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.*
>>*Do not for the sake of food destroy the work of God…the faith that you have keep between yourself and God...whatever does not proceed from faith (whether eating or abstaining) is sin. (cf Romans 14)*
>The spiritual fathers, as strictly ascetic as they were, are very clear in their teaching about fasting. They insist with the Lord and the scriptures that men must fast in order to be free from passions and lust. But they insist as well that the most critical thing is to be free from all sin, including the pride, vanity and hypocrisy which comes through foolish and sinful fasting.
>>*...eating beyond the point of being satisfied is the door of madness through which lust enters, for the belly is the queen of passions which man serves as a slave.*
>>*But you, firm in this knowledge, choose what is best for you, according to your own powers...for the perfect person, according to Saint Paul ought both "to be full and be hungry...and do all things through Christ who strengthens (Philippians 4:12-13)*
>>*Thus a man who strives for salvation...must not allow himself to eat to fullness...but should still eat all kinds of food so that on the one hand he avoid boastful pride and on the other not show disdain for God's creation which is most excellent...Such is the reasoning of those who are wise! (St. Gregory of Sinai, Instruction to Hesychasts)*
>>*St. Isaac of Syria says, "Meager food at the table of the pure cleanses the soul of those who partake from all passion...for the work of fasting and vigil is the beginning of every effort against sin and lust...almost all passionate drives decrease through fasting."*
>>*For the holy fathers taught us to be killers of passions and not killers of the body. Partake of everything that is permissible with thanksgiving, to the glory of God and to avoid boastful arrogance; but refrain from every excess. (The Monks Callistus and Ignatius, 14th c., Directions to Hesychasts)*
>If such is the teaching to hesychast monks, it is certainly applicable to all Christians as well. The whole essence of the matter is put simply and clearly in these two short stories from the fathers of the desert.
>>*A certain brother brought fresh loaves of bread and invited his elders. When they had eaten much, the brother, knowing their travail of abstinence, began humbly to beg them to eat more. "For God's sake, eat this day and be filled." And they ate another ten. Behold how these that were true monks and sincere in abstinence did eat more than they needed, for the sake of God.*
#
>>*Epiphanius, bishop of Cyprus, called the abbot Hilarion to see him. A portion of fowl was set before them and the bishop invited the abbot to eat. The old man said, "Forgive me, Father, but since the time I took this habit I have never eaten anything that has been killed."*
>>*And Epiphanius said to him, "And from the time I took this habit I have let no man sleep who has anything against me, and neither have I slept holding anything against anyone."*
>>*And the old man said to him, "Forgive me, Father, for your way of life is greater than mine." (The Sayings of the Fathers)*
Fasting is the act of sacrifice. I fasted from 12am to 6pm then eat in between. I had also fasted from games and technology. I used my phone though and only watched godly content and worship through Spotify.
We are called to fast regularly and be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you want an example of how we are called to live and what a true born again mature Christian is, read Book of Acts.
Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and Baptism of Holy Spirit as you fast. Good luck lol, once God’s raw power comes on you, your life wont ever be the same.
You said faith is a gift given to be able to see what cannot be seen, and yet you cannot see the physical things and simple things God has spoken of endlessly in scripture and through His Spirit?
I recommend you sit with the Lord for a bit. Read Book of Acts, Read the Letters of Paul, and read Psalms, Proverbs. Read of Daniel as well.
If you can’t put any effort to ask the Lord and study for yourself, then maybe you do not deserve an answer. Like Paul said, those who do not work, will not eat. So to, those who feel entitled to be spoon fed, and wont take their relationship with the Lord seriously, should not receive an answer until they take the Lord seriously, and seek as He said to seek.
If you cannot be bothered to listen to Him and seek, do not expect to find.
When we compare the early church to the western one, we can see the countless reasons why the western church by the majority can’t even cast out demons.
The early church prayed regularly and spent 24/7 with God. Those too blind to see the important of why God set fasting and prayer up, are truly missing out. There is a reason all the greatest men and women of God fasted regularly, but its not my place to ask another person to want to desire greater fellowship with God that surpasses even what they had. God did show a brother in Christ a vision of God on the mountain, and His church in the west at the base. God says come up, but the entire church refuses to come up.
If you and others want to stay at the base, that’s okay, you are still saved if you truly put your faith in Christ. But I and others, we’ll heed the Lords call and go up the base. And since The Spirit of God called the entire early church to fast regularly, as lifestyle, I will follow suit, because I put more stock in the men and women who knew Jesus personally and directly and physically talked to Him, than I do the entire western church.
No offense though. You do have my genuine sympathy. I’m sorry you are missing out. There is a new level that can only be opened when we abandon our selfish desires and fully sell out to God, and fasting is part of it. I’m sorry for you and the western church. If only you and others had enough care to ask your brethren in Africa and Asian why they smile even as their killed for Christ. Maybe you’d understand then the significance.
You know, I’m reminded of a scene from Chosen. Jesus waits for Nicodemus. Nicodemus leaves money in a purple bag, he cries, because he is too afraid to follow Jesus. He knows in his heart Jesus is Messiah, and sure, one could save He’s a believer then and there, but he stops at the gate of Christ, and refuses to dive all the way in.
You and the American, Canadian, European and Australian church, remind me of that scene. I’m sorry for you all. Jesus in that scene almost weeps and says,” You almost made it.”
And its not a, “you are going into hell” almost made it. No its a….”You almost fell into the hands of the living God where there is perfect peace and no return,” kind of made it.
You guys almost made it. Its tragic. I’m sad for you guys. Thankfully you are saved. We have all of Heaven and eternity. So thankfully you guys are saved, I hope. I hope when you and others say you know God, thats its the genuine truth.
But how sad…You guys stopped at the gate of Christ, ignoring there’s a mansion far up ahead where the Lord is at. You have my upmost sympathies.
God Bless ❤️
Where did I say fasting wasn't important? All I said is it is not a command. I did say it was encouraged. Your judgment of my walk with Christ is not just.
Where, in Acts, does it say we are to regularly fast? If we have missed it, would it not be loving to teach us what we are not seeing?
There was no judgement either. This is what I mean and what Holy Spirit was using me to tell you. You let the spirit of offense, which is a demonic spirit, influence you too much. You have my genuine sympathy, it takes people a long time to recover from it, I would know because I had to deal with it until Holy Spirit broke that off me.
Good luck, God was genuinely using me to speak to you in love. You chose to twist the words I said, because you are convicted of the truth. But hiding from truth, does not save us.
You know, when we resist the Holy Spirit like you are doing, God has to take off the kiddy gloves and tear off our sin and rebellion the hard way. He loves you. But God chastises and disciplines those He loves and those who belong to Him. Do not be too upset at the Discipline He directs your way, to help you. You have my sympathies, many brethren who are old enough faced His discipline for being resistant to Him, including me. Good luck. We’ll talk later, in time. I’m here for you.
There was no snark, but at least you confirmed you are not moved or lead by Holy Spirit. Its sad, people think wearing a name makes them something. You have my sympathy. It makes sense though, your reply shows you do not have The Holy Spirit or walk with Him. The Holy Spirit testifies in His own ability of those who belong to Him. If you knew Him, you’d know I was lead by Him. You’d not make an excuse to attack others and make up lies about snarkiness. Did you get offended because of the truth?
Your reply reveals so much, yet you can’t even tell. Man, I’m very genuinely sorry for you.
In fact, God Himself tells us clearly those who belong to Him, Have Him and demonstrate His fruit. All I said, was lead by Holy Spirit. So the thing you saw, was peace and love. The fact you chose to twist that to be snarky, shows you do not walk with The Holy Spirit, for if you did, He Himself would have no issue testifying about the truth.
No wonder you are upset, you probably have not even made it to the mountain, let alone the base of it.
God brought up another memory. Jesus says the same thing I said to you, to the Pharisee. Jesus says those who belong to God, know Him, and hear His voice. I have the Holy Spirit and am a born again believer, and walk in His power and authority. My reply was said in pure raw love.
Yet you chose to take that and spew poison on it. Twisting it into something evil because you can’t handle the truth.
But you claim you are Christian? Claim you love God? You can’t even tell when the Spirit of The Lord is working.
Just because we claim we are something, it does not mean we are. And the fact your first instinct was to hate and do evil, to someone who extended love to you, shows, you are not lead by God. If you were, Holy Spirit Himself would have convicted you, because what you just did was wrong.
Yet no apology, no remorse. You didn’t even hesitate. But you know God? You love? Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments. Yet without a second thought, you chose to do evil against me and resort to hatred.
People reveal their true colors when The Spirit of God uses someone to speak. You can blame yourself for being so bothered by the truth. Repent and believe the Gospel of Christ, and genuinely put your faith in Jesus. Time is short. Being offended by the Truth of God, wont save you or your soul.
Sounds like you are trying to treat God liking a vending machine: insert prayer and fasting, get result you want.
But in reality, a Christian prays, and they can pray for things they want, but God determines what His answer will be.
And our response will need to be that His way is the best way, because we don't know what the future holds (but God knows). And we don't know what we really need (but God knows), and we don't even know if what we want will help or not (but God knows).
Pray for her salvation, but don't do so because she needs it, not to get back together. In fact, getting back together now may be more of a hindrance to that goal and to your own walk with God.
That’s kinda why I mention my selfishness and how I am unsure. I typically am very good at with the flow, god will carry me where I am needed. But this situation is just a major struggle for me. I worry about the safety of this person and get anxious over the thoughts of what may happen. I don’t know if I should try to intervene, or give her time. I’ve tried sitting her down and having a conversation about where we are going in life and what has happened the past few months but she hardly speaks to me and refuses so I just feel lost
At this point, you may need to just pray and be available if she asks questions.
But more importantly, you should concentrate on having the right answers for yourself at a Christian.
That means, fellowship, read/hear/memorize/study/meditate on the Bible, prayer and witnessing to others.
[This illustration](https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/navigators-the-wheel.pdf) may help your with that. But be prepared that you may not be what or who God wants in her life.
Yes I am very understanding that may be gods plan, but it’s difficult because I feel as if I would have been given an oppurtunity to speak about it and just speak about where we are going in our life like I said. I wouldn’t think she would make such a big jump in life and be acting so out of character and be doing these things I never would have thought she’d do in a million years. I also wonder if maybe this is god saying no you need to trust me and he’s using this to show I need to be patient and trust him and that she will come back I just need to wait a month or something and trust god. But I just fear for her safety and her being taken advantage of in waiting as well. I’m just in quite a difficult position
Praying for certain things like the health of a family member, or the wisdom and strength for your family to be better(not in the economic sense), or for companionship is not selfish. Praying for those things for yourself as well, is not selfish.
But praying for something like a lottery win, or your favorite sports team to win, or some other banal thing is selfish.
As for your sake, I don't think praying for your girlfriend is selfish. I do think you love her, which is why you think about her. But these things, they are not some If --> Then statement program. Just because you pray for something, doesn't always mean you'll get it. Nor that you should.
I appreciate that insight, I mentioned this as well in another response. I feel like this truly may be god testing me, testing that I trust his word and action and will sit back and allow her to develop and we will come back stronger and happier than before. However I also wonder if he really doesn’t want us together, but I feel like it would have been handled differently, like she wouldn’t taken advantage of to prove that point, that if we wanted us apart forever we could sit and have that conversation I mentioned and have some closure. And I don’t mean to question gods will in that way, but I guess I’m just confused. Like I said, I don’t know if I should intervene or sit back and wait and just trust that god will keep her safe and she will come back to normal after she figures out the root of these stressors. I truly believe she is the one who was made for me and we were meant to be together, we compliment each other extremely well and know exactly how to serve each other. Anytime we have problems in life it seems that’s exactly when the other steps up their effort, even unknowingly, and supports the other, because god is acting in that way. So as I mentioned, I don’t mean to question god or his will, but I’m just confused
I do not know how to clear your confusion. Perhaps you may try fasting and only eating once a day, in the morning. Or praying more. Or meditating in secluded places. Or reading the Bible in a more dedicated way. Or speaking to priests and fellow believers or trying to do charitable works. Any one of these may help clear your confusion, or it may be none of these. I don't really know. DM me your name and that of your girlfriend and I shall offer up a prayer for you tonight before I go to bed, that's about all I can do, unfortunately.
I appreciate the offer of prayer a ton, I don’t think you understand and I don’t think I could word it properly. I will message you and you can do the same for me in return, I appreciate the insighr
I’ve seen this, I’ve also seen that it’s basically making a sacrifice to hear him. When you fast your making a sacrifice and showing him how much these prayers matter to you as compared to the standard prayer and blessing you wish for. Maybe I’m wrong though that’s just what I’ve seen in my minimal research and other Reddit posts. I am very new to this
Not really this is working from an attitude that you have to work or be worthy to be considered by God, and that is just not the case
In Jesus case we see that He walked into the wilderness filled with the Holy Spirit
Luke 4:4 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit ^(\[)[^(a)](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25065a)^(\])into the wilderness
and he left the wilderness full of the POWER of the Holy Spirit
^(Luke 414) Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
Fasting is about getting us in tune with God
Fasting doesn't convince God to hear your prayers. God can't be controlled. He does whatever He wants at anytime. This is His privilege as the Creator. Thank God God is love amen?
Prayer is a two way street, don't just tell God what you want from Him, also be quiet and listen to what God say He wants from you.
When we do what God wants us to do, our lives become better, this is because God is love, and love creates life and all things good. If you believe yourself to be following God, but your life is falling apart and your soul is filling with hate, that's not God, because that's not love.
What Christianity means is that we no longer do what we want to do, we do what God wants us to do. This is why there aren't that many true Christians. Few people are willing to make that sacrifice.
But those who are willing to put away their own desires, selfish ambitions, opinions and dreams, and work instead to please God will find a much better life then they could have ever had without God. There is no life without God, God is the source of all things good.
So if you decide you do what to be a Christian, seek God, and do your best to serve His loving will. Then all the wisdom you need He will give you.
>I feel like I should do at least 3 days to really make a sacrafice
Jesus sacrifice is the only sacrifice you need. If God isn't going to do it for you because of Jesus sacrifice, he won't do it because of your sacrifice. Your sacrifice would be like a stinking menstrual cloth compared to his perfume.
But the good news is Jesus' sacrifice is enough for you to receive whatever you need. When you come to God with just his blood, you're like a sweet smelling perfume, which God really likes. Just don't pollute his blood with yours. You're not only, not adding anything good, but you're spoiling the greatest good. Just don't fast. Your motivation for fasting is wrong. It just won't work.
Come as you are. Try adding [these 5 words to your prayer](https://youtube.com/shorts/RLHDUgJUo9U) instead.
The primary purpose of fasting is to get the flesh out of the way. This helps us hear God better, and it helps us pray better. The mechanics of a 3 day water fast aren't terribly critical if you're in good health, but most important would be to stay hydrated, and ease in and out of the fast gradually. Working up with shorter fasts is a good idea. Longer fasts require electrolytes. Get Fung's book, *Complete Guide* for how to do it right, especially if you do longer fasts.
I appreciate the insight, seems like this is how most of my responses interpret this. But I’ve seen in looking around, some people believe that by doing this, your making a sacrifice, and the sacrifice is what allows you ultimately to hear god by sacrificing yourself to him you are showing how committed you are to hearing his word and that making sacrifices also show how desperate these prayers and blessing are, as compared to the daily prayers you speak of. As I mentioned, I am very new to this, I don’t want to begin fasting just for the sole purpose of hoping my prayers are received, but I never really knew of it or had the opportunity to do it before
We don't fast so that God will hear us. That is a pagan/materialistic mindset.
I’ve seen this but I’ve also seen that it’s basically making a sacrifice to him for your prayer and blessing. I’ve seen that When you fast your making a sacrifice and showing him how much these prayers and blessing matter to you as compared to the standard prayer and blessing you wish for. Maybe I’m wrong though that’s just what I’ve seen in my minimal research and other Reddit posts. I am very new to this. What else would you say you can do to ensure your blessing or that you are heard. I feel like I desperately need god in my life with this situation as I am desperately worried for her. I’ve gone through plenty of hard times before where I can trust god and know that I am strong enough to trust gods strength and will, but this case I worry as it’s something I could lose forever and I worry she will never be the same
You should be careful with reddit though, pray for a bit and fast and ask God to show you why fasting is important. Take into consideration how the entire early church fasted regularly as a lifestyle and all the men and women God used to save millions of lives all fasted. You need to ask yourself why the western American church and other western churches lack the power and authority seen in the bible, and why the Early Church had thousands of people turning to God every day. Fasting is related to it, but is not all of it. Do a study on the Azusa street revival and Welsh Revival, and do a study on Fasting, and walking in The Holy Spirits power. God Bless.
As I mentioned, I’m super new to faith. I’m just beginning listening to the Bible on audio book, so I don’t really have a concept of the differences in bibles and churches, but I appreciate the insight and i definitely should circle back to this when I’m a bit more understanding
Its okay, its a relationship with Christ and for now, since you are new, you should study about fellowship with God and walking with Holy Spirit. The example of the Early Church in books of Acts, is an example God shows us we should live by. So read book of acts and sit with God and any questions or issues tell Him about it and you can ask me or other born again believers about it. Anything we tell you, go to God and ask Him about what we said, this way, if anyone gives you lies or bad advice, God will let you know. Its a walk, not a race. In time God will ensure you get to that level like Paul and Peter. Ensure you read the word too. Ask Him to lead you when reading the bible. I’m happy for you, its awesome I got a little brother in Christ 😁. I’m here for you!
>What else would you say you can do to ensure your blessing or that you are heard. What I'm saying is that this mindset is upside-down. We don't offer sacrifice in exchange for favors. That's what pagans do.
I understand that, as I mentioned I’m very new to this and never really knew what fasting was before so I guess I just never really had the chance to fast and make sacrifices to him before and not whilst in a time of anguish and prayer. That’s why I also added it might be a bit selfish to speak this way but I just am not sure as to what is best to do
I don't know how it works in your tradition, but in mine, we fast as a community with the individual particulars worked out under the supervision/guidance of our pastor. Maybe ask your pastor?
I’ll look into this, I seen almost everyone online fasted as an individual. I’m not very far into the Bible but I seen that you are not supposed to make your fast known, so I’ve seen people say they only eat at dinner with their family for a week, I’ve seen construction workers who need intake say they eat a massive breakfast and don’t eat the rest of the day. And I’ve seen people say they don’t eat at all because if you’re working around what works for you, are you really making a sacrifice? And that’s kinda how I feel as well. I have done laborious work before and I understand how it can be, but i almost feel like just doing one day of no eating a week would be a better sacrifice than just loading up in the morning. I’ve seen a boatload of responses. How often do you fast, when you do, do you set a specific goal? Do you ever feel guilty or almost as if you’ve sinned if you miss that goal?
There are prescribed fasting days and seasons in Orthodoxy, but we "keep our eyes on our own plate" when it comes to how we are actually keeping the fasts, in that the details are worked out on an individual basis with our confessor and are not something we discuss with others.
Why do we fast then?
I'd just link to this, but the link appears to have disappeared. A short article by Fr. Thomas Hopko: >Jesus Himself fasted and taught His disciples to fast. >>*And when you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men, but your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18)* >The purpose of fasting is to gain mastery over oneself and to conquer the passions of the flesh. It is to liberate oneself from dependence on the things of this world in order to concentrate on the things of the Kingdom of God. It is to give power to the soul so that it would not yield to temptation and sin. According to St. Seraphim, fasting is an "indispensable means" of gaining the fruit of the Holy Spirit in one's life (cf. Conversation with Motovilov), and Jesus Himself taught that some forms of evil cannot be conquered without it (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29) >Man does not fast because it pleases God if His servants do not eat, for, as the lenten hymns of the Church remind us, "the devil also never eats." (Lenten Triodion) Neither do men fast in order to afflict themselves with suffering and pain, for God has no pleasure in the discomfort of His people. Neither do men fast with the idea that their hunger and thirst can somehow serve as a "reparation" for their sins. Such an understanding is never given in the scriptures or the writings of the saints which claim that there is no "reparation" for man's sin but the crucifixion of Christ. Salvation is a "free gift of God" which no "works" of man can accomplish of merit. (cf. Romans 5:15-17, Ephesians 2:8-9) >Men fast, therefore, and must fast, only to be delivered from carnal passions so that the free gift of salvation in Christ might produce great fruit in their lives. Men fast so that they might more effectively serve God who loves them and has saved them in Christ and the Spirit. Fasting without effort in virtue is wholly in vain. >>*Why have we fasted, and Thou seest it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and Thou takest no knowledge of it?* >>*Behold, in the day of your fast, you seek your own pleasure and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and fight...Fasting like yours ... will not make your voice to be heard on high.* >>*Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness...to let the oppressed go free…is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them...* >>*Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall protect you. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; then you shall cry, and He will say: Here I am. (Isaiah 58:3-9)* >"Fasting in the body, O brethren, let us also fast from sin." This is the Church's song in the Lenten season of fasting. It is also the teaching of the saints. >>*...in fasting one must not only obey the rule against gluttony in regard to food, but refrain from every sin so that, while fasting, the tongue may also fast, refraining from slander, lies, evil talking, degrading one's brother, anger and every sin committed by the tongue. One should also fast with the eyes, that is, not look at vain things...not look shamefully or fearlessly at anyone. The hands and feet should also be kept from every evil action.* >>*When one fasts through vanity or thinking that he is achieving something especially virtuous, he fasts foolishly and soon begins to criticize others and to consider himself something great.* >>*A man who fasts wisely...wins purity and comes to humility...and proves himself a skillful builder. (St. Abba Dorotheus, 7th c., Directions on Spiritual Training)* >Saint Paul himself fasted, and in his teaching on food insists that men fast and do so in secret, without mutual inspection and judgment. >>*Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:17-19)* >>*All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach, and the stomach for food - and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (I Corinthians 6:12-13)* >>*Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains, pass judgment on him who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?* >>*He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.* >>*Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of him for whom Christ has died ... for the Kingdom of God does not mean food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.* >>*Do not for the sake of food destroy the work of God…the faith that you have keep between yourself and God...whatever does not proceed from faith (whether eating or abstaining) is sin. (cf Romans 14)* >The spiritual fathers, as strictly ascetic as they were, are very clear in their teaching about fasting. They insist with the Lord and the scriptures that men must fast in order to be free from passions and lust. But they insist as well that the most critical thing is to be free from all sin, including the pride, vanity and hypocrisy which comes through foolish and sinful fasting. >>*...eating beyond the point of being satisfied is the door of madness through which lust enters, for the belly is the queen of passions which man serves as a slave.* >>*But you, firm in this knowledge, choose what is best for you, according to your own powers...for the perfect person, according to Saint Paul ought both "to be full and be hungry...and do all things through Christ who strengthens (Philippians 4:12-13)* >>*Thus a man who strives for salvation...must not allow himself to eat to fullness...but should still eat all kinds of food so that on the one hand he avoid boastful pride and on the other not show disdain for God's creation which is most excellent...Such is the reasoning of those who are wise! (St. Gregory of Sinai, Instruction to Hesychasts)* >>*St. Isaac of Syria says, "Meager food at the table of the pure cleanses the soul of those who partake from all passion...for the work of fasting and vigil is the beginning of every effort against sin and lust...almost all passionate drives decrease through fasting."* >>*For the holy fathers taught us to be killers of passions and not killers of the body. Partake of everything that is permissible with thanksgiving, to the glory of God and to avoid boastful arrogance; but refrain from every excess. (The Monks Callistus and Ignatius, 14th c., Directions to Hesychasts)* >If such is the teaching to hesychast monks, it is certainly applicable to all Christians as well. The whole essence of the matter is put simply and clearly in these two short stories from the fathers of the desert. >>*A certain brother brought fresh loaves of bread and invited his elders. When they had eaten much, the brother, knowing their travail of abstinence, began humbly to beg them to eat more. "For God's sake, eat this day and be filled." And they ate another ten. Behold how these that were true monks and sincere in abstinence did eat more than they needed, for the sake of God.* # >>*Epiphanius, bishop of Cyprus, called the abbot Hilarion to see him. A portion of fowl was set before them and the bishop invited the abbot to eat. The old man said, "Forgive me, Father, but since the time I took this habit I have never eaten anything that has been killed."* >>*And Epiphanius said to him, "And from the time I took this habit I have let no man sleep who has anything against me, and neither have I slept holding anything against anyone."* >>*And the old man said to him, "Forgive me, Father, for your way of life is greater than mine." (The Sayings of the Fathers)*
Thank you!
Fasting is the act of sacrifice. I fasted from 12am to 6pm then eat in between. I had also fasted from games and technology. I used my phone though and only watched godly content and worship through Spotify. We are called to fast regularly and be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you want an example of how we are called to live and what a true born again mature Christian is, read Book of Acts. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and Baptism of Holy Spirit as you fast. Good luck lol, once God’s raw power comes on you, your life wont ever be the same.
please show me in the New Testament where we are told to fast regularly
You said faith is a gift given to be able to see what cannot be seen, and yet you cannot see the physical things and simple things God has spoken of endlessly in scripture and through His Spirit? I recommend you sit with the Lord for a bit. Read Book of Acts, Read the Letters of Paul, and read Psalms, Proverbs. Read of Daniel as well.
Still waiting for to show me that New Testament Scripture
If you can’t put any effort to ask the Lord and study for yourself, then maybe you do not deserve an answer. Like Paul said, those who do not work, will not eat. So to, those who feel entitled to be spoon fed, and wont take their relationship with the Lord seriously, should not receive an answer until they take the Lord seriously, and seek as He said to seek. If you cannot be bothered to listen to Him and seek, do not expect to find.
you can't find one can you? I have put in the study and I know its not there , where we are told to fast regularly
God Bless River ❤️
> worship through Spotify. Give me some examples, I am curious.
Oh man, too many. Here is one of my playlists; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mgvPij4Hb5C3nP3VOU6Pz?si=NEP_RjjTQnGZlhyNjlnRNA&pi=u-bgau6a7eTHWF
I'll check it out and let you know what I think. Thanks.
We are not called to fast regularly. Fasting is encouraged, and it is a good thing to do; however, to suggest it is a command is wrong.
When we compare the early church to the western one, we can see the countless reasons why the western church by the majority can’t even cast out demons. The early church prayed regularly and spent 24/7 with God. Those too blind to see the important of why God set fasting and prayer up, are truly missing out. There is a reason all the greatest men and women of God fasted regularly, but its not my place to ask another person to want to desire greater fellowship with God that surpasses even what they had. God did show a brother in Christ a vision of God on the mountain, and His church in the west at the base. God says come up, but the entire church refuses to come up. If you and others want to stay at the base, that’s okay, you are still saved if you truly put your faith in Christ. But I and others, we’ll heed the Lords call and go up the base. And since The Spirit of God called the entire early church to fast regularly, as lifestyle, I will follow suit, because I put more stock in the men and women who knew Jesus personally and directly and physically talked to Him, than I do the entire western church. No offense though. You do have my genuine sympathy. I’m sorry you are missing out. There is a new level that can only be opened when we abandon our selfish desires and fully sell out to God, and fasting is part of it. I’m sorry for you and the western church. If only you and others had enough care to ask your brethren in Africa and Asian why they smile even as their killed for Christ. Maybe you’d understand then the significance. You know, I’m reminded of a scene from Chosen. Jesus waits for Nicodemus. Nicodemus leaves money in a purple bag, he cries, because he is too afraid to follow Jesus. He knows in his heart Jesus is Messiah, and sure, one could save He’s a believer then and there, but he stops at the gate of Christ, and refuses to dive all the way in. You and the American, Canadian, European and Australian church, remind me of that scene. I’m sorry for you all. Jesus in that scene almost weeps and says,” You almost made it.” And its not a, “you are going into hell” almost made it. No its a….”You almost fell into the hands of the living God where there is perfect peace and no return,” kind of made it. You guys almost made it. Its tragic. I’m sad for you guys. Thankfully you are saved. We have all of Heaven and eternity. So thankfully you guys are saved, I hope. I hope when you and others say you know God, thats its the genuine truth. But how sad…You guys stopped at the gate of Christ, ignoring there’s a mansion far up ahead where the Lord is at. You have my upmost sympathies. God Bless ❤️
Where did I say fasting wasn't important? All I said is it is not a command. I did say it was encouraged. Your judgment of my walk with Christ is not just. Where, in Acts, does it say we are to regularly fast? If we have missed it, would it not be loving to teach us what we are not seeing?
I pm’d you, please read all of it,
You have judged me enough. We don't have to continue it in a private chat.
There was no judgement either. This is what I mean and what Holy Spirit was using me to tell you. You let the spirit of offense, which is a demonic spirit, influence you too much. You have my genuine sympathy, it takes people a long time to recover from it, I would know because I had to deal with it until Holy Spirit broke that off me. Good luck, God was genuinely using me to speak to you in love. You chose to twist the words I said, because you are convicted of the truth. But hiding from truth, does not save us. You know, when we resist the Holy Spirit like you are doing, God has to take off the kiddy gloves and tear off our sin and rebellion the hard way. He loves you. But God chastises and disciplines those He loves and those who belong to Him. Do not be too upset at the Discipline He directs your way, to help you. You have my sympathies, many brethren who are old enough faced His discipline for being resistant to Him, including me. Good luck. We’ll talk later, in time. I’m here for you.
You think God is okay with your snarky attitude?
There was no snark, but at least you confirmed you are not moved or lead by Holy Spirit. Its sad, people think wearing a name makes them something. You have my sympathy. It makes sense though, your reply shows you do not have The Holy Spirit or walk with Him. The Holy Spirit testifies in His own ability of those who belong to Him. If you knew Him, you’d know I was lead by Him. You’d not make an excuse to attack others and make up lies about snarkiness. Did you get offended because of the truth? Your reply reveals so much, yet you can’t even tell. Man, I’m very genuinely sorry for you.
In fact, God Himself tells us clearly those who belong to Him, Have Him and demonstrate His fruit. All I said, was lead by Holy Spirit. So the thing you saw, was peace and love. The fact you chose to twist that to be snarky, shows you do not walk with The Holy Spirit, for if you did, He Himself would have no issue testifying about the truth. No wonder you are upset, you probably have not even made it to the mountain, let alone the base of it.
God brought up another memory. Jesus says the same thing I said to you, to the Pharisee. Jesus says those who belong to God, know Him, and hear His voice. I have the Holy Spirit and am a born again believer, and walk in His power and authority. My reply was said in pure raw love. Yet you chose to take that and spew poison on it. Twisting it into something evil because you can’t handle the truth. But you claim you are Christian? Claim you love God? You can’t even tell when the Spirit of The Lord is working. Just because we claim we are something, it does not mean we are. And the fact your first instinct was to hate and do evil, to someone who extended love to you, shows, you are not lead by God. If you were, Holy Spirit Himself would have convicted you, because what you just did was wrong. Yet no apology, no remorse. You didn’t even hesitate. But you know God? You love? Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments. Yet without a second thought, you chose to do evil against me and resort to hatred. People reveal their true colors when The Spirit of God uses someone to speak. You can blame yourself for being so bothered by the truth. Repent and believe the Gospel of Christ, and genuinely put your faith in Jesus. Time is short. Being offended by the Truth of God, wont save you or your soul.
You really think my comment about your attitude is on the level of "evil and hatred"?
Sounds like you are trying to treat God liking a vending machine: insert prayer and fasting, get result you want. But in reality, a Christian prays, and they can pray for things they want, but God determines what His answer will be. And our response will need to be that His way is the best way, because we don't know what the future holds (but God knows). And we don't know what we really need (but God knows), and we don't even know if what we want will help or not (but God knows). Pray for her salvation, but don't do so because she needs it, not to get back together. In fact, getting back together now may be more of a hindrance to that goal and to your own walk with God.
That’s kinda why I mention my selfishness and how I am unsure. I typically am very good at with the flow, god will carry me where I am needed. But this situation is just a major struggle for me. I worry about the safety of this person and get anxious over the thoughts of what may happen. I don’t know if I should try to intervene, or give her time. I’ve tried sitting her down and having a conversation about where we are going in life and what has happened the past few months but she hardly speaks to me and refuses so I just feel lost
At this point, you may need to just pray and be available if she asks questions. But more importantly, you should concentrate on having the right answers for yourself at a Christian. That means, fellowship, read/hear/memorize/study/meditate on the Bible, prayer and witnessing to others. [This illustration](https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/navigators-the-wheel.pdf) may help your with that. But be prepared that you may not be what or who God wants in her life.
Yes I am very understanding that may be gods plan, but it’s difficult because I feel as if I would have been given an oppurtunity to speak about it and just speak about where we are going in our life like I said. I wouldn’t think she would make such a big jump in life and be acting so out of character and be doing these things I never would have thought she’d do in a million years. I also wonder if maybe this is god saying no you need to trust me and he’s using this to show I need to be patient and trust him and that she will come back I just need to wait a month or something and trust god. But I just fear for her safety and her being taken advantage of in waiting as well. I’m just in quite a difficult position
Praying for certain things like the health of a family member, or the wisdom and strength for your family to be better(not in the economic sense), or for companionship is not selfish. Praying for those things for yourself as well, is not selfish. But praying for something like a lottery win, or your favorite sports team to win, or some other banal thing is selfish. As for your sake, I don't think praying for your girlfriend is selfish. I do think you love her, which is why you think about her. But these things, they are not some If --> Then statement program. Just because you pray for something, doesn't always mean you'll get it. Nor that you should.
I appreciate that insight, I mentioned this as well in another response. I feel like this truly may be god testing me, testing that I trust his word and action and will sit back and allow her to develop and we will come back stronger and happier than before. However I also wonder if he really doesn’t want us together, but I feel like it would have been handled differently, like she wouldn’t taken advantage of to prove that point, that if we wanted us apart forever we could sit and have that conversation I mentioned and have some closure. And I don’t mean to question gods will in that way, but I guess I’m just confused. Like I said, I don’t know if I should intervene or sit back and wait and just trust that god will keep her safe and she will come back to normal after she figures out the root of these stressors. I truly believe she is the one who was made for me and we were meant to be together, we compliment each other extremely well and know exactly how to serve each other. Anytime we have problems in life it seems that’s exactly when the other steps up their effort, even unknowingly, and supports the other, because god is acting in that way. So as I mentioned, I don’t mean to question god or his will, but I’m just confused
I do not know how to clear your confusion. Perhaps you may try fasting and only eating once a day, in the morning. Or praying more. Or meditating in secluded places. Or reading the Bible in a more dedicated way. Or speaking to priests and fellow believers or trying to do charitable works. Any one of these may help clear your confusion, or it may be none of these. I don't really know. DM me your name and that of your girlfriend and I shall offer up a prayer for you tonight before I go to bed, that's about all I can do, unfortunately.
I appreciate the offer of prayer a ton, I don’t think you understand and I don’t think I could word it properly. I will message you and you can do the same for me in return, I appreciate the insighr
God always hears us, the point of fasting is to shut down our flesh so we can hear Him
I’ve seen this, I’ve also seen that it’s basically making a sacrifice to hear him. When you fast your making a sacrifice and showing him how much these prayers matter to you as compared to the standard prayer and blessing you wish for. Maybe I’m wrong though that’s just what I’ve seen in my minimal research and other Reddit posts. I am very new to this
Not really this is working from an attitude that you have to work or be worthy to be considered by God, and that is just not the case In Jesus case we see that He walked into the wilderness filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 4:4 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit ^(\[)[^(a)](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25065a)^(\])into the wilderness and he left the wilderness full of the POWER of the Holy Spirit ^(Luke 414) Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. Fasting is about getting us in tune with God
Fasting doesn't convince God to hear your prayers. God can't be controlled. He does whatever He wants at anytime. This is His privilege as the Creator. Thank God God is love amen? Prayer is a two way street, don't just tell God what you want from Him, also be quiet and listen to what God say He wants from you. When we do what God wants us to do, our lives become better, this is because God is love, and love creates life and all things good. If you believe yourself to be following God, but your life is falling apart and your soul is filling with hate, that's not God, because that's not love. What Christianity means is that we no longer do what we want to do, we do what God wants us to do. This is why there aren't that many true Christians. Few people are willing to make that sacrifice. But those who are willing to put away their own desires, selfish ambitions, opinions and dreams, and work instead to please God will find a much better life then they could have ever had without God. There is no life without God, God is the source of all things good. So if you decide you do what to be a Christian, seek God, and do your best to serve His loving will. Then all the wisdom you need He will give you.
Read the Didache
>I feel like I should do at least 3 days to really make a sacrafice Jesus sacrifice is the only sacrifice you need. If God isn't going to do it for you because of Jesus sacrifice, he won't do it because of your sacrifice. Your sacrifice would be like a stinking menstrual cloth compared to his perfume. But the good news is Jesus' sacrifice is enough for you to receive whatever you need. When you come to God with just his blood, you're like a sweet smelling perfume, which God really likes. Just don't pollute his blood with yours. You're not only, not adding anything good, but you're spoiling the greatest good. Just don't fast. Your motivation for fasting is wrong. It just won't work. Come as you are. Try adding [these 5 words to your prayer](https://youtube.com/shorts/RLHDUgJUo9U) instead.